Heisman hopeful Arch Manning struggles as Ohio State defense shines in win vs. top-ranked Texas
Heisman Trophy hopeful Arch Manning struggled as Ohio State's defense shines in win over top-ranked Texas on Saturday.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball as Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain (18) makes a tackle in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
(Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Julian Sayin had a 40-yard touchdown pass to Carnell Tate early in the fourth quarter, Ohio State’s defense got a couple key stops in the red zone and the third-ranked Buckeyes opened their season with a 14-7 victory over top-ranked Texas on Saturday.
It was the fourth time the AP’s No. 1 team in the preseason poll has met the previous season’s national champion in the opener. The defending champ has won the last three.
CJ Donaldson opened the scoring midway through the second quarter on a 1-yard run up the middle to cap a 13-play, 87-yard drive that took eight minutes off the clock. The Buckeyes benefitted from a pair of penalties, including a face mask call on Colin Simmons that wiped out an incomplete pass on third-and-4.
Sayin was 13 of 20 passing for 126 yards. His best pass of the day came with 13:08 remaining in the game, when Tate beat Texas cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau for the long score. Tate juggled the ball before pulling it down in the end zone to put the Buckeyes up by two touchdowns.
Arch Manning struggled throughout Saturday’s game as the Heisman hopeful completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Longhorns.
Texas was 1 of 5 on fourth down, including being stopped twice in the red zone. Texas finally got points with 3:28 remaining in the fourth quarter when Manning connected with Parker Livingstone on a 32-yard touchdown.
The Longhorns defense forced a three-and-out, giving Texas a chance to tie. The Longhorns were driving for a tying touchdown late in the game but Jack Endries was stopped by Caleb Downs one yard short of a first down to end hopes of a comeback.
The takeaway
Texas: The Longhorns had their 11-game winning streak in true road games snapped. The run included five victories against ranked opponents.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes should take over the top spot in the AP poll after Matt Patricia came up with a great game plan in his first game as the defensive coordinator.
Up next for Texas, Ohio State
Texas: Hosts San Jose State on Sept. 6.
Ohio State: Hosts Grambling State on Sept. 6.
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Comments
1 Comments
It was hard to tell if Manning has been over hyped or if the OSU defense was just that good. Probably a bit of both. Maybe opens the door a bit for Leavitt in the Heisman? Of course, Leavitt has to perform.....