Three Thoughts: Longhorns Lay Egg in Ugly Loss at Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Texas entered the season as the top-ranked team in the AP Poll for the first time in program history because of a strong defense and the hype surrounding new starting quarterback Arch Manning. The defense lived up to the billing in the 14-7 loss at Ohio State in Week 1. The ranking, like the hype around Manning, was short lived, however. 

Manning was 17-of-30 for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception as a passer in his 2025 debut. He added 38 yards on 10 carries. The stat sheet paints a brighter picture than he deserved, at least through three quarters. Manning was 9-of-15 for 38 yards and an interception entering the fourth quarter. His first completion of over 10 yards didn’t happen until his 17th attempt. Of his first 10 completions, five were caught by running back C.J. Baxter.