Finebaum Pressures Arch Manning Ahead of Texas-Ohio State Showdown

College football analyst Paul Finebaum warned Texas quarterback Arch Manning that he must deliver a “monster game” when the Longhorns host top-ranked Ohio State. Finebaum said the outcome will reflect directly on head coach Steve Sarkisian, linking Manning’s performance to the coach’s job security. The warning was delivered on ESPN’s *Get Up* program ahead of the September 12 matchup in Austin.

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Last season’s opening loss to Ohio State—a 14-7 defeat in Columbus—still looms over Texas. That game marked Manning’s first start as the full-time quarterback and cost the Longhorns their preseason No. 1 ranking. Texas opened the current season with a 59-7 win over Texas State, showcasing new transfer weapons such as wide receiver Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers.

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Ohio State leads the series 3-2 and has won the last two meetings, including a College Football Playoff semifinal in January 2025. The September 12 contest will be the first game in Austin since 2006.

Paul Finebaum Puts Pressure On Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian Before Ohio State

• Season-opener performance: Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, leaving the game with Texas ahead 42-7.

Newsweek

• 2025 season totals: 3,163 passing yards (10th in Texas history), 26 passing touchdowns (sixth), seven interceptions, 399 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns.

Dan Orlovsky Says Arch Manning Looks Like Best QB In America

• Team record: Texas finished 10-3, missed the College Football Playoff, and placed 12th in the AP poll.

Dan Orlovsky Says Arch Manning Looks Like Best QB In America

Finebaum added that a subpar showing would “affect” Manning personally and could jeopardize Sarkisian’s tenure. Heather Dinich highlighted that the Longhorns’ rushing output against Texas State was modest and must improve against Ohio State’s stout defense. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky praised Manning’s mechanical development, describing his coordination as “synchronized” and calling him “the best quarterback in America” after reviewing film from the season opener.

Sportskeeda

Dinich’s assessment serves as the primary critique, stressing that Texas’ offensive line and ground game remain insufficient against elite competition. She warned that without upgrades in those areas, even Manning’s elevated play may not be enough to secure a victory over Ohio State.

Sports Illustrated

• “I hate to come down on Arch, but he has to have a monster game because that game last year still shadows him a little bit,” — Paul Finebaum

Newsweek

• “Arch, if he doesn’t shine, I think it’s going to affect him,” — Paul Finebaum

Paul Finebaum Puts Pressure On Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian Before Ohio State

• “I thought Arch was really good, but the offensive line and the running game have to be better for them to beat Ohio State,” — Heather Dinich

Paul Finebaum Puts Pressure On Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian Before Ohio State

• “Synchronized, and that's really the story of last year to this year, is he's in sync, upper body and lower body,” — Dan Orlovsky

Sportskeeda

The Longhorns will host Ohio State on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Central (7:30 p.m. Eastern) on ABC, with ESPN’s *College GameDay* broadcasting from the Texas campus that morning. The result will be a key early-season test for both Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian.

Sports Illustrated