Full Breakdown
Texas Looks to Avenge 2025 Loss as Arch Manning Seeks Redemption vs. Ohio State
By Drooid · · How we work
Rematch Preview: Texas vs. Ohio State
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns will host the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in Austin for a second-year showdown. The game follows a 14-7 defeat for Texas on the Buckeyes’ field last season, a loss that knocked the Longhorns out of playoff contention. Both programs enter the contest with national-title aspirations, and the outcome could shape the early trajectory of the 2026 season.
Background & Context
Last season’s opening meeting in Columbus marked Arch Manning’s first start as Texas’s full-time quarterback. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while the Longhorns managed only seven points. Ohio State’s victory contributed to Texas missing the College Football Playoff despite a strong finish. The Buckeyes have now won the last two meetings, including a CFP semifinal win after the 2024 season, and will be the first No. 1 team to play in Austin since 2022.
Data & Statistics
- Manning’s 2025 season: 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 7 interceptions; 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
- 2025 red-zone performance vs. Ohio State: Texas entered the red zone twice and scored zero points, while Ohio State amassed 203 total yards.
- Series record: Ohio State leads 3-2 overall and has won the last two contests.
- Home advantage: Texas is 21-1 in its last 22 games at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
- Recent Texas offense: In the season-opening win over Texas State, Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards, four touchdowns and one interception; the team totaled 516 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
He also highlighted the need for improved red-zone execution, stating the Longhorns must “be better in those scenarios” to convert scoring opportunities. Ohio State coach Ryan Day praised Manning’s development, calling him “a different player” from the previous year and crediting Texas’s coaching staff for the quarterback’s progress.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Feel like I’m a year better,” — Arch Manning
- “Not a lot of good memories a year ago,” — Arch Manning
- “It’s a rough film to watch,” — Arch Manning
- “It’s not all the time you get a second chance to play another team after a rough loss,” — Arch Manning
- “This is why you come to a school like Texas, playing these big-time games,” — Arch Manning
- “Ultimately, we need to be better in those scenarios,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
What’s Next
The rematch is slated for Saturday night, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC. ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast from the Texas campus earlier that morning. The result will influence both teams’ positioning for the College Football Playoff race and could serve as a defining moment for Arch Manning’s Heisman candidacy.
