Texas football is bringing Arch Manning, who may already own the most recognizable name in college sports, to Columbus for a season-opening game against Ohio State, the defending national champion.
Perhaps you’ve heard about it.
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One way or another, Manning’s performance against the Buckeyes on Saturday will make nationwide headlines. And most of the storylines in the buildup to the game revolve around him, too.
How will he gel with Texas’ crop of talented wide receivers, specifically Ryan Wingo? How will coach Steve Sarkisian change the way he calls plays, considering Manning’s big arm and ability to use his legs? How will his performance compare to that of Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, another former top quarterback recruit?
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
But what about the other items that could help decide the Longhorns’ season opener against the Buckeyes?
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Here are five under-the-radar factors that could determine whether Texas leaves Columbus with a win or a loss.
Can Texas football win a clash of two untested groups?
A principal offseason storyline for the Longhorns has centered on their attrition at the offensive line position. Replacing four starters, including three who were drafted by NFL teams, Texas vacated 68.7% of the total snaps played by offensive linemen on last year’s team. The most noteworthy loss from that bunch is left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who was selected in the first round by the New Orleans Saints.
Ohio State underwent a similar summer of transition on the unit that will match up against the Longhorns to open the new season. The Buckeyes ranked second in the country with 53 sacks last season, but 68.7% of those sacks moved on. JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer and Cody Simon, who combined for 28½ sacks as Ohio State’s top three pass rushers, all made jumps to the NFL.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads the Longhorns in “The Eyes of Texas” after the their 28-14 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.
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Both lines will be loaded with elite athletes. The group that acclimates most quickly to their newfound important roles could decide the outcome of the game.
MORE: Is Longhorns’ 2025 SEC slate easy? By-the-numbers comparison to OU, others
Can the Longhorns keep the penalties to a minimum?
In 2024, Texas began its road schedule by playing in front of 111,170 fans at Michigan Stadium. The Longhorns easily handled what turned out to be a substandard Michigan team, but they struggled to execute effectively before the snap. The offense committed five penalties at the line of scrimmage: three false starts, an illegal shift and a delay-of-game infraction.
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Opening its season in a stadium that holds roughly 103,000 fans, Texas faces a similar test. Sarkisian said Aug. 18 that he planned to use “much more” artificial crowd noise in the coming weeks to prepare his team for the Ohio State environment.
“I think back to last year at Michigan, we had a couple false starts early with Cam Williams, you know, one of his first starts on the road,” Sarkisian said. “So we’re going to be mindful of those things, and we’ll get a sense and a feel of how we do over the next two weeks.”
Will the depth options on the Texas football defensive line hold it down?
Defensive line coach Kenny Baker made it clear when speaking to reporters this summer: He’s going to rotate his unit aggressively.
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The Longhorns employed that strategy last season to great effect, effectively replacing a pair of NFL draft picks at defensive tackle without much measurable drop-off. Now, they’ve got the same challenge in front of them again.
“I don’t think you can play 60,70 snaps a game and do it in the elite level,” Baker said in late July. “If you get a guy, maybe your top guy, as long as he’s fresh in the third and fourth quarter. If you get him around 40 plays a game and you divvy up the rest of those snaps amongst a second or third group, I think you’re going to be that much better.”
MORE: 5 key position battles as No. 1 Longhorns prep for No. 3 Ohio State
As of this writing, the Longhorns had not publicly named starters for three positions along the defensive line, where they added five transfers this offseason. At that spot on the field, given Baker’s philosophy, the outcome of those position battles might not matter so much in the grand scheme.
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The quality of the reps the Longhorns get from the players who lose out on those starting jobs does matter, though, in a game between teams with such similar levels of talent.
Can Texas get its act together on special teams?
Let’s key in on Texas’ loss to Georgia in the SEC championship game last year.
In that contest, the Longhorns punted twice for 78 total yards, missed two field goals and gave up a first down on a fake punt in a game they lost in overtime. Kicker Bert Auburn drew much of the ire for a handful of crucial missed field goals down the stretch, and the Longhorns replaced him with Texas State transfer Mason Shipley.
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The Longhorns’ issues punting the ball received less scrutiny, but also contributed toward what amounted to a bad special teams performance in 2024. The duo of Michael Kern and Ian Ratliff combined to average 40.78 yards per punt, which ranked 103rd out of 134 FBS teams.
Texas addressed that issue, too, adding Utah transfer Jack Bouwmeester, who has received glowing reviews so far this offseason.
A failure to execute in the margins cost the Longhorns an SEC title a year ago. Special teams can swing this game one way or the other, too.
Can Arch Manning change the red-zone calculus for Texas against Ohio State?
The Buckeyes rode one of the best red-zone defenses in the country to the national title a season ago. They allowed the opposition to score on 60.5% of red-zone entries, and gave up touchdowns on only 42.1% of red-zone opportunities. Both ranked second in the country behind Penn State.
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The Longhorns converted on one of their two red-zone entries in last year’s Cotton Bowl, memorably turning the ball over after Ohio State stood the Texas offense up at the goal line late in the game.
Manning played one snap in that contest. As Sarkisian previously explained when deploying him as something of a red-zone specialist last year, a quarterback with Manning’s rushing capabilities changes the math in the red zone. A mobile quarterback gives the opposing team 11 players to defend, rather than 10.
Now, can Manning change the outcome against a new-look defense under first-year coordinator Matt Patricia?
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Reach Texas Insider David Eckert via email at david.eckert@statesman.com.