Texas QB Arch Manning 'Excited' For Revenge Game vs. Ohio State

Arch Manning was thrown into the fire (as if his last name hadn't done that for him already) when he played at Ohio State in his first game as the Texas Longhorns' new starting quarterback.

After a shaky performance and a narrow defeat, multiple questionable outings followed before Manning got his feet under him and finished the 2025 season showing the promise we were promised as he follows grandfather Archie and uncles Peyton and Eli.

In Week 2 of 2026, Manning has an opportunity for revenge against the Buckeyes.

"Not a lot of good memories a year ago," Manning recalls from Texas' 14-7 loss to fellow top-ranked and defending champion Ohio State.

This time around, the Longhorns are the hosts, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. CT from Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

"I'm excited for all of us," Manning continued during his media availability this week. "Hosting the No. 1 team in the country, at home, excited for our fans [and] excited for our program. It's gonna be a fun one."

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Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards in the opener last year in Columbus, adding an interception and touchdown.

Texas returns many of Manning's top weapons, especially speedy wideout Ryan Wingo and one of the most experienced offensive lines in the game. Coach Steve Sarkisian added even more through the transfer portal with star receiver Cam Coleman coming over from Auburn and a rushing duo Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown making up a remodeled unit in the backfield.

But this will still be Manning's game to lose. NFL scouts will be dialed in (and also watching Buckeye receiver Jeremiah Smith) to see whether the NFL legacy can have a statement game to solidify himself as a pillar of the sport.

"Hoping to have a good game this year," Manning coos calmly to reporters. He remains unflappable with the press as he appears in the huddle, a sign of wisdom out of a captain and quarterback.

The noise, still, has undoubtedly been a factor. For the first half of last season, it was impossible to ignore.

"I feel like I'm a year better," Manning said about where he gets his confidence. "Any time you go throughout a season, get reps, you gain experience. Then a whole offseason to get better and a game last week. I feel like I'm a year better."

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Manning said part of his personal maturity from this offseason has been reminding himself that he needs to be just that: himself.

"There's a lot of noise, and trying to be aware of everything and not let stuff get to my head and just continue to be me," he said last week.

There's no better time to take his advice than now, with the nation soon watching how he responds after a forgetful last game against the Buckeyes.

"This is why you come to a school like Texas, play in these big time games," Manning said. "Excited that it's at home against a good team, a good defense. We're excited.

"I'm gonna take it all in, but live in the moment right now."