'Definitely' Arch Manning, Texas will beat Ohio State in Week 1: Finebaum

After two years as college football's most famous backup, Arch Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2023, is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. His first opportunity to lead the offense comes in a high-profile season opener against Ohio State on the road in 2025.

Despite bookmakers favoring Ohio State, longtime analyst Paul Finebaum strongly believes Texas will win. Finebaum expressed high confidence in Manning, stating, "I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback." He emphasized that Manning's experience as an understudy to Quinn Ewers and understanding of coach Steve Sarkisian's system, rather than just his famous last name, will be key factors in Texas "definitely beat[ing] Ohio State in the opener."

Both teams are experiencing significant roster changes. Manning will face an Ohio State defense that lost its top two edge rushers and coordinator but still features a skilled pass defense led by safety Caleb Downs. Ohio State is also debuting a new quarterback, likely Julian Sayin. Sayin will be tested by a strong Texas defense, projected to be among the nation's best, featuring players like Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill challenging Ohio State's rebuilt offensive line. These dynamics are expected to make for a very close game.

Manning, the consensus top quarterback and overall player in his recruiting class, patiently waited behind Ewers. He saw his first extended action in 2024 after Ewers was injured against UTSA on September 14th. In that game, Manning completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards with four touchdowns and rushed three times for 53 yards and another touchdown in a 56-7 win. The following week, starting against UL Monroe, Manning went 15 of 29 passing (51.7%) for 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, adding one rush for minus-4 yards in a 51-3 victory.