Arch Manning Says He's 'Got to Play Better' After Texas' Loss to Ohio State in Week 1

University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning addressed the media Saturday following a disappointing start to his tenure as the Longhorns' QB1.

Following the No. 1 Longhorns' 14-7 loss to the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Manning gave a blunt assessment of his performance, telling reporters: "Ultimately, not good enough. Obviously, you don't want to start off the season going 0-1. They're a good team, but I thought we beat ourselves a lot. That starts with me. I've got to play better for us to win."

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian chimed in, expressing his belief that Manning got better as the game went along, telling reporters: "He started really playing and we saw some flashes and glimpses of the guy he is. … There's a lot to hold onto on what the future is going to look like here for Arch Manning."

Sarkisian continued: "For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside. I'd say let's finish the book before we judge him. That's one chapter."

Taking over for Quinn Ewers as Texas' starting quarterback this season, Manning entered Week 1 as the betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy at +650 odds, per ESPN's Pamela Maldonado.

Expectations were through the roof despite Manning making only two starts over his first two collegiate seasons, but it quickly became apparent that he wouldn't be in for a cakewalk against the reigning national champions.

Entering halftime, Texas trailed 7-0, as the offense failed to find any type of consistent rhythm.

That continued into the second half, as the Longhorns were stopped on downs at Ohio State's goal line during the third quarter and remained scoreless until the latter stages of the fourth quarter.

With Texas trailing 14-0, Manning finally got the Longhorns on the board with just 3:28 left in the game, as he hit wide receiver Parker Livingstone for a 32-yard touchdown.

After the Texas defense forced a quick punt, Manning got the ball back with 2:26 left and a chance to tie or even win the game.

However, after throwing an incomplete pass behind a wide-open Ryan Wingo on third down, Manning was quickly pressured on fourth down and had to dump the ball down to tight end Jack Endries, who was stopped two yards short of the first down to essentially end the game.

Manning finished just 17-of-30 for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception to go along with 10 rushes for 38 yards.

The nephew of legendary NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning never looked comfortable in the pocket, as he was constantly under siege from Ohio State's ferocious pass-rush.

Manning did well to take only one sack, but there is little doubt that the pressure he faced impacted his throws throughout the game.

Ohio State led college football in scoring defense last season en route to winning a national title, and early indications are that the Buckeyes will have a dominant defensive unit again in 2025.

Facing the defending champs and their top-flight defense on the road in Week 1 is quite likely the toughest challenge Manning will face all year, which suggests there is reason to believe he will settle in and play more like the quarterback most expected him to be.

That starts next week with Texas' home opener against a San Jose State team that went 7-6 last season.