Texas' Sarkisian Talks 'Out of Control' Arch Manning Expectations After Loss to OSU

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian discussed quarterback Arch Manning performance following the top-ranked Longhorns' 14-7 loss to No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday.

"For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside," Sarkisian said, according to ESPN's Heather Dinich. "I'd say let's finish the book before we judge him. That's one chapter."

He was also encouraged by Manning's second-half production.

"He started really playing and we saw some flashes and glimpses of the guy he is," Sarkisian said, per Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

"There's a lot to hold onto on what the future is going to look like here for Arch Manning," he added.

Manning finished 17-of-30 for 170 yards and one touchdown to go along with one interception in the defeat.

He struggled to find any rhythm in the first half, as the Longhorns were held scoreless. Manning threw for a mere 26 yards before halftime.

The 21-year-old gradually looked more comfortable as the game continued and made an impressive throw to Parker Livingstone for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but couldn't find the end zone again for a potential game-tying score on Texas' next possession.

Despite the promising signs late in the fourth quarter, Manning ultimately didn't live up to the hype surrounding him heading into the contest.

Expectations were high for the signal-caller who was listed as the No. 1 prospect in the country as part of the 2023 recruiting class (via 247Sports' composite rankings).

Manning was also excellent when Texas asked him to fill in under center last season, completing 67.8 percent of his throws for 939 yards and nine touchdowns compared to just two interceptions.

He was projected to be off the board with the No. 1 overall pick in the latest 2026 mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

Even though Manning didn't step up against the defending national champions like many expected him to, Sarkisian still believed that he showed positive signs in his season debut.