- NCAA. Ohio State shuts down Texas, advances to College Football Playoff National Championship game
- NCAA. The Arch Manning era begins in Texas: This is how the young QB dealt with tough Ohio State loss
The Texas Longhorns' narrow loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes has sparked a heated debate among college football fans, with many questioning whether star recruit Arch Manning could have changed the outcome. The 35-28 defeat has led to an outpouring of opinions online, splitting fans on the impact Manning's inclusion might have had on the game.
The conversation ignited after a tweet by @pritchardera suggested that Texas might have secured the win with Manning at quarterback, stating, "If Arch Manning started, we would've beaten Ohio State. No question." The bold claim quickly gained traction, drawing mixed reactions from the fanbase.
Related:
- CFP National Championship 2025: Date, start time, location and everything you need to know
- CFP National Championship Halftime Show 2025: Who is performing this year and all the details
- College Football Playoff winners list: check out every National Championship winner updated until today
- College Football Playoff 2024-25: matchups, schedule, dates and everything you need to know
- College Football Playoff 2024-25 dates, how to watch every game, kickoff times
A game-changing absence?
While some fans agreed, pointing to Manning's elite high school pedigree and the buzz surrounding his arrival at Texas, others defended current starter Quinn Ewers. @GameInjuryDoc countered the narrative, tweeting, "Manning is still untested at this level. Putting him in this high-pressure game wouldn't guarantee a win."
Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning, ed Texas as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent years. Despite his potential, head coach Steve Sarkisian opted to start Ewers this season, citing his experience and consistency in the team's system.
A divided fanbase
Critics of the decision to stick with Ewers argue that his performance lacked the spark needed to beat a powerhouse like Ohio State. However, ers emphasize that Ewers threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in the game, maintaining that the loss stemmed more from defensive shortcomings than quarterback play.
This debate underscores the immense pressure surrounding Manning's eventual debut. While fans are eager to see what he brings to the table, many caution against rushing his development in favor of short-term gains.
Looking ahead
As Texas prepares for the remainder of its season, the quarterback controversy is unlikely to fade. Manning's talent and potential loom large over the program, but the decision to introduce him will depend on the coaching staff's long-term vision.
With playoff hopes still alive, Texas fans are left wondering: could Arch Manning have been the difference-maker against Ohio State? Only time will tell if this hypothetical will fuel the narrative as Manning's era in Texas football begins to unfold.