The Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns are set to open the college football season on Aug. 30 in a highly anticipated matchup. Ohio State is coming off a national championship win in 2024, while Texas enters the season as the preseason No. 1 team, with Arch Manning stepping into the starting quarterback position.
At a media session this week, Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia addressed questions about facing Manning, who is making his first career Week 1 start on the road at Ohio Stadium.
“Yeah, I’m worried about what his uncles are telling him right now—that’s probably the biggest thing,” Patricia joked, referencing Eli and Peyton Manning. “I got a chance to actually see Arch last summer. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s really athletic. He’s got a very live arm, he can push the ball down the field. He’s a really good player. This is a huge challenge for us, but it’ll be good. It’ll be fun in the ‘Shoe. I’m excited to have our fans out there yelling and screaming, see how he handles all of the pressure of that too. (…) I’m sure his uncles, his dad, and his grandfather have pretty much groomed him as a quarterback his entire life. He’s a great kid, he’s a tremendous young man, but that’ll be a big challenge for us. Should be fun.” This full statement was provided by Matt Patricia.
Patricia brings significant experience to this task, having previously coached against both Eli and Peyton Manning during his tenure as defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the National Football League.
Interest around Arch Manning remains high despite limited playing time last season as Quinn Ewers’ backup. He is already being discussed as a potential Heisman Trophy contender and is considered one reason why Texas tops this year’s preseason rankings.
Manning will face an immediate test when leading Texas into Columbus for their opening game—a contest that could also preview another meeting if both teams advance in this year’s College Football Playoff.
