AUSTIN - Arch Manning does not like revisiting the tape from last year's trip to Columbus. Six days before No. 5 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State, the Longhorns quarterback made that clear Monday while looking ahead to a rematch with College GameDay in town and a night kickoff on ABC.
"It's a rough film to watch," Manning said, according to the Dallas Sports Journal and ESPN. "I don't like watching it that much."
Saturday brings the same opponent under different circumstances: home at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, a year of starting experience behind him, and a Buckeyes defense that still shapes the week. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
Columbus still on the film
Ohio State won 14-7 at Ohio Stadium in 2025. Manning finished 17-of-30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his first career road start and first start against a ranked opponent. Through three quarters he was 9-of-15 for 38 yards with the interception, and the Buckeyes led 14-0 with 13:08 left.
He completed 8 of his next 15 throws for 132 yards and a 32-yard touchdown to Parker Livingstone, then drove Texas to its own 15 with 2:26 remaining. A fourth-down completion to Jack Endries came up two yards short with 1:27 left. That defeat was the first of three losses that kept Texas out of the College Football Playoff.
"Not a lot of good memories a year ago," Manning said. "Hoping to have a good game this year."
Steve Sarkisian has pushed back against the idea that Texas simply folded. The Longhorns ran 37 times for 166 yards (4.5 yards per carry). The head coach said the team was physical and prepared, with the passing game lagging for the first two and a half to three quarters.
"I think people think we just went out there and laid an egg and had minus-10 yards rushing or something," Sarkisian said, per the Dallas Sports Journal. "We ran the ball pretty well. I felt like the passing game was not where it needed to be the first two and a half, three quarters or so in that game.
Then when you get behind, you've got to start throwing the ball."
Second chance at home
Manning framed the rematch as rare and welcome.
"It's not all the time you get a second chance to play another team after a rough loss," he said. "So we're all excited for the opportunity. I think we've all grown mentally and physically."
