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Analyst Predicts Arch Manning, Texas Will Take Unexpected Approach Against Ohio State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated May 16, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The attention Arch Manning receives, whether he wants it or not, is a blessing and a curse. How the meter leans after he and the Texas Longhorns clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes to start the season depends on multiple factors.

On3's J.D. PicKell doesn't envision Steve Sarkisian pushing his new starting quarterback onto the Ohio Stadium field and telling him to let loose.

"A lot of the narrative with Arch Manning will be tied to how Steve Sarkisian decides to call the offense," PicKell said Thursday on "The Hard Count with J.D. PicKell." "Because I would not be surprised even a little bit if we trot out there for Week 1 if we're Texas, and this game plan is semi-conservative.

"'Hey, we're gonna try and hold the ball. We're gonna try and run the ball. We're gonna test this front seven of Ohio State. We're gonna try to take a lot off Arch's plate.'"

PicKell predicted Manning could finish with passing numbers similar to the ones USC's Matt Barkley had on the road in Columbus in 2009. During an 18-15 win, Barkley went 15 for 31 for 195 yards and an interception.

Such a performance would likely prompt early overreactions.

"The narrative around Arch Manning, because of his last name, because of the brand that is Texas football, will be all over the place," PicKell said. "From September to October, it is going to be, 'Is Arch Manning the best Manning in his family?' To, 'Should Texas go in another direction without Arch Manning as their starting quarterback?'

"'Is the spotlight too bright for Arch?' Like, you're going to hear all of that and in between. 'Is Arch just getting credit because of his last name?' You're gonna hear all of that."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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