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CFB Analyst Reveals He Didn’t Pick Texas to Make CFP Because of Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 7:17 PM ET

Texas quarterback Arch Manning had his 2025 debut on Saturday after all the offseason hype, but it did not go as planned for the young gunslinger.

No. 1 Texas suffered a 14-7 loss at the hands of No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus to open the season. Manning did not live up to expectations in the first game, ending his day with 170 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

On a recent episode of "Always College Football," Danny Kanell revealed he did not pick the Longhorns to make the College Football Playoff because of Manning.

Texas has been the CFP twice in the last two seasons under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

"So, I had Texas missing the playoffs because of Arch, and not because I don't think he's good, but because he's a first-year starter," Kanell said. "Like, this is kind of normal. Look at Garrett Nussmeier last season, who waited his time, was there for four years before he got the opportunity. He struggled in big moments on the road, specifically. So, I kind of expected that type of performance."

Texas made history after the loss, becoming the No. 1 preseason team since 1990 Miami to lose in its season opener. The Longhorns were also the first team of that nature to be held scoreless in the first half since 1988 Florida State.

Despite losing in the season opener, Sarkisian took an optimistic approach in the post-game presser. He assured the media that Texas would be fine in the long run and that it was a long season.

The Longhorns return to Austin in Week 2 after a frustrating Week 1 showing. No. 7 Texas takes on San Jose State on Saturday with a Noon ET kickoff on ABC. It will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2017.

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

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