Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian calls out Arch Manning for sidearm throw

By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 1:51 PM ET

Hyped prospect Arch Manning had an underwhelming day on Saturday as his No. 1 Texas Longhorns fell to No. 3 Ohio State to open the 2025 season. One play in particular that Manning would like to have back seems to encapsulate the issues that plagued the quarterback on Saturday.

With 1:38 remaining in the fourth quarter, Texas quarterback Arch Manning made a confounding throw on 3rd-and-five when he made a spread eagle, flat-footed sidearm throw to wide receiver Ryan Wingo.

The pass should have been a layup completion resulting in a first down. Instead, the pass was late and came in behind Wingo, who was unable to make the grab, setting up a fourth down. Texas was unable to convert the next play on fourth down, and Ohio State ran out the clock to earn a 14-7 win at Ohio Stadium.

Arch and Wingo can't connect on 3rd down pic.twitter.com/VKaQz7QNTQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

On Monday. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned the play as one of the mechanical issues Manning showed in the season opener when he met with the press. Sarkisan doesn't think that was his best delivery.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian on any fundamental issues with Arch Manning ... A couple times, they had crossing routes, and he didn't bring his feet to where he wanted to throw the ball, threw side arm, which isn't his delivery.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 1, 2025

Manning had a number of learning moments in his debut as a full-time starter against an elite Ohio State defense. He needs to use his legs to help keep plays alive and find open receivers.

Part of the reason for the poor footwork was that Manning had a hard time dealing with pressure and making his reads. He rushed his mechanics with defenders closing in.

Those are issues that take experience to master. Manning has three games to develop in those areas before the Longhorns play another ranked team in No. 15 Florida on Oct. 4.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

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