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Paul Finebaum is 'extremely confident' Texas' Arch Manning will beat No. 1 Ohio State

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Paul Finebaum is 'extremely confident' Texas' Arch Manning will beat No. 1 Ohio State

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 11:19 PM ET

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One year removed from a 14-7 loss to Ohio State to begin his first full-time season as the starter, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has a chance to redeem himself and make a statement in prime time as the fourth-ranked Longhorns host the No. 1 Buckeyes on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

Despite the struggles he endured in that particular game, Manning still passed for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, in addition to 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

That said, he still has a lot to prove, especially after completing a horrendous 56.7% of his passes and struggling mightily against the Buckeyes last season. Despite that, ESPN's Paul Finebaum is not concerned with Manning and believes he will lead Texas to a win on Saturday night.

Arch Manning has a huge opportunity against Ohio State

"I have never been around a young quarterback who has ever handled himself better than Arch Manning," Finebaum said during an appearance on Thursday's edition of "First Take." "What he has to do is take that charisma off the field and use it on the field because last year in this spot, he was unprepared. I blame (head coach) Steve Sarkisian for that. He got rattled, he simply did not look comfortable at any point in that game. But at the end of the season, he looked like the quarterback we all thought he was going to be and I think he's going to do that."

"I'm extremely confident that Arch Manning is going to lead his team to victory."@finebaum isn't worried about Arch Manning and Texas vs. Ohio State pic.twitter.com/bMJ79KtoNG
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 10, 2026

Not only did Manning have just 38 passing yards through three quarters against Ohio State last season, but Texas was just 1-2 against Ohio State, Oklahoma and Georgia, three teams that each ranked 12th or better in scoring defense one season ago.

Manning started the 2026 season by completing an above-average 74.1% of his throws (20-of-27) for 305 yards, four TDs and one interception in a season-opening win over Texas State. Sure, Ohio State is a much stiffer opponent, but that was an impressive start regardless.

Not only does Manning have an elite defense around him led by edge-rusher Colin Simmons, but he also has wide receivers Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman at his disposal, plus the running back duo of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.

Perhaps even more advantageous for Manning, Ohio State lost three of its defensive weapons, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, in the first 11 picks of the draft, so there could be some potential areas for Manning to exploit to develop the confidence that was lacking last season.

While both Manning and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin have an opportunity to boost their draft stock in a top-five showdown, Manning has the benefit of being at home this time around and a full season in Sarkisian's system under his belt.

"He just has to block all the noise out, which I think he's very capable of doing at home," Finebaum said. "He has to execute. He has so many skill position players around him. He's got one of the best wide receivers on the team. Now, of course, Julian Sayin's got the same thing on the other side, but he can't just let the noise bother him. I don't think it will and that's why I'm extremely confident that Arch Manning is going to lead this team to a victory Saturday evening."

The stakes could not be any higher for a Week 2 game, which only magnifies the opportunity in front of Manning even more as he looks to avenge the loss to the Buckeyes last season and make an early-season statement.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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