As the Texas football team faces the Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening game of the season, there is no doubt an immense amount of expectations for the contest between the top-three teams. One aspect of the game people have been locking their predictions on is regarding Texas football star Arch Manning and how he will play as the starting quarterback, with a former player giving his thoughts.

Desmond Howard on ESPN's College GameDay would highlight Manning and say how Saturday afternoon's contest is crucial since this will be his first game with “the keys to the car.” Before, Manning had been the backup quarterback, like last season, to Quinn Ewers, who is now with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

“I'll bring it back to this game and talk about Texas quarterback Arch Manning,” Howard said. “Now, last year, last couple of years, he was a backup. He would come in and just play well, then he would go out of the game, no expectations whatsoever. Now he has the keys to the car. People start to look at you differently when you're the leader.”

There's no denying the amount of hype that Manning has as besides the family name, he was a highly regarded player coming out of high school, and leads a team that is currently ranked No. 1 in the country in the Longhorns.

Texas football's Arch Manning needs to prove it on the road

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

While some in the sports world believe the Texas football star in Manning is special, as said by Vince Young, Saturday's game against the Buckeyes could be a statement performance from the quarterback to prove it. Though his composure on the field is important, it is amplified as this game won't be on their home field, rather on the Buckeyes', which is no doubt a rowdy place to play in.

“You're the quarterback, the players, the coaches, and everyone else; how he handles that, how he responds to that, is going to be very important to how successful he's going to be,” Howard said. “He's never completed a pass on the road before, and now he's coming to this hostile environment; the expectations are through the roof.”

Despite being ranked the best football program in the nation, Manning and the Longhorns are taking on an Ohio State team that is coming off a national championship victory. The hype is through the roof for Manning as the game will take place at noon on Saturday.

More NCAA Football News
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads warm ups prior to the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025.
Texas football’s Steve Sarkisian gives ‘credit’ to Ohio State after defensive battleZachary Weinberger ·
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian watches his team against Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Aug 30, 2025.
Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling gets blasted by former USC playerLorenzo J Reyna ·
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian before the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Texas football HC Steve Sarkisian’s urgent message after loss to Ohio StateJaren Kawada ·
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) on the field for warm ups before the Ohio State and Texas game at Ohio Stadium
Arch Manning throws clutch touchdown late vs. Ohio State, but Texas falls shortAlex House ·
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) makes a catch against Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State football’s X account goes wild after narrowly defeating TexasJordan Llanes ·
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) makes a catch against Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State football’s incredible touchdown vs. Texas has fans buzzingJosh Davis ·