As halftime approached in the college football playoff semi-finals, Texas was trailing the reigning national champion, Ohio State, by just a touchdown. Quinn Ewers, well, he wasn’t exactly having a standout game, but Texas fans were eager to see center No. 16, Arch Manning.
Fans had glimpsed Manning earlier in the season during a couple of starts against tough opponents, generating hope that he could guide the team to victory.
ESPN analyst Paul Feinbaum shared an experience from halftime at the Cotton Bowl, mentioning how he was approached by a crowd of young Texas fans clamoring to know if Ewers was still on the field. It was clear there was a real excitement surrounding Manning. Feinbaum noted, “Honestly, I think if Arch Manning had been in the game, things might have turned out differently.”
However, he didn’t get that chance. Fast forward to Saturday afternoon, and Manning, standing at 6-foot-4, was ready to start one of the most highly anticipated college football matchups in recent memory.
Preseason No. 1 Texas, led by 21-year-old Manning, was set to face off against third-ranked Ohio State in Columbus at noon on FOX. This game marks a significant moment for Manning, who comes from a football dynasty—grandson of Hall of Famer Archie and nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli. He had a stellar career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, breaking records for both career passing yards (8,599) and touchdowns (115), overtaking marks previously held by his uncles. After observing for two years at Texas, he is now stepping into the spotlight.
The hype surrounding him is massive, especially for someone with relatively limited experience. There’s already talk about his potential as the No. 1 pick in next April’s draft, and he’s seen as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy—a title his famous uncle never secured.
Manning carries the weight of expectations, especially since Texas has never been ranked No. 1 in the preseason before. The burden of greatness and championship hopes are heavy.
He commented on the pressures, saying, “I really don’t know where these opinions come from. What have I done to earn that?” He understood the hype but recognized he had to prove himself on the field.
His debut is going to be quite a stage.
Now, let’s also look at a few other notable games happening in this loaded opening weekend.
Alabama vs. Florida: 3:30 PM
This could be a challenging matchup for the Crimson Tide and coach Karen DeBoer. With a new and inexperienced junior quarterback Tai Simpson stepping up, Alabama will also miss star defensive tackle Tim Keenan III due to an ankle injury. If Florida State’s new dual-threat quarterback, Tommy Castellanos, performs well, the game could remain close.
LSU vs. Clemson: 7:30 PM
In what promises to be an exciting clash between recent national champs, both teams will showcase some well-known quarterbacks, including Heisman contenders Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier. This matchup is particularly crucial for Clemson as LSU looks for more opportunities for significant victories in the competitive SEC.
Michigan vs. New Mexico: 7:30 PM
Michigan’s electric quarterback, Bryce Underwood, a highly touted recruit, is expected to shine as the first true freshman to start at Michigan since Tate Forcier back in 2009, making Underwood the youngest starting quarterback in the school’s history at just 18.
Notre Dame vs. Miami: 7:30 PM (Sunday)
Two top-10 teams kick off their seasons with fresh faces at quarterback. After a competitive summer, Notre Dame has opted for freshman CJ Carr, while Miami introduced Georgia transfer Carson Beck. Both programs have strong championship ambitions, especially backed by their standout players.
North Carolina vs. TCU: 8 PM (Monday)
This matchup promises to be captivating, marking the start of the Bilberictic era at Chapel Hill. At 73, coach Bill Belichick, known for his NFL success, moves to college football. North Carolina’s home games have already sold out, illustrating the fervor surrounding the season.
