College Football Week 1 Spotlight: Arch Manning Vs Ohio State

How to watch: Sat, 08/30, 12:00PM/EST – FOX

College football is officially back, and one of the premier matchups of Week 1 doubles as an early scouting opportunity for NFL fans. All eyes will be on Texas quarterback Arch Manning as he leads the Longhorns into Columbus to take on Ohio State. For a program with national championship aspirations, Texas faces one of the toughest openers in the country and Manning’s performance under the bright lights could go a long way in shaping his Heisman campaign and future draft stock.

Manning enters 2025 as perhaps the most famous name in college football, but he’s no longer just “the nephew of Peyton and Eli.” After sitting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning took the reins of the Texas offense last season and showed steady growth. He displayed poise in the pocket, above average arm talent, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. Scouts will want to see improved consistency, especially in his ball placement on deep throws and decision making under pressure. Week 1 against an NFL caliber Ohio State defense offers a perfect proving ground.

For Jets fans, this game matters because it provides a glimpse at one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. While it’s impossible to predict the Jets’ draft position this far out, quarterback will always remain under evaluation unless the team has a clear, long term answer. Manning has the traits NFL evaluators covet: size (6’4”, 215), pedigree, processing ability, and mobility. A strong junior season would cement him as a potential top 5 pick, and New York could be one of the teams keeping close tabs.

The challenge Manning faces Saturday is immense. Ohio State boasts one of the deepest defensive fronts in the country, led by future first round talents who thrive at collapsing the pocket. Their secondary is fast and physical, capable of baiting quarterbacks into mistakes. For Manning, the keys will be trusting his reads, not forcing throws against disguised coverages, and taking advantage of Texas’ skill talent on the perimeter. How he handles third and-long against a relentless pass rush may be the ultimate measuring stick.