Buckeyes HC Ryan Day makes something clear about Arch Manning ahead of next NCAAF season

Sustaining last season’s success in College Football is no easy feat, especially for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who managed to win the National Championship. Ryan Day knows they will be the target of several competitors, including the Texas Longhorns led by Arch Manning, another strong contender for the title.

As of today, Steve Sarkisian boasts one of the top prospects in the NCAAF at this position, following the announced departure of Quinn Ewers to the NFL. Soon, the Longhorns will have to visit the reigning champions, and Day is already anticipating this crucial matchup.

During a recent press conference at the Big Ten Media Days event, the Buckeyes’ HC acknowledged the talent of their rivals, even considering Manning as one of the top quarterbacks for this season.

“[Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian]’s got a great team and he’s a great coach,” Day said. “Arch is just a tremendous talent. One of the best young guys to come through college football in a long time. He’s gonna be very, very good and likely one of the best quarterbacks in the country this year.

“So we know what the challenge is going to be week one and we’re working towards that. We’re fired up about having this monster game in week one and it’s really got our attention in a big way. I’m excited that we’re at home for it.”

The QB battle at Ohio State

Just like in Texas with Ewers’ departure to the NFL, the Ohio State Buckeyes weren’t exempt from such moves, and it was Will Howard who ultimately became the newest member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a result, a new era begins in the QB room for the program, though coach Ryan Day has yet to definitively name his new leader on the field.

“Same, because it’s hard to make any progress unless you’re actually on the field playing football,” Day said of where the battle stands. “But I think both guys have gotten stronger. Will be interesting to see once we get done with our summer program with Mick [Marotti] next week … who’s Iron Buckeyes? That’ll be big for the leadership.

“But guys have taken leadership roles. They’ve been throwing with the wide receivers. I ask those guys all the time, and they like both of them. We’re going to put them in as many competitive situation as we possibly can to figure out who handles that the best because we’ve got to be on point Week 1. We can’t be messing around. I know that we’ll need all of those guys in that room this year.”