“I wasn’t surprised,” Smith said to the press. “I knew, especially at the end of that game (vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’ nowhere.”

Despite this situation, the wide receiver declined any option to leave. Jeremiah Smith will now play his third season with the Buckeyes and will aim once again to compete among the title contenders.

Smith eyes breakout season

Jeremiah Smith remains ineligible for the NFL Draft until 2027 due to the league’s mandatory three-year post-high school rule. Despite his elite physical traits and record-breaking production since his freshman year, the 6-foot-3 receiver must complete his upcoming 2026 junior season with the Buckeyes.

Scouts already project Smith as a potential number one overall pick, as he continues to be widely regarded as the most NFL-ready prospect in college football.

A big 2025 for Smith

Smith delivered an outstanding 2025 sophomore season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, recording 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. Averaging 14.3 yards per catch, he solidified his status as one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football while leading the Big Ten in several receiving categories.

An intriguing receiving corps for the Buckeyes

Ryan Day will count on a deep and talented depth chart for the 2026 season. Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss are set to play primary roles alongside Smith, while highly-touted prospects Chris Henry Jr., Kyle Parker, and Phillip Bell provide elite depth from the bench. This explosive group will be at the full disposal of quarterback Julian Sayin as the Buckeyes aim for a national title.

Ohio State’s first challenges

These are the first matchups that the Ohio State Buckeyes will face, a team that will try to position itself from the start as a title contender.

• vs Ball State, September 5
• @ Texas Longhorns, September 12
• vs Kent State, September 19
• vs Illinois, September 26
• @ Iowa, October 3

The Buckeyes reached this stage after going undefeated in the regular season with 12 wins, before falling to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game. Now, head coach Ryan Day will look to guide his squad toward a back-to-back championship run.

On the other side, the arrival of Carson Beck has elevated the Hurricanes to another level, turning them into a legitimate contender. On December 20, they took down Texas A&M, and now Mario Cristobal’s squad is looking to knock off the reigning champions.

What happens if Ohio State defeats Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes manage to defeat the Miami Hurricanes, they will not only claim the Cotton Bowl Classic but also secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. There, they would face the winner of the matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss.

What happens if Ohio State loses vs Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes lose today to Miami at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, they will not only miss out on the chance to add another bowl trophy to their storied history, but will also be automatically eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Their dream of reaching another National Championship Game would come to an abrupt end.

When and where do the Buckeyes play the Hurricanes?

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ryan Day and his squad, led by the exceptional Julian Sayin, will look to prove why they’re the reigning champions of the NCAAF — and that their perfect 12–0 record this season was no accident.

This matchup is set to reach another level, with Fernando Mendoza and the surprising Indiana Hoosiers on the opposite sideline. Curt Cignetti has stunned fans and critics alike, and his team will leave it all on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium as they chase the championship trophy.

What happens if Ohio State defeats Indiana today?

A Buckeyes’ win today would not only add another trophy to their storied history, but they will also go to the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed and would play in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on Jan. 1.

This will be the seventh time the OSU appear in the Big Ten Championship Game. They’ve come out on top in all but one of their previous trips, with their most recent title coming in 2020.

What happens if Ohio State and Indiana end in a tie?

If the game ends tied at the end of regulation, it will be decided in overtime. Each team receives a possession starting at the 25-yard line, looking to score. If one scores and the other doesn’t, the game is over. If both teams score the same, another overtime period is played.

If the tie continues, the teams alternate two-point conversion attempts instead of playing a full additional period. Unlike the NFL, there is no game clock in overtime — it’s alternating possessions until a winner emerges.

What happens if the Buckeyes lose to the Hoosiers?

If Ryan Day and Ohio State can’t overcome the challenge posed by Indiana, the Buckeyes would not only miss out on a chance to crown themselves champions, but their ranking heading into the College Football Playoff could take a hit as well. On the flip side, the Hoosiers would be in prime position to climb the CFP standings.

When and where is the Big Ten Championship Game?

The 2025 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The kickoff time is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST.

The reigning NCAAF champion entered this matchup with strong chances of securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, as their fate largely rested in their own hands. With a 27-9 victory, it’s now official—Ryan Day and his players will be present in this crucial title-deciding game.

Had they failed to secure the win at the Wolverines’ stadium, they would have depended on teams like the Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks losing their games. However, that became irrelevant after OSU’s convincing victory.

Once the final snap of the game was over, the Buckeyes ended a four-game losing streak against their biggest rival, and now all eyes turn to what lies ahead in the upcoming Playoffs.

Ryan Day’s second victory

Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day has finally vanquished his Wolverine woes, securing only his second victory in “The Game” since taking over the Buckeyes program.

Following his dominant 56-27 win in his inaugural matchup with Michigan in 2019, Day had endured a frustrating four-game losing streak against the bitter rival.

This latest triumph, which was a crucial win for Playoff positioning, marks a significant milestone, giving Day a much-needed, hard-fought second success and potentially shifting the narrative that has long plagued his otherwise sterling tenure in Columbus.

Turning it around in just one game is unlikely, as Day has lost more times than he has won against the Wolverines. Still, the experienced coach secured a new victory that puts him on the path to rewriting the history books.

How has Ryan Day fared each time he’s faced Michigan? After this afternoon’s game, the head coach has faced the Wolverines six times, winning the first and last matchups while losing the other four.

Having a 2-4 record against your biggest rival is far from ideal for a coach like Day. The 2025 edition of The Game was a prime opportunity for his team to start turning the tide.

Ryan Day’s first bright spot

Until this Saturday, Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes have only managed to secure one victory against their fierce rivals, Michigan. This success occurred in his inaugural full season at the helm in 2019.

The Buckeyes put on a dominant display, defeating the Wolverines with a commanding 56-27 score. That year, the offensive synergy was undeniable, as quarterback Justin Fields and running back J.K. Dobbins contributed significantly, accounting for four combined touchdowns to deliver Ohio State its 51st overall win in the storied rivalry.

A story dominated by Michigan

Historically, the Michigan Wolverines have maintained the upper hand in The Game, holding a dominant edge in the all-time series record against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Michigan’s longevity in the rivalry, which began in 1897, has resulted in them securing more total wins than Ohio State.

Despite the intense periods of Buckeye success in recent decades, the Wolverines’ early and sustained victories throughout the 20th century have allowed them to retain a significant advantage, proving that the storied tradition has historically favored the team from Ann Arbor.

Led by head coach Ryan Day, the defending champions and top contenders for the title came into this matchup with an undefeated 11–0 record, fresh off a dominant 42–9 home win over Rutgers.

On the other side, Sherrone Moore’s squad picked up its ninth win of the campaign after a 45–20 road victory over Maryland and, so far, has recorded only two losses throughout the season.

Beyond the primary goal of securing a spot in the upcoming playoffs, The Game stands on its own as a matchup everyone is desperate to win. This isn’t just another contest — it’s a chance to prove who truly rules this electrifying rivalry.

The masters of The Game

A historic showdown, a rivalry unmatched in college football. The Wolverines and the Buckeyes are two of the sport’s most iconic programs, and their clashes tend to ignite sparks not only on the field, but off it as well.

In a rivalry that dates back to 1897—when the Wolverines won the inaugural meeting 34–0—Michigan and Ohio State have faced off a total of 119 times. The Wolverines have come out on top 62 times, the Buckeyes have claimed 52 victories, and six matchups have ended in a tie.

Moore’s team not only holds the historical edge over Ohio State, but has also taken the last four editions of the rivalry, until today. Their most recent meeting ended in a 27–9 Ohio State victory.

Historical dominance

The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is rich with history. Michigan holds the record for the largest margin of victory, a decisive 86-0 shutout in 1902. In comparison, the largest margin of victory for Ohio State came in 1935 with a score of 38-0.

Regarding winning streaks, Michigan secured the longest one early on, winning nine straight games from 1901 to 1909. More recently, Ohio State established their longest streak by dominating the matchup for eight consecutive years, from 2012 to 2019.

Last year’s meeting remains a vivid memory on each school’s head. Last season, Michigan walked into The Shoe in Columbus and handed Ohio State a heart-crushing loss. This time around, the Wolverines will vie to snap the Buckeyes’ 11-game win streak and spoil their unbeaten season hopes.

Although Ohio State went on to hoist the NCAA Division I National Championship last season, the loss to The Team Up North left an indelible stain on the Buckeyes’ résumé. On top of that, watching the Wolverines plant their flag at midfield sparked an all-out brawl between the two sides. This time around, Moore and Michigan are making their intentions clear to Day and Ohio State should they win at home in The Big House.

“We talked about that at the beginning of the year,” Sherrone Moore admitted, via On3. “And we’ve been pretty good about any postgame interactions. When we win a game or when you’re in the game, we’re going to go to our student section and go to our band and shake hands, cordial ending, and be done with it. And that’s it. So, our guys have been good about that, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Lesson learned after chaotic ending in 2024

Although nothing can take away the feeling of fulfillment Michigan had last year after taking down Ohio State to cap off an otherwise discouraging season, the postgame incidents did leave a sour taste on everybody’s mouths.

Now, Moore and company preach taking the high road regardless of the outcome. However, whether that actually happens remains to be seen. After all, ‘The Game’ is a rivalry matchup filled with tension and flying sparks. When the zeros hit the clock, who knows if the Wolverines can keep their promise about being cool, calm, and collected?

The game within ‘The Game’

One thing is clear: Saturday’s showdown in Ann Arbor is a must-watch. Ryan Day and Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) could suffer their fifth straight defeat to Michigan (9-2. 7-1 conference) and risk losing their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game—a position that was virtually secured coming into the matchup.

As for the Wolverines, a win would do wonders for their College Football Playoff résumé and could even send them to the conference title game—though that will depend on results elsewhere around the league.

Through the years, Ohio State and Michigan have established their dispute as the biggest rivalry in college football. Whenever the two programs collide on the gridiron, tempers flare, and neither side comes out the same as it was going in. As the two schools face off in the regular-season finale, winning or losing could prove the difference between going on a hot streak to win it all or being stopped in one’s tracks and spiraling out of control entirely.

Once again leaning on the exceptional talent of Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes came away with a 34–16 victory, allowing them to remain undefeated this season.

Following the game, head coach Ryan Day spoke to the media and shared his initial thoughts on the matchup, specifically highlighting the intensity his players brought to the field.

“I thought we came in early and had really good energy match the intensity of the environment,” Day told FOX’s Jenny Taft. “I thought we played well early on, and then I just, I wish we could finish the game a little bit stronger. We kind of took our foot off the pedal, so I got to take a deep breath right now.

“But there was a lot of really good moments, a lot of big stands down there by our defense. A lot to grow upon and build upon.”

Eyes on what’s next

Next Sunday, October 18, the Buckeyes will head to Wisconsin to face the Badgers — a matchup that will undoubtedly serve as a major test for a team already focused on what lies ahead.

“I think you just got to keep getting better,” Day said. “I thought we played physical in the game. They have a great team and a really good quarterback, so I thought defensively we played hard and found ourselves with some long drives, eating up a lot of clock.

“I thought we really did do a good job finishing down in the red area, got physical. All that was good. We’ll keep looking at what we gotta get better at. But as you know, we just got to keep getting better week after week. So we’ll get back, enjoy this a little while, and it’s on to Wisconsin.”

Staying on track

Fresh off a dominant start to the season, the Ohio State Buckeyes know their road back to the National Championship Game runs through a grueling Big Ten slate. With key matchups looming against ranked conference foes, the reigning national champions must maintain their focused, week-to-week dominance. For the Buckeyes, the mandate is clear: keep piling up wins to solidify a top College Football Playoff seed and earn the right to defend their crown.

Ohio State has long been a crucible for talent, producing athletes whose names echo far beyond the campus of Columbus. These Buckeyes combined speed, power, and precision, leaving a mark on college football that still resonates.

From legendary quarterbacks to dominant linemen, their roster of greats has consistently rewritten expectations. Their feats on the field cemented the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for excellence.

Yet the legacy isn’t only measured in stats. Leadership, resilience and the ability to rise under pressure defined these players, shaping the culture of Buckeye football and influencing the sport nationwide.

Archie Griffin

Archie Griffin stands alone in college football history as the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. His remarkable consistency and durability were hallmarks of his career. Over four seasons at Ohio State, he rushed for 5,589 yards, leading the Big Ten in rushing for three consecutive years—a feat unmatched until 2019.

He also played in four consecutive Rose Bowl games, a testament to his and the team’s excellence. His legacy is not just in his statistics but in his embodiment of perseverance and sportsmanship, making him a timeless symbol of Buckeye pride.

Eddie George

Eddie George‘s 1995 Heisman Trophy season is etched in Ohio State lore. With 1,927 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, he led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory. His powerful running style and leadership on and off the field earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Beyond college, he had a successful NFL career, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading rusher for the Tennessee Titans. Post-retirement, he ventured into acting and coaching, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence.

Orlando Pace

Orlando Pace redefined the role of the offensive lineman at Ohio State. Starting as a true freshman, he became a two-time unanimous All-American and won both the Outland and Lombardi Awards in 1996, becoming the only player to win both honors in the same year.

His dominance on the field was so profound that the term “pancake block” gained popularity, a nod to his ability to flatten defenders. His impact extended beyond college, as he became the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft and had a storied career with the St. Louis Rams.

Cris Carter

Cris Carter‘s tenure at Ohio State was marked by exceptional receiving records and acrobatic catches. He set a Rose Bowl record with nine receptions for 172 yards and finished his college career with 168 receptions for 2,725 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Known for his precise route running and remarkable hands, he became the first Ohio State wide receiver to earn consensus All-American honors. His college success paved the way for a Hall of Fame NFL career, where he became one of the league’s most prolific receivers.

Troy Smith

Troy Smith‘s leadership and poise under pressure led Ohio State to an undefeated regular season in 2006 and a national championship appearance. His performance that year earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him the seventh Buckeye to win the prestigious award.

His dual-threat capabilities, combining accurate passing with mobility, made him a dynamic force on the field. His legacy is remembered for his ability to elevate the team’s performance in critical moments.

Chris Spielman

Chris Spielman embodied the spirit of Ohio State football with his relentless pursuit and leadership on defense. A two-time All-American linebacker, he was known for his high motor and ability to read offenses.

His college success translated into a distinguished NFL career, where he earned four Pro Bowl selections and became the Detroit Lions’ all-time leader in tackles. His impact was felt both on the field and in the locker room, where his intensity and work ethic set a standard for future generations.

Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott brought a blend of speed, power, and vision to the Ohio State backfield. In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, he amassed 3,961 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns, ranking among the program’s all-time leaders.

His standout performance in the 2015 postseason, including a 246-yard game against Michigan and a 149-yard, four-touchdown effort in the Fiesta Bowl, solidified his place in Ohio State history. His ability to perform in clutch situations and his consistency made him a cornerstone of the team’s offensive success.

Randy Gradishar

There was nothing flashy about Randy Gradishar; yet his presence spoke louder than any roar. Woody Hayes, who knew linebackers like few could, called him “the best linebacker I ever coached,” a high bar indeed.

From 1971 to 1973, he anchored a defense that posted four shutouts in his senior season and conceded a mere 64 points all year. The Broncos legend—an Academic All-America and Hall of Famer—was the NFL’s tackling king, proving that brains and brawn can coexist at the top.

Jack Tatum

When Jack Tatum stepped onto the field, game plans shifted. Originally recruited as a running back, he soon earned his place in history as one of the fiercest defensive backs of his era.

His hits were as famous as his coverage—bold calls of his name echoing long after games ended. A unanimous All-American in 1970 and Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, he helped Ohio State dominate in an explosive 27–2 stretch, including a 1968 national championship.

J. T. Barrett

J. T. Barrett’s legacy is etched in numbers—tons of ‘em. Over his career, he topped school charts for passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and total offense, surpassing even the great Drew Brees in Big Ten history.

His resilience was unmatched, steering the Buckeyes with poise game after game and turning record books into mirrors of his consistency. A durable workhorse, he made his mark in OSU lore largely through sheer, sustained excellence.

Vic Janowicz

Vic Janowicz played every version of football—running back, passer, kicker, punter, and safety—with equal aplomb. In 1950, he swept college football’s top honors—College Football Player of the Year, Heisman, unanimous All-American—anchoring his place as Ohio State’s first multi-dimensional star. From landing punts to launching touchdowns, his all-around dominance crafted a legacy that transcends positions and eras.

Bill Willis

Bill Willis’ name may not be synonymous with flashy highlights, but his impact reverberates through football history. A middle guard whose pioneering presence helped challenge segregation in pro football, he set an example that would echo well beyond Ohio State or the field. His quiet strength and unwavering excellence earned him a rightful spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, underpinning both game and social change.

A. J. Hawk

A new era of Buckeye play produced A. J. Hawk—a linebacker whose resume sparkled in the mid-2000s. He claimed the Lombardi Award, Jack Lambert Trophy, and national titles, anchoring a BCS championship team with intelligence, swagger, and relentless tackling. He wasn’t just a playmaker—he was a standard; a Bedrock of defense in Scarlet and Gray and a future blueprint for linebackers at OSU.

James Laurinaitis

To speak of James Laurinaitis is to speak of leadership forged in tackles. A three-time consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice over, he seemed to anticipate plays before they started.

His 18-tackle performance in the 2008 BCS title game remains a championship-game record. Now coaching in Columbus, he continues shaping defenders with the same relentless precision that defined his career.

Justin Fields

Few quarterbacks in Ohio State history have blended grace and explosiveness quite like Justin Fields. After transferring from Georgia in 2019, he quickly became the centerpiece of Ryan Day’s offense, throwing for 41 touchdowns in his first season while adding 10 more on the ground.

His command of the passing game paired with his mobility redefined what a Buckeye quarterback could be, guiding Ohio State to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. His toughness—perhaps best remembered when he played through injury against Clemson in the 2021 Sugar Bowl—cemented his reputation as a modern Buckeye icon.

Mike Vrabel

Before becoming one of the NFL’s top head coaches, Mike Vrabel terrorized opposing quarterbacks in Columbus. The defensive end set Ohio State career records for sacks (36) and tackles for loss (66), marks that stood as proof of his relentless motor.

Named a consensus All-American in 1995 and 1996, his production made him one of the most feared defenders in the Big Ten. Beyond the numbers, his fiery leadership defined John Cooper’s Buckeye defenses of the mid-1990s, giving Ohio State an edge in the trenches. His legacy was strong enough to earn induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa was a force of nature the moment he stepped onto the field as a freshman in 2013. With uncanny strength and technique, he recorded 27 sacks and 51 tackles for loss across just three seasons, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2014.

His dominance was instrumental in Ohio State’s run to the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship, where his disruptive presence helped stymie high-powered offenses. Known for his relentless pressure and signature celebrations, he became the prototype for the new generation of Buckeye pass rushers who followed him.

Andy Katzenmoyer

For three seasons in the late 1990s, Andy Katzenmoyer epitomized the ideal Buckeye linebacker: fast, instinctive, and punishing. Nicknamed “The Big Kat,” he exploded onto the scene as a freshman starter, racking up tackles at an unprecedented pace.

In 1997, he became the first sophomore ever to win the Butkus Award, finishing his career with 256 tackles, 18 sacks, and six interceptions. His blend of athleticism and ferocity made him one of the most feared defenders of his era. Though a neck injury cut his NFL career short, his legend at Ohio State remains untouchable.

Chase Young

When Chase Young took the field in 2019, he wasn’t just playing defense—he was redefining it. The explosive edge rusher amassed 16.5 sacks that year alone, breaking Ohio State’s single-season record, and earned a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist—an honor rarely afforded to defensive players.

His uncanny ability to dominate games, from strip sacks to commanding double teams, forced opponents to reshape their entire offensive schemes. With 30.5 career sacks and a laundry list of national awards, his time in Columbus solidified him as one of the most decorated defenders in school history.

Howard “Hopalong” Cassady

Long before modern spread offenses, Howard “Hopalong” Cassady dazzled Ohio State fans in the 1950s with his all-around brilliance. A two-way star, he excelled at halfback while also shining on defense, helping the Buckeyes capture the 1954 national championship.

In 1955, he stormed to the Heisman Trophy in a landslide, becoming one of the most beloved players in program history. He finished his career with over 2,400 rushing yards, but his true impact was in his versatility and flair, which made him a household name in college football. His No. 40 jersey is retired, and his legacy endures as one of the greats of the sport’s golden age.

Jim Parker

Manicured by Woody Hayes as “the greatest offensive lineman I ever coached,” Jim Parker redefined what it meant to dominate in the trenches. As Ohio State’s first Outland Trophy winner in 1956, he anchored a line that powered a 1954 national championship and consecutive Big Ten titles. A two-time All-American, team MVP, and eventual College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, he set a benchmark for excellence that future Buckeye linemen would chase for generations.

Tom Cousineau

Few defenders towered over ball carriers like Tom Cousineau. A two-time consensus All-American in the late ’70s, he shattered school records with 211 tackles in a single season, including a staggering 29 in one game.

His relentless presence helped propel Ohio State to three Big Ten titles and perennial top rankings. His collegiate legacy endured well beyond his graduation—culminating in his 2016 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Malcolm Jenkins

Before forging NFL glory, Malcolm Jenkins ruled the Buckeye secondary with swagger and intelligence. A three-time First-team All-Big Ten standout, he cemented his status as the nation’s top defensive back in 2008 by capturing the Jim Thorpe Award. His instincts and leadership helped define a defense that was as cerebral as it was physical—preparing him for a decorated NFL career filled with Pro Bowls and Super Bowls.

Braxton Miller

When Braxton Miller roamed Ohio Stadium, defenders were left in his wake. From 2011 to 2013, he racked up nearly 9,000 total offense yards, becoming the Buckeyes’ modern dual-threat prototype.

In 2012 alone, he threw for over 2,000 yards and rushed for 1,271, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a Heisman finalist nod. His blend of creativity, speed, and improvisation made him one of the program’s most electrifying playmakers.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

If Ohio State crafted identities, Marvin Harrison Jr. became theirs. A two-time unanimous All-American and 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner, he’s the first Buckeye receiver ever to earn that distinction.

In back-to-back seasons, he notched eight 100-yard games—ending with over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns each year—and set the school record with 15 career 100-yard performances. His early impact included three-touchdown Rose Bowl and multi-hat-trick games that etched him among OSU’s most dominant receivers ever.

Manning, Sarkisian, and the Longhorns fell to the Buckeyes, once again. However, their latest stumble to Ohio State didn’t end their hopes, as it only kickstarted their 2025 NCAA campaign. Now, the Horns must turn the tide.

With the matchup against the San Jose State Spartans approaching, Coach Sark dropped a bold message on how the QB situation looks in The Forty Acres. There is uncertainty on who sits behind Manning in the depth chart, so Sarkisian didn’t mince words to address that topic.

“Yeah, that’s a really fluid situation,” Sarkisian said about the backup to Manning, per On3. “It’s kind of similar to in years past in that from week to week we give those guys an opportunity to compete and evaluate to keep their competitive juices flowing.“

Who would’ve filled in for Arch in Columbus?

Despite his evident struggles during the week 1 showdown with the Buckeyes, Manning’s spot under center was never in doubt. No matter how uncomfortable he looked against Matt Patricia’s defense, Sarkisian’s faith in his QB1 never wavered. Still, if something had happened to Arch, there was an experienced option on the sideline ready to replace him.

“In last week’s game, it would have been Matt Caldwell (as) the first guy that would have went into the game if something had occurred there with Arch,” Sarkisian commented. “We’ll evaluate it here towards the end of this week, then make a decision. It’s more of a weekly basis.”

Caldwell is new on campus, but has experience in college football. The Troy transfer arrived at The Forty Acres after spending his junior-year with the school in the state of Alabama. Last season, Caldwell threw for 1,608 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 10 games.

Needed that

While no program in college football ever wants to start off the season with a loss, Sarkisian is looking at the silver lining. Now, the Longhorns already have a true test of their potential in their backs. While most teams square-off with inferior opposition, Texas took on a litmus test on the road.

“I think it’s really helpful,” Sarkisian concluded. “The challenging environment, one, for our team in particular, which wasn’t returning a lot of experienced payers on the offensive side of the ball. I thought we had to grow up quickly in game.”

Losing hurts, but it also leaves lessons—and that might be best in the long run. Needless to say, Manning and Texas expect the 2025 NCAA season to be a long one, extending all the way to January 19.

It was never going to be easy for Manning, Sarkisian, and the Longhorns. Taking on the Buckeyes is a tough task in itself. But walking into The Shoe—where the reigning national champions in the NCAA reside—might as well be a march to certain death.

Ultimately, Texas paid the price. No one is completely free from responsibility after the 14-7 loss in Columbus. Still, it seems Manning is shouldering the heaviest burden. The heir to football’s royal quarterback family struggled when the eyes of the nation were on him. Now, he must regain his place among the best QBs in college football. On that note, Sarkisian believes this misstep might be actually a blessing in disguise for the young offensive commander.

“Part of that is just finding that comfort level of trust with receivers in real games,” Sarkisian admitted on Monday, per Inside Texas. “Not in practice, not against a scout team, but in a real game against a good defense because the windows get small against good defenses like that.”

Getting technical

Anybody who tuned into Saturday’s noon game between the Longhorns and Buckeyes realized Manning never got truly comfortable. Several factors might have contributed to the QB’s uneasiness in the pocket.

From Matt Patricia’s defensive schemes to the hostile environment—or simply a mix of nerves and frustration after a slow start—Manning struggled. Whatever the reason, it led him to abandon the fundamentals of playing quarterback. His throwing motion was far from orthodox, and his footwork left much to be desired as well.

Sarkisian was honest in his review of Arch’s play, as he had been immediately after the game when he issued a major statement on Manning’s performance.

“There was a couple of times where we had some crossing routes where I I didn’t feel like he brought his feet to where he wanted to throw the ball. In turn it forced kind of a sidearm delivery which isn’t his style of throwing,” Sarkisian explained about some head-scratching throws from Manning. “I think if he can get his feet aligned and get his shoulders aligned, that can help with some of his accuracy that way.”

Now’s a great chance to start fresh

Manning, Sarkisian, and Texas knew that losing to Ohio State in Week 1 was a possibility. Though it came in frustrating fashion, it isn’t the end of the world for the Horns. At least, it won’t be unless they allow it to be. Now, the schedule allows a perfect opportunity to bounce back and build confidence.

Up next, the Longhorns will play three straight games in Austin. Hosting the San Jose State Spartans, UTEP Miners, and Sam Houston Bearkats in consecutive weeks might be just what the doctor ordered for Manning and company. Though anything can happen any given Saturday in college football, the Horns should have no trouble getting past their upcoming NCAA rivals.

There is no margin for error for Texas. This three-game stretch is an accelerating lane for the Horns. Once it’s over, the SEC schedule kicks in, starting with a visit to the Florida Gators in Gainesville and the Red River Showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners.