The Arch Manning Era Begins: Texas-Ohio State Clash Sets College Football Stage
College football’s most anticipated season opener arrives today as No. 1 Texas takes on No. 3 Ohio State at Ohio Stadium.
This isn’t just any Week 1 matchup—it’s a collision between two powerhouse programs that could define the trajectory of the 2025 season and showcase the sport’s newest superstar.
A Game-Changing Debut
The spotlight burns brightest on Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who finally steps into the starting role after years of anticipation.
Manning leads No. 1 Texas in a season-opening matchup that will lift the lid off a pair of national title contenders, and two of the early favorites for the Heisman Trophy in Manning and Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The significance of Manning’s debut cannot be overstated. His might be the biggest name in the sport as he prepares for his first season as QB1. After serving as a backup and change-of-pace option behind Quinn Ewers last season, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning now has the keys to one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
National Championship Stakes
This opener carries enormous implications for both teams’ championship aspirations. Two of the sport’s biggest brands — Texas and Ohio State — loaded with NFL talent and Heisman contenders, are set to collide in one of the most anticipated season openers in recent memory. The winner will gain crucial momentum and potentially inside track position for the College Football Playoff, while the loser faces an uphill battle to remain in the national title conversation.
The matchup features recent history, as Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14 in their most recent meeting in January in Arlington, during the College Football Playoff semifinals. That loss likely still stings for the Longhorns, making today’s rematch even more meaningful.
The Manning Factor
Arch Manning enters as the Heisman Trophy favorite, carrying expectations that few college athletes have ever faced. Despite entering 2025 with fewer than 100 career passes to his name, the third generation of Manning quarterbacks carries national championship and Heisman expectations.
The pressure is immense, but Manning appears ready for the moment. Those close to the program believe he’s built for exactly these types of high-stakes situations.
Former Texas quarterback Vince Young on the pressure facing Manning:
Media and Fan Frenzy
The anticipation surrounding this game has reached fever pitch across college football media and fan bases. Social media has been buzzing with predictions and analysis, while sports networks have devoted extensive coverage to Manning’s debut and the broader implications of this Top 3 matchup.
The game represents everything college football fans love about the sport—tradition, elite talent, championship stakes, and compelling storylines all converging in a single afternoon. For Texas fans, it’s the culmination of years of building toward this moment with Manning. For Ohio State supporters, it’s a chance to prove their team remains among the sport’s elite after winning the national championship.
What’s at Stake
Beyond individual accolades and team rankings, this game sets the tone for the entire 2025 season. A strong performance by Manning could establish him as the face of college football and validate Texas as the nation’s top team. Conversely, a dominant Ohio State showing would announce their intention to repeat as national champions while potentially tempering some of the Manning hype.
The kickoff is set for 12 PM ET on FOX, with millions expected to tune in to witness the beginning of what many hope will be a legendary career for college football’s most famous surname.
The Arch Manning era officially begins today.
More on TEXAS VS. OHIO STATE further down this post in SPORTS
Austin police issued a warning about a planned “illegal street takeover event” scheduled for Friday night, threatening arrests and vehicle impoundments for participants.
Police did not specify the planned location or time of the event in their warning, however, there were comments on social media that mentioned South 1st Street. Last week, a street takeover event occurred in South Austin at South 1st and Riverside.
There have been no reports of any activity last night.
The Austin Police Department added 35 new officers to its force Friday during a graduation ceremony for its 154th cadet class. (CBS Austin)
APD has arrested a man for manslaughter in connection with his girlfriend’s death back in April..
The incident unfolded at Thundercloud Subs along Slaughter Lane and Manchaca Road, leaving the suspect dead and another bystander with a gunshot wound. (FOX 7 Austin)
A 33-year-old man was arrested early Friday morning in connection with a series of burglaries targeting storage unit facilities. (CBS Austin)
Another case underscores persistent concerns about the Travis County District Attorney’s Office under the leadership of District Attorney José Garza. (Austin American-Statesman)
This week’s Crime Watch from FOX 7 Austin:
Police are investigating after a “potential human bone structure” was found in Kyle on Friday.
The campus of IDEA Bluff Springs was briefly placed on hold on Friday after an unloaded gun was discovered on the premises. (CBS Austin)
Over 300 people gathered at Canyon Ridge Middle School on Thursday night to protest the potential closure of Steiner Ranch Elementary. The crowd, which included dozens of angry and vocal parents, urged the Leander superintendent and the district’s chief operating officer to keep the school open. (Austin American-Statesman)
“The passenger is not on oxygen, we will need a stretcher, and I know that there is bleeding as well.” — Flight personnel, SkyWest Flight 5971
Air traffic control recordings revealed the moments after a flight to Houston Thursday evening experienced severe turbulence, forcing an early landing in Austin. (Chron)
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 has added The Killers as a last-minute replacement headliner, stepping in for Doja Cat.
“I cannot give you guys the show you deserve.” — Doja Cat
Some fans took to social media to voice their displeasure at the cancellation. (My San Antono via MSN)
WEATHER
FRIDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
A lull in tropical activity may keep the Atlantic quiet through Labor Day, but meteorologists warn conditions could turn more favorable for storms by mid-September. (AccuWeather)
Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 4, which redraws congressional maps in the state of Texas, giving Republicans more seats in Congress.
Proposed measures to ban THC products statewide have stalled in the Texas House, following months of intense debate and emotional testimony.
Senate Bill 6, which aimed to create a blanket ban on any product with a detectable amount of cannabinoids other than CBD and CBG, passed the Senate on August 19. However, it has yet to be heard in a House committee. The House’s version of the bill has also not been heard in its own chamber’s committee.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and a group of LGBTQ+ and student rights organizations are suing to block a new state law that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in K-12 public schools. (Texas Tribune)
Camp owners in Kerr County are urging Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to reconsider new flood safety requirements in two proposed bills, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1. The legislation, which would prevent camps from receiving a state license if their cabins are located in a floodplain, was filed in response to the tragic July 4 Guadalupe River flood that killed 27 campers from Camp Mystic. Both bills recently passed their respective chambers. (Texas Tribune)
Tuesday’s launch was the last SpaceX launch during which Cameron County officials would have any oversight authority over the roads surrounding Starbase. That’s because, beginning on Monday, a new law will go into effect that cedes that authority to the Texas Space Commission and to Elon Musk’s company town. (My San Antonio)
Senator John Cornyn sits down with Eye on Politics to discuss his campaign for a fifth term. Cornyn explains why he is the better GOP choice over Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is also running for the seat. He also discusses redistricting, tariffs and his relationship with President Donald Trump.
Three new measures are set to take effect aiming to “Make Texas Healthy Again.” Political sloganeering or genuine change? A closer look at the laws that prompted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Texas.
As we approach Sept. 1, more than 800 new laws are set to take effect. We continue our close-up of some of those that’ll have a major impact, including some that haven’t received much attention. Sarah Asch tells us about a new obscenity law and why one provision related to exposing minors to controversial material has teachers, librarians and even doctors concerned.
Tech producer and reporter Shelly Brisbin gets us up to speed on a sweeping new bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence.
Plus, the week in politics and much more.
(Episode from August 29, 2025)
Who won the summer in Texas politics?
(Episode from August 29, 2025)
An estimated 35,000 people came to the San Antonio area for refuge after Hurricane Katrina twenty years ago, many having lost family members, their homes, and all their possessions.
The story from Texas Public Radio.
A filmmaker recounts her experiences with Hurricane Katrina.
A fourth batch of records has been released by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD).
Authorities said a wanted East Texas man later found dead went on a multi-county home invasion spree on Thursday, stealing guns and killing a homeowner’s dog.
He then barricaded himself inside a Smith County home and ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot, according to a Smith County Sheriff’s off press release.
Lucas Stevens, 31, died after he had stopped all communications with investigators. (KLTV-TV)
SPORTS
OTHER GAMES TODAY
COLLEGE BASEKETBALL: The Southeastern Conference released its Men’s Basketball league schedule on Wednesday for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The University of Texas opens conference action with a home contest against Mississippi State on Saturday, January 3 and concludes league play with a home game versus Oklahoma on Saturday, March 7. (Texas Longhorns)
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Akins 48, Travis 0
Bastrop 55, Alvin 14
Belton 21, Hendrickson 17
Bowie 49, Manor 14
Canyon 47, Austin High 3
Cedar Ridge 49, Buda Johnson 31
Cibolo Steele 45, Liberty Hill 10
Dripping Springs 41, Vandegrift 14
Harker Heights 52, Cedar Park 35
Hill Country 14, Tomball Rosehill 6
Hondo 20, Blanco 13
Hutto at San Marcos, late (will be updated Saturday)
Killeen Chaparral 42, Kyle Lehman 16
Kerrville Tivy 41, Del Rio 20
Lago Vista 15, Burnet 6
Lake Travis 48, Arlington Martin 21
Lampasas 52, Fredericksburg 14
LBJ 46, SA Sam Houston 13
Lexington 55, Marlin 26
Medina Valley 44, Glenn 32
Prosper 29, Westlake 22
Regents 55, Lorena 48
St. Michael’s 31, Dallas Covenant 20
St. Stephen’s 63, McDade 6
Temple Central Texas Christian 42, Brentwood Christian 35
Veritas 54, Giddings State School 6
MLS: Austin FC returns home to take on San Jose Earthquakes at Q2 Stadium tonight in a match with big implications in the Western Conference playoff race. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. (Austin FC)
MLB: W’s for both the Rangers and Astros last night.
Jonah Heim and rookie Michael Helman hit home runs to back a strong start by Jack Leiter, and the Texas Rangers beat the Athletics 5-2 on Friday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
In Houston, Cristian Javier didn’t give up a hit in six innings and three relievers completed the two-hitter to help the Astros to a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels Friday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
AL WEST STANDINGS
In 2019, Jimmy Fallon put a Tonight Show spin on “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” as he paraded through the streets of Austin with an epic crowd to the University of Texas.
