Ohio State vs Texas Draws Mixed Reactions: ‘More Manning Ads Than Completed Passes’

The 2025 season opener matchup between top-ranked Texas and defending national champion Ohio State was a hard-fought, low-scoring affair that fell short of the explosive shootout many fans were anticipating.

The clash took place at Ohio Stadium, as the Buckeyes held on for a 14-7 battle to clinch victory in a game that was completely outplayed by defenses. Arch Manning, claiming his place in the starting role for Texas amid the hype, was captured struggling with consistency against a relentless Ohio State front.

At the beginning of the contest, there were begs for passes leading to frustration among observers, including SEC analysts. SEC Mike, host at thatSECpodcat captured the mood on his X handle with, “I’ve seen more Arch Manning commercials than pass completions in this game.”

I’ve seen more Arch Manning commercials than pass completions in this game

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 30, 2025

Ohio State opened the scoring in the second quarter on a 1-yard rush by Carnell Donaldson Jr., following an exhaustive 13-play, 80-yard drive.

The Buckeyes registered an additional touchdown in the fourth when Julian Sayin linked up with Carnell Tate for a 40-yard strike. Manning responded late with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Parker Livingstone, cutting the deficit to one score with 3:28 left.

Even so, Texas couldn’t capitalize further, as Ohio State’s defense forced key stops, including a turnover on downs near the goal line. Fans questioned whether the offenses lived up to preseason billing, causing debates across social media about the starting quarterback’s preparedness for what’s to come and the team’s possibilities.

The opener is what could be described as a rematch of last season’s playoff semifinal, where the Buckeyes led with a jaw-dropping 28-14 over the Longhorns.

Social media has since erupted with takes on the unanticipated struggle, as fans follow every minute of the game.

Ohio State vs Texas Draws Mixed Reactions

Manning’s display commanded the spotlight of the matchup. The touted sophomore, surrounded by commercials and endorsements, faced a tough test in his first full game as a starter. His performances weren’t commanding as he often opted for checkdowns amid the Buckeyes’ intense attacks.

One fan on X tweeted:

Look at Mike, finally tweeting something factual.

— LChris (@Lauren_Chris) August 30, 2025

Another,

Just wait til they play the school of the blind. His Heisman stock will be way up.

— Sooner_Savage (@savage_sooner) August 30, 2025

Finally,

Haha. I was just having the same thought.

They REALLY want him to be the face of college football.

Let’s hope he has three losses after playing @GatorsFB @OU_Football and @OhioStateFB so we stop seeing all these commercials.

— Mako (@mako_trades) August 30, 2025

As evident in fans’ take, Manning’s growth will play an important role in subsequent matches; early struggles might have plunged fans’ hope, but his late spark suggests potential for improvement as he gets used to the spotlight.