Arch Manning did not have a first half to remember on Saturday against Ohio State. But fans don’t think it’s entirely his fault.
The Longhorns quarterback went just 7/14 for 60 yards through two quarters as the Buckeyes raced to a 20-3 lead at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Manning’s numbers could have been drastically better had some of his receivers made a few very makable plays that seemed to slip right off their fingertips.
Manning threw a pinpoint deep pass to Cam Coleman in the first five minutes of the game that would have at least gotten Texas to the 15-yard line. Instead, a potential touchdown turned into an interception as the ball squirted out of Coleman’s hands.
ARCH MANNING HAS CAM COLEMAN WIDE OPEN…
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 13, 2026
IT’S PICKED OFF ?! pic.twitter.com/3GVw53zW92
Manning experienced déjà vu in the second quarter when he hit Ryan Wingo in stride in what should have been a walk-in TD to cut into Ohio State’s lead. The Longhorns had to settle for a field goal for their only score of the first half.
ARCH MANNING WITH THE LASER BUT RYAN WINGO DIPPED HIS HANDS IN BRAKE OIL pic.twitter.com/jshwP2RtcL
— wok (@wokdior) September 13, 2026
Fan sentiment online was clear. Several observers felt Texas’ receivers let their QB down, with many stating that Manning should have had a pair of TDs instead of his lone interception.
Arch Manning should have 2 TDs 0 INTs right now. Horrific half from Texas WRs pic.twitter.com/Lb748CgWEQ
— 🌹 1-0 (@ChesneyEra) September 13, 2026
Arch Manning has been dropping DIME after DIME despite mistakes from his star WR’s.
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) September 13, 2026
Manning should be heading into halftime with 160+ passing yards and 2 TD’s.
Instead, he has 60 passing yards, 0 TD’s, and an INTERCEPTION 😳💔 pic.twitter.com/kF0GzCIICL
Arch Manning can’t do it all himself….2 TD’s just completely dropped.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 13, 2026
Ohio State scored in four of its five drives in the first half to take a commanding three-score lead into the break. Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin went 12/16 for 192 yards and a TD through two quarters.
