This was the plan all along.
His grandfather, Archie, spent one season on the bench before becoming a legend at Ole Miss. His uncle, Peyton, was third-string at Tennessee before injuries thrust him into action and on the path to claiming a record-setting five NFL MVPs. His other uncle, Eli, wasn’t the starter until his third season in Oxford, en route to two Super Bowl MVPs.
Arch Manning could afford to be patient. He didn’t need the money or the spotlight. He could carve his own path at Texas, arriving as one of the most-hyped prospects of all time, but knowing he would see few snaps, playing behind another former top-ranked recruit (Quinn Ewers).
In 2023, Manning threw five passes in his first season. He made two starts in Year 2. Then came the reminder of why the family was in no rush to throw him to the wolves.
Last year, the preseason Heisman favorite led top-ranked Texas into Ohio State for the season opener, then left with a 14-7 loss, in which the Longhorns didn’t score for the first 56 minutes and went 1-for-5 on fourth down, including a failed Manning sneak on the Ohio State 1-yard line.
Manning threw five interceptions in his first five games of the season. In the first four games against power conference opponents, he averaged one touchdown pass and 183 yards passing per game, with a 58.4 completion percentage. In the final six games, Manning averaged 2.3 touchdown passes and 286 yards passing, with a 62.3 completion percentage.
On Saturday, Manning can finally step up to a pedestal that seemed predestined, when Texas hosts top-ranked Ohio State. Unlike last year, the star quarterback has the help of the top-ranked receiver in the transfer portal (Cam Coleman), a rebuilt running back room — featuring a pair of power conference transfers (Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown) who combined to average more than 6 yards per carry last season — and one of the most talented defensive units, now led by an elite coordinator (Will Muschamp).
Texas (-1.5) wait will be worth it.
KANSAS (+5.5) over Missouri
Felony charges should have been levied against those responsible for putting a 14-year pause on a rivalry that stretches back to the 19th century. Give misdemeanors to those who signed the deal that will now see the series take another five-year break.
Oregon (-23) over OKLAHOMA STATE
Who would’ve thought that a team with a hastily built roster featuring an NCAA-record 92 new players would start slow? The Cowboys’ atrocious offensive line play will leave high-priced transfer Drew Mestemaker — who threw two interceptions in a 24-10 upset loss to Tulsa — running for his life against one of the best front-sevens in the country.
Arizona State (+14) over TEXAS A&M
Since taking over the Sun Devils, Kenny Dillingham has gone 4-1 against the spread against top 10 teams. Over the past two seasons, Arizona State has covered seven of eight games against ranked opponents.
MICHIGAN (+5.5) over Oklahoma
I expect the Sooners defense to lead them to victory — as it did in Norman last year — but I don’t want to overreact to one game. Give me one more second to think about it.
Penn State (-24) over TEMPLE
There is still time to bet on the Nittany Lions to make the playoff (+300). If the 45-0 win against Marshall in Matt Campbell’s debut didn’t grab your attention, the schedule should. Penn State faces just two ranked opponents (USC at home, at Washington) while avoiding Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana in the regular season.
GEORGIA (-41) over Western Kentucky
The Bulldogs just scored their most points in a season opener in 85 years. The Hilltoppers just lost by 35 at Nevada. By my math, Georgia wins by 90. But I also suck at math.
Rice (+44.5) over NOTRE DAME
In 2022, Marcus Freeman lost his home debut against Marshall in Week 2. Two years later, Notre Dame was upset by Northern Illinois despite being a 28-point favorite in the second week of the season. I’d like to shake the hand of anyone brave enough to make a Rice moneyline play (+8,000).
KENTUCKY (+10.5) over Alabama
It is too early to trust Keelon Russell, set to take his first-ever road snaps. It’s harder to have faith in Kalen DeBoer, who has lost five games outright as a road favorite in two seasons at Alabama. But new Kentucky coach Will Stein has won me over. The former Oregon offensive coordinator followed his first win by showing more personality than most football coaches do in a career: “I’ll pick at Bama later, but I’m going to have a cold beer and f–king — excuse my French — f–king hang out with my family.”
Arizona (+7.5) over BYU
I am all-in on a Big 12 title ticket for the Cougars (+500), but the Wildcats — who lost in double overtime to BYU last season — have lost by more than a touchdown just once since 2024. Arizona senior quarterback Noah Fifita has thrown for 40 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his past 18 games.
GEORGIA TECH (+12.5) over Tennessee
Fade the true freshman quarterback (Faizon Brandon) in the first road start of his career, laying nearly two touchdowns against a respectable power conference opponent on extra rest.
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OREGON STATE (+26.5) over Texas Tech
So much for the vengeance tour. The Red Raiders failed to impress in a 33-10 win against Abilene Christian, settling for four field goals against the FCS foe. Quarterback Will Hammond’s limited mobility — coming off a torn ACL — is a problem for a red zone offense that ranked 98th in the nation last season.
Louisiana Tech (+35.5) over LSU
Don’t expect the same level of focus or intensity from the Tigers, following a week of praise for the beatdown of Clemson. There is also Lane Kiffin’s looming return to Ole Miss. It’s natural that they would be distracted. If only they had some pros in the room.
IOWA (-14) over Iowa State
It feels dangerous to lay so many points in a rivalry game, especially when the past eight meetings have been decided by an average of fewer than five points. But the Cyclones will be without Matt Campbell for the first time since 2015, when the program was in the midst of posting three or fewer wins in four consecutive seasons. Another rebuilding season is upon Ames.
OLE MISS (-47.5) over Charlotte
Trinidad Chambliss went 29-for-33 with 333 yards passing in a similar matchup against The Citadel last season, winning 49-0. Charlotte, which just lost to The Citadel, gives the Heisman hopeful a great chance to pad his stats.
Best bets: Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Oregon State.
Season record: 8-7 (2-1 best bets)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Howie Kussoy has long been the New York Post’s main handicapper in college basketball (since 2011) and college football (since 2013).
