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Preseason No. 1 Texas wasn’t in a position to break by way of in an enormous early check towards No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, shedding 14-7 in a defensive slugfest. The Longhorns hoped to make an announcement on the street, however the Buckeyes’ protection persistently stored Texas quarterback Arch Manning off steadiness in his first full-time begin.
Ohio State repeatedly stymied Texas, together with two important fourth-down stops contained in the 10-yard line and an interception on one in every of Manning’s few deep throws. The Buckeyes demonstrated that, even with a retooled roster, they continue to be a high contender, leaving Texas to regroup after a tightly contested opener.
Regardless of the rocky begin, it is solely Week 1. There isn’t any want to leap to sweeping conclusions simply but. No person’s season is completed already. How shortly Manning and the offense bounce again — bettering timing, execution and total consistency — will decide whether or not the Longhorns can reclaim their place among the many nationwide championship contenders in a season nonetheless full of high-stakes alternatives.
What’s subsequent for Texas?
Texas’ path ahead will not get any simpler after stumbling out of the gate. The Longhorns return to Austin subsequent week for a three-game homestand towards Group of Six opponents San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston State — all probabilities for Manning and the offense to regain rhythm and confidence earlier than SEC play ramps up.
October brings more durable checks: a street journey to Florida adopted by a fast turnaround for the Crimson River Rivalry towards Oklahoma. How effectively Sarkisian and Co. right the miscues that plagued them towards Ohio State will decide whether or not these video games function a springboard again into the nationwide title dialog or one other setback that places Texas’ CFP hopes in jeopardy.
4 of the following 5 video games after the Crimson River showdown are towards groups projected close to the underside of the SEC within the preseason media ballot — at Kentucky, at Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas — however the stretch additionally features a Nov. 15 journey to Georgia, a marquee conflict that might outline the Longhorns’ season.
The common season concludes with the Black Friday matchup towards Texas A&M, a sport that might finally resolve the Longhorns’ playoff destiny relying on what number of blemishes Texas carries into it.
How does the Longhorns’ loss reshape their School Soccer Playoff path?
Texas entered 2025 ranked No. 1 within the preseason polls, with Manning main a roster favored to win the nationwide championship, however the opener at Ohio State was all the time going to be an early litmus check. Regardless of the loss, the season is simply starting. Falling to the No. 3-ranked Buckeyes will not robotically derail Texas’ CFP hopes, although the margin for error has narrowed.
Relying on how the SEC standings shake out, Texas might lose as much as two convention video games and nonetheless attain the SEC Championship Sport, preserving a path to an computerized CFP bid — although a one-loss league file stays the most secure route.
The style of the defeat Saturday in Columbus additionally issues: a Texas offense that struggled to maintain drives and capitalize within the purple zone will draw scrutiny, making every upcoming efficiency towards top-ranked opponents more and more vital.
Robust showings in marquee matchups, notably towards fellow SEC powerhouses, might reinforce Texas’ nationwide title credentials, whereas further miscues would make the playoff climb steeper. Finally, the Longhorns’ potential to reply beneath the added strain now and show improved effectivity on offense will decide whether or not they can rebound and keep on monitor for the School Soccer Playoff or face a tougher climb to reclaim championship contender standing.
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