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Manning's Heisman Hope: Win or Lose vs. Ohio State?
12 Sep
Summary
- Arch Manning could lose Heisman chances with a bad game.
- A Week 2 loss to Ohio State could significantly harm Manning's bid.
- Receivers like Jeremiah Smith are also strong Heisman contenders.
The highly anticipated Week 2 matchup between Ohio State and Texas on September 12th, 2026, presents a critical juncture for Texas quarterback Arch Manning's Heisman Trophy hopes. Experts on the "College Football Unfiltered" podcast suggest that while no candidate can secure the Heisman in this early-season game, a significant loss to Ohio State, especially with a poor individual performance, could derail Manning's chances.
This sentiment is echoed by comparisons to past Heisman races where early struggles impacted candidates. A strong showing against the Buckeyes, however, could solidify Manning's frontrunner status. The game also features other potential Heisman candidates, including Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin. While Smith is considered a strong contender, the award historically favors quarterbacks, giving Manning an edge in name recognition.
