Texas quarterback Arch Manning started his 2026 season passing for 305 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 59-7 win over Texas State, but his first scare happened before the game even started.
Manning addressed his viral pregame stumble on Monday after going down during Texas’ smoke-filled entrance Saturday. Manning tripped and stumbled through the smoke while running onto the field. He got back up without an issue and avoided an injury.
“It was definitely a little bit of a shock,” Manning said. “I was definitely thrown off. It’s hard to see in that smoke. It’s a little deceiving. It was good to get my first hit before the game started and get ready to roll.”
The unexpected fall ultimately had no apparent effect on Manning once the game began.
The returning starter completed his afternoon with more than 300 passing yards for the sixth time in his career, while matching a career-high four touchdowns and tossing just one interception.
Manning’s performance also marked a promising start to his season, coming off throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions last year, while adding 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Texas now moves into a considerably tougher test against No. 1 Ohio State. Manning struggled when the programs met last season, throwing for 170 yards as the Longhorns suffered a 14-7 loss in Columbus.
ALSO SEE: SMU vs. Florida State Prediction and Game Preview
No. 5 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Austin.
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