Arch Manning’s Heisman Odds Plummet, Texas’ CFP Title Hopes Fade After OSU Loss

• Arch Manning struggles in debut, manages just 170 passing yards in 14-7 loss
• Defending champion Ohio State stuns No. 1 Texas in season opener
• Check out updated Manning Heisman odds and Texas CFP odds after Week 1 upset

Arch Manning’s Heisman Trophy campaign got off to a rocky start Saturday, as the Texas quarterback completed just 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards in a 14-7 loss to Ohio State. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning saw his Heisman odds crash from +600 pregame to as long as +1800 during the contest before settling at +1400 at DraftKings.

The Longhorns entered as the nation’s preseason No. 1 team but couldn’t solve Ohio State’s defense in Columbus. Texas avoided the shutout with a late touchdown pass from Manning to Parker Livingstone, but it wasn’t enough.

Arch Manning Heisman Odds Crash After Rough Debut

Manning finished 17-of-30 for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his first major road start. The sophomore quarterback led Texas with 80 rushing yards on 16 carries but couldn’t consistently move the ball through the air against Ohio State’s elite defense.

His struggles were epitomized on crucial third downs throughout the game. Manning missed a wide-open drag route on third-and-5 late that could have kept a drive alive. He underthrew star receiver Ryan Wingo, who had to reach with one hand to attempt a catch.

Texas managed just 70 total yards in the first half and didn’t score until Manning found Livingstone for a 32-yard touchdown with 3:28 remaining in the game.

The performance really made people wonder if Manning is ready for the spotlight. His Heisman odds fluctuated wildly during the game, reaching +1800 at their lowest point before recovering slightly to +1400 postgame.

Updated Heisman Trophy Odds

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Odds via DraftKings following noon games on Aug. 30. Bet on the Heisman winner with a DraftKings promo code.

LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik now sit as co-favorites at +700. Both quarterbacks have significantly more starting experience than Manning, which aligns with historical Heisman trends.

Only two first-year starters have ever won the Heisman Trophy – Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston – and no one has done it since 2013. Manning’s struggles against elite competition only reinforce why experienced quarterbacks typically dominate this award.

Texas CFP Odds Fade But Playoff Hopes Alive

The Longhorns saw their National Championship odds drift from +750 to +900 at DraftKings following the loss. Ohio State strengthened its position as favorites, moving from +600 to +500 after their defensive masterclass.

Latest National Title Odds

Despite the disappointing loss, Texas’s season is far from over thanks to the expanded 12-team playoff bracket. The Longhorns just faced their toughest test in the most hostile environment they’ll see all year.

They’ll have plenty of chances to right the ship in SEC play. One early loss won’t eliminate them from playoff contention, and they can even afford a conference loss if they handle the rest of their business.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Texas vs OSU Betting Takeaways

Manning showed he can make plays with his legs, but his passing needs major improvement against top defenses. Missing open receivers on crucial third downs won’t cut it at this level. I faded him in my Heisman predictions for a reason, and I don’t recommend him at longshot odds given his inexperience.

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin managed the game perfectly in his first career start, completing 13-of-20 for 126 yards and a touchdown. His Heisman odds improved to +1800, though he’ll need to show more explosive plays to become a serious contender.

With the attention on OSU, Penn State at +700 offers excellent value for the National Championship. The Nittany Lions have an experienced quarterback in Drew Allar and arguably the nation’s best RB tandem in Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. PSU is favored by over 40 points in their opener vs Nevada.

For those with Texas CFP Title tickets, don’t hit the panic button yet. This was Manning’s first road start in a deafening environment against the defending national champions. The talent is there, but growing pains were always likely for a first-year starter. The late touchdown showed he can deliver in pressure moments – he just needs more consistency.