Heisman hopefuls Manning and Sayin to face off when No. 1 Ohio State meets No. 4 Texas in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — On Saturday, two top quarterbacks, Arch Manning from Ohio State and Julian Sayin from Texas, will face off again in a rematch that could greatly influence their Heisman Trophy campaigns and their respective teams' seasons. This encounter comes just a year after both players suffered rocky starts in their respective seasons.

Manning, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State quarterback, had a slow start in his freshman season, getting tormented by Ohio State's defense. His struggles led many to question his potential as a top draft pick. However, he has since matured and evolved into a more reliable passer, earning himself a spot among the Heisman finalists. Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledges Manning's improvement, noting that the quarterback has put in the necessary work to enhance his game.

Sayin, on the other hand, started his career as a five-star recruit but didn't initially capture the spotlight. He progressed from being a game manager to becoming a key leader for the Buckeyes, helping them reach the College Football Playoff. Sayin's performance in the 2025 season was stellar, with 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions.

His completion rate ranked third in NCAA history, earning him the prestigious Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award. Sayin is among the Heisman contenders this year, sharing the attention with Manning despite his lack of a star status going into the matchup.

The upcoming game between Ohio State and Texas is expected to showcase high-level quarterback play, with both players exuding confidence and presence in the pocket. The clash between Manning and Sayin is anticipated to set the narrative for the remainder of the season, with both players and their teams vying for success in the Heisman race and their respective campaigns.