## Archmania Begins: Finebaum Predicts Texas Upset Over Ohio State

College football's Week 1 slate is stacked with heavyweight matchups, but all eyes will be on Columbus when the No. 1 Texas Longhorns take on the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes on August 30th. The game, airing at noon ET on Fox, has already drawn ESPN's "College GameDay" for Lee Corso's farewell episode, cementing its status as a season opener for the ages.

But amidst the hype surrounding Arch Manning's arrival in Austin, pundits are divided. While Ohio State is favored by most sportsbooks, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum is boldly predicting a Texas victory, setting the stage for "Archmania."

"He is going to win that first game (against Ohio State) on the biggest stage in college football this year," Finebaum declared during an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up."

Finebaum isn't alone in his confidence. He echoed this sentiment in July, stating:  “The experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark’s system is what’s going to get them over the top and probably — well, not probably — definitely beat Ohio State in the opener.”

Ohio State, under Ryan Day's leadership, triumphed over Texas last season in the College Football Playoff Semifinals, crushing Quinn Ewers-led Longhorns 28-14. This year, despite Texas holding the edge in the preseason Coaches poll, most sportsbooks list Texas as a 2.5-point road underdog.

Finebaum believes this will be different. He predicts that Manning's experience and Steve Sarkisian's coaching will propel Texas to victory, sparking a nationwide frenzy.  “It’s going to go Archmania; it’s going to transcend the sport of college football,” Finebaum asserted.


This echoes the excitement surrounding Colorado last year under Deion Sanders. The Buffs' stunning upset over TCU in their season opener ignited national attention and captured the hearts of fans nationwide. Manning has a similar opportunity to become a cultural phenomenon, offering an alternative narrative in a world often focused on established powers.

Manning is already generating buzz, earning spots on multiple preseason award watchlists, including the Walter Camp National Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and Sporting News' Preseason All-America Team. He even boasts +700 odds to win the Heisman Trophy (FanDuel).

The road ahead won't be easy for Texas. Beyond Ohio State, they face a gauntlet of tough opponents, including Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and potentially an SEC Championship appearance. But if Finebaum is right, this season will be about Arch Manning. It's about the rise of Texas. It's about "Archmania."


 


## Archmania Begins: Finebaum Predicts Texas Upset Over Ohio State

College football's Week 1 slate is stacked with heavyweight matchups, but all eyes will be o

Paul Finebaum Predicts College Football Upset to Open the Se

Paul Finebaum Predicts College Football Upset to Open the Season

## The Price of Fame: Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith Can't Even Go Shopping

**Nationally-recognized Buckeye struggles with everyday life amidst championship success.**

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a key player in the Ohio State Buckeyes' recent dominance, leading them to victory in the 2024-25 National Championship. The Florida native has become one of the most recognizable faces on campus, but that fame comes at a cost.  


**Everyday Life Takes a Backseat**

In a video posted by Columbus news anchor Adam King, Smith candidly expressed the challenges of being a star athlete. "It be kind of hard...I like to go places and go out, so, like Target and like shop and stuff, but I know, being here I can't really do that," he confessed.

The sophomore continued, "It's been pretty hard for me cuz like I said I like to go out and shop like that, I've been doing that since I was a little kid, I like to go out with my friends, every time they wanted to go out to the grocery store I always go."


He added, “I like to go places and go out shopping and stuff but I know being here I can't really do that.”

**A Star on and off the Field**

Smith is projected as a top five NFL draft pick and a Heisman Trophy contender this season. With two former five-star quarterbacks competing for the starting spot, Tavien St. Clair and Julian Sayin, Smith is poised for another remarkable year. 

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver's blazing speed and athleticism have drawn comparisons to legendary NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Jerry Rice, and Julio Jones.  

**Buckeyes Face a Tough Start**

Ohio State kicks off their season against the Texas Longhorns in a highly anticipated matchup at the Horseshoe on August 30, 2025.





## The Price of Fame: Ohio State Star Jeremiah Smith Can't Even Go Shopping

**Nationally-recognized Buckeye struggles with everyday life amidst championship su

#Ohio state buckeyes

Paul Finebaum Predicts College Football Upset to Open the Season

Jeremiah Smith Bemoans Hidden Downside of Life in Columbus With Ohio State Buckeyes