Texas and Ohio State battled in what became an early season classic riddled with future NFL talent. In a rough first half for the Longhorns, Arch Manning looked out of sorts but managed to drop a few dimes that were also dropped by his NFL prospect wide receivers.
Ohio State had the power run game working and pretty much anything in the direction of Jeremiah Smith, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Texas won the battle 24-23 in an important game for the college football polls, and for the players’ NFL projections.
My thoughts on how the pulse on these NFL prospects may have been affected during last nights instant classic.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas 📈
It was a roller coaster game for Manning, but by the end of the night, it was a slight stock improvement. He was under fire early, running himself into several sacks amidst consistent pressure from the Ohio State front. He also unleashed a pair of elite, NFL level throws, both of which were dropped by fellow NFL prospects, one resulting in an interception.
Entering the second half, Texas was down 20-3, but Manning continued to fight through his struggles and ultimately led a 21 point 4th quarter to steal a win in the final moments of the game.
Manning was erratic in the pocket at times and wasn’t perfect as a passer, but to be a top QB in the draft class, he had to show the ice in his veins when he’s facing defeat against top competition – and he did that. Mechanics, pocket presence and understanding defenses can be taught. The ability to keep your cool and orchestrate a 4th quarter comeback can not.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State 📉
Julian Sayin has faced little adversity in his time as the Buckeyes starting QB, dominating the competition alongside his elite supporting cast. Is it unfair that he gets knocked for being on a superior football team? Possibly, but in my eyes, last night, it was justified.
Outside of his 8 completions on 16 targets for 164 yards and 1 TD to Jeremiah Smith (who’s draft stock can go no higher), Julian Sayin was largely disappointing against the talented Texas defense. When targeting other Buckeyes, he completed 9/16 for 114 yards and 1 INT.
As my QB3 entering the season, I have high hopes for Sayin but hold the same reservations as most, listing his company as a huge factor in his ranking and success. He’ll need to prove he can take over a game against all competition to maintain his high projection.
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas 📈
I may be using this article as a “get right” opportunity for my opinion on Trevor Goosby. When I released my top 5 offensive lineman prospects last week, Trevor Goosby was listed as OL4, a surprise to many. My primary reservation is that he doesn’t dominate the competition.
Again, against top competition, he didn’t dominate, but he handled his assignments, play after play, against top competition and in one of the biggest games his Longhorns will play all season.
Goosby is on the rise in my rankings and could be considered within the top 15 of the 2027 NFL draft.
Kenyatta Jackson, EDGE, Ohio State 📈
In a loaded edge class, Kenyatta Jackson is one of the more intriguing prospects to watch in college football this season. He’s a raw talent with outstanding size, speed, strength and athleticism which should help develop his game further this season. He didn’t disappoint against top competition last night.
Jackson made life tough for Arch Manning recording 5 tackles, a sack and tackle for loss. He’s relentless off the edge and is capable of winning now with his motor while he defines his pass rush moves. He also showed the ability to work in space, faking a rush and dropping as a QB spy to keep Manning honest in the pocket.
As my EDGE3, Jackson is unlikely to surpass Colin Simmons or Dylan Stewart in the rankings, but he can certainly move up draft boards. More performances like last night will undoubtedly raise his stock.
Austin Siereveld, G, Ohio State📈
A mountainous figure on the Ohio State offensive line, Austin Siereveld pushed through the interior of Texas’ defense with ease last night. The power run game I referenced in the opening was in large part due to Siereveld’s consistent movement up the middle.
With experience at guard and tackle, the 6’5″, 327 pound Ohio native will certainly be noticed by NFL scouts. The 2027 draft class is stout along the offensive line, and Siereveld could be the finest of the class at guard. Continued success against top opponents could plant him firmly into round 1 consideration.
Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas 📉
My WR5 entering the season, Wingo disappointed me and the Texas Longhorns community as he dropped a would-be touchdown from Arch Manning early in the epic matchup last night.
Wingo is a talented, but raw receiver who is built like a large running back and excels at run after catch. His route running still needs a lot of work, as do his hands, clearly. He’ll have ample opportunities to advance his projections and stock, but in a big moment against Ohio State, he didn’t help himself.
