QBs HIGHLIGHT MUST-SEE COLLEGE MATCHUP

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

There are few spectacles in sports that can match the pageantry of college football. From tailgating for hours prior to kickoff to lively mascots and raucous students, it is pure, unadulterated beauty in sports form. It is finally back. After a thrilling slate of Week 0 games, Week 1 promises to take things up a notch.

And oh boy, do we have a doozy of a matchup right out of the gate. In a rematch of a College Football Playoff semifinal clash, the Texas Longhorns hit the road to open their season against the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

On paper, this has the potential to be one of, if not the best game of the 2025 season. Leading the way for the Longhorns will be none other than Arch Manning. He’ll be doing so with plenty of hype surrounding him, too. However, all it takes is one look at the tape to see why. Combining an absolute cannon of an arm with an ability to gash foes on the ground, he’ll look to silence the hostile Ohio State crowd early. That won’t be easy, though, as one of the nation’s premier defenses will line up to stop him.

They won’t be the only ones trying to prevent Manning and the Longhorns from leaving Columbus with a win, however. Also standing in their way will be Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin. One of the most exciting prospects in recent history, Sayin will have his work cut out for him in his first career start. Nothing says welcome to college football like a battle against what could be one of the best defenses in the sport.

This game also features implications for the College Football Playoff. While a loss won’t knock either team out of the running, picking up a massive signature win in Week 1 will go a long way toward the ultimate goal.

This will be an exciting contest between two highly touted quarterbacks and their stable of elite playmakers. Fortunately for you, you can also head over to our Panini webstore and add Panini Instant cards of both Manning and Sayin to your collection!

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