Texas’ Arch Manning putting a ‘red dot’ on every opponent

No. 1 Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning wasn’t shy when talking to reporters on Monday about his upcoming season. 

Manning was asked by a reporter if he was mentally prepared to have an “X” on his back all season long during his first year as the Longhorns’ starter.

Manning said the mark came with territory, but the team is putting a “red dot” on each of their opponents.

“I think that’s always at Texas, and I think we kind of try to shift the narrative that we’re going for everyone else,” Manning said via Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic. “The target’s not on our back. We’ve got a red dot on everyone else.”

That means the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes have the first red dot on them ahead of their matchup with Texas on Saturday. The Buckeyes knocked off Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal in January. Saturday’s game could determine seeding and standing for the upcoming playoff.

Manning said playing challenging opponents like Ohio State was why he went to school in Austin.

“I’m excited for this challenge, it’s going to be a big one,” Manning said. “Open up with the reigning champ, so what more could you ask for? That’s why you come to Texas.”

Manning appeared poised in his press conference, something he’s going to need on Saturday when Texas plays in front of a hostile crowd at Ohio Stadium. His confidence will be key for Texas to hit its first target of a promising season.