Arch Manning may have just become a sitting duck in the wake of Texas left tackle Trevor Goosby's injury. Goosby was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his knee, and while he should be back in uniform by Week 2, there are still plenty of questions about the marquee matchup with Ohio State in Austin.
Of course, the Buckeyes' EDGE room's mentality towards the matchup probably didn't shift much. The goal was always to put Manning on his back as violently as possible. Ohio State's confidence level almost certainly went up in the wake of this news, though.
PFF grades Goosby as one of the biggest difference-makers in the sport. In 2025, Goosby had an 84.2 overall grade, 83.6 run-blocking grade, and 79.7 pass-blocking grade. Manning has taken three sacks in 615 snaps behind Goosby. Goosby and Melvin Siani gave up just six QB hits total in 1,706 snaps last season. Every stat reflects Goosby being one of the best overall blockers in the country and a surefire NFL draft prospect.
In Week 2, at best for the Longhorns, he'll be at less than 100%. Blood is in the water, and Ohio State's sharks need to exploit it.
Ohio State's EDGE room must have star-making showings against Texas
It's one thing to have the advantage over a Longhorns offensive line that may need to get a few more rotational pieces ready in the next few weeks. It's another for the Buckeyes to do something about it. After all, there's always been hype for guys like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. There hasn't always been an adequate return on that hype.
Jackson, Beau Atkinson, and Qua Russaw have a great chance to take advantage of Jordan Coleman or Andre Cojoe if they are forced into taking snaps. Even a diminished Goosby is an opportunity to get into the backfield.
By all reports from fall camp, Jackson and Atkinson look like risers this season. Week 2 could be a launch point for the talented duo.
OSU's CFP chances dramatically increase with Trevor Goosby injury
Not only did Week 2 become a much less difficult matchup with Goosby suffering an injury, but Ohio State now has less to worry about when it comes to the Longhorns' CFP chances. Texas may have issues beyond Week 2 now if Goosby's not fully healthy moving forward. The Longhorns get Tennessee on Rocky Top in September, then the Red River Rivalry on October 10.
If Goosby is not 100% for all those games, you wonder if Texas will have staying power to last until the CFP field is selected. With how difficult the Buckeyes' schedule is, having a contender fall off would help lighten the load.
Ohio State can help its own cause by heading down to DKR Stadium and making a statement in Week 2. We'll see if the EDGE room can help take advantage of the golden opportunity in front of them against a diminished Longhorns offensive line.
Punishing Manning in front of a national audience would do wonders for the Buckeyes' reputation with the CFP selection committee.
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