Whatever the take on Arch Manning, he’ll be the toughest test Oklahoma has had yet

No one is questioning that the Oklahoma Sooners have a great defense, but the only asterisk so far would be that the unit hasn’t faced a good offense yet that didn’t have its quarterback’s head already on a platter.

The No. 6 Sooners on Saturday play unranked Texas, which is led by preseason Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning, who has yet to even sniff the preposterous expectations set for him over the offseason. No matter your take on Manning, though, he’ll be the best quarterback in the best situation the Sooners have had to stop so far this season.

Sooners get preseason Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning in Red River Rivalry

Entering Week 7, the Sooners are second in the country in passing defense and passing touchdowns allowed, with Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold’s two-yard connection with Cam Coleman being the only score through the air OU has given up this season. The Sooners have also pressured opposing quarterbacks at an elite level with 4.2 sacks a game, which leads all of FBS and was bolstered after sacking Arnold a program record-tying nine times in the SEC opener.

Arnold, at least at the highest level of college football, was the most experienced QB the Sooners have faced so far after also starting 10 games for OU before transferring. OU fans know especially, though, the struggles Arnold has finding receivers downfield and holding onto the ball too long, which the Sooners took advantage of and ultimately won them the game.

Michigan’s Bryce Underwood was the most talented QB the Sooners have had to plan for so far. Underwood has emerged as one of the better players in the Big Ten recently, but the Sooners got Underwood when he was most vulnerable, making his first career road start as a true freshman Week 2. And again, OU’s defense exploited the circumstances.

It could be argued that Manning, although suffering the consequences of unreachable expectations and a horrible offensive line, is more talented than both the aforementioned quarterbacks and at least has more experience than Underwood while being in a neutral setting compared to Underwood getting OU in Norman.

Manning has more passing yards and touchdowns than both, and has also been more efficient. He also has the ability to run like Arnold and Underwood, but is not as reliant on his legs as Arnold.

A preseason of hype and a lackluster first game have overshadowed what Manning really is in 2025: a good starting quarterback at the Power Four level. He’s competed 60% of his passes for 1,115 yards and 11 TDs with five interceptions. He’s also rushed for five more scores.

Manning will also take on the Sooners in the best environment. Arnold and Underwood went into Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with Arnold having the added pressure of it being the return to his old school and Underwood making his first road start. For Manning on Saturday afternoon, Cotton Bowl Stadium will be split right down the middle.

This is not all to say the Sooners’ defense will be outdone by Manning on Saturday, but for the first time this season, a Power Four quarterback will finally get to challenge OU's defense in a fair fight. The only problem for Manning is the Sooners still hit harder.