This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. I'm not sure if you've heard, but there's a college football game in Austin, Texas, this weekend: No. 1 Ohio State will take on No. 4 Texas in a showcase of two blue-blood juggernauts. This is now the third consecutive season Texas has faced Ohio State -- and it lost the first two meetings.
Hoping to remedy that, the Horns paid a pretty penny for a roster that blends experience with elite skill at every position. In that way, many similarities match the 2024 Ohio State team that won the national championship. Now, as our own Shehan Jeyarajah explains, it's time for Steve Sarkisian to deliver on all the hype.
All eyes will be on Arch Manning Saturday as he tries to redeem himself following a bad outing in Columbus last year. Our own Matt Zenitz spoke to NFL scouts about Manning's development, and one gave a very blunt review of the tape. "If you watch the Ohio State game (last year), he looked terrible and looked scared and timid but then towards the end of the year, he started playing better." All that said, Manning lands comfortably inside the top 10 of our CFB QB Power Rankings.
Of course, he is one spot behind Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin. (Side note: How about UMass QB Pop Watson cracking the top 15!) As if you needed another reason to watch this game, the updated CBS Sports 138 was just released, with Texas and Ohio State occupying the top two spots. Who is the best quarterback in the NFL entering the 2026 season? It's a good question -- especially since reigning MVP Matthew Stafford is 38 years old and Patrick Mahomes is recovering from two torn ligaments in his knee.
Our own Garrett Podell tried his hand at ranking all 32 starters in our Week 1 NFL QB Power Rankings, and there were some tough calls at the top. For now, Stafford maintains his spot atop the league, but it's interesting that Mahomes remains above Josh Allen despite a disappointing 2025 campaign in Kansas City. If Allen ever wants to take the crown, he'll have to deliver when it matters most.
Here's a very quick look at the complete rankings: 16. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers 18. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers 19.
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