The road to a national title runs straight through Austin, and Texas is making no secret of its target: win it all. After last season’s bitter ending against eventual champion Ohio State, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his 2025 Longhorns enter the year with one goal — nothing less than a championship.
Quarterback and leadership
With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL as a Miami Dolphin, the starting job and the offense’s fate rest squarely on Arch Manning. Manning’s combination of mobility, accurate downfield throws and natural leadership creates legitimate upside for this offense. Though his snaps were limited last season, the experience he gained in game situations has observers optimistic. Some NFL scouts reportedly see him as having NFL-level potential comparable in projection to past Manning family success.
Early tests will matter: a high-profile nonconference matchup with defending champion Ohio State looms as an immediate measuring stick for Manning’s decision-making and pocket presence under pressure.
Offensive identity
Sarkisian’s offense is attack-oriented and built on balance. Expect an even mix of run and pass, with heavy use of RPOs, play-action concepts that stretch the field vertically, and designed quarterback runs to keep defenses honest. Outside-zone rushing concepts should capitalize on the backfield’s speed and vision, while an emphasis on halftime adjustments and third-quarter efficiency could make this unit especially dangerous late in games.
Running back rotation
Texas enters the season with a three-headed rushing group that provides complementary skills:
– Quintrevion Wisner: an every-down back with strong vision and reliable receiving ability.
– CJ Baxter: a shifty runner who consistently produces mid-range gains.
– Jerrick Gibson: the explosive change-of-pace runner with the quickness to break long plays.
Depth and complementary styles among these three give Texas balance and unpredictability on the ground.
Receiving corps and targets
The Longhorns boast one of the country’s deeper and more complete receiving rooms:
– Ryan Wingo: a true vertical threat with size and speed.
– Kaliq Lockett: an incoming playmaker noted for body control and contested-catch ability.
– DeAndre Moore Jr.: a physical red-zone weapon with strong hands.
– Emmett Mosley: the dependable possession receiver who helps sustain drives.
If Manning and this group develop chemistry early, SEC secondaries will have to account for every level of the field.
Offensive line — the engine
Texas’s offense will hinge on its offensive line, which features four new starters and is expected to be anchored by left tackle Trevor Goosby. Goosby’s ability to protect the blindside and open lanes will be vital. Sarkisian’s staff emphasizes technique and communication; if the line gels after early growing pains, the unit can sustain a high-powered attack that controls tempo and protects the quarterback.
Projection and what to watch
The projection here is aggressive: last season’s 34.5 points per game could jump into the mid-40s with Manning leading the offense and the line holding up — a mark that would place Texas among the SEC’s top scoring teams and in CFP contention. Realistically, anything less than consistent elite QB play or protection could turn a potential championship run into a frustrating near-miss; in Austin even a 10–2 record could be labeled a disappointment.
Keys to the season
– Arch Manning’s growth in early high-pressure games (especially vs. Ohio State).
– Offensive-line continuity and run-game effectiveness.
– Third-quarter starts and halftime adjustments.
– Health and chemistry between Manning and the receiving corps.
Commentary and context
Texas enters 2025 with clear top-end talent and a coach who calls aggressively to score points. The combination of a promising young quarterback, multiple complementary backs and a deep receiving room creates a foundation for sustained success. The most important logical variable is offensive-line play: a strong OL enables the passing game, maximizes RPO and play-action efficiency, and keeps a mobile QB like Manning upright to use his full skill set.
Summary (short)
Texas arrives in 2025 with national-title expectations. Arch Manning takes over the offense after Quinn Ewers’ move to the NFL, supported by a balanced system from Steve Sarkisian, a versatile three-back rotation, and a deep receiving corps. Offensive-line cohesion and Manning’s early performance — notably in a marquee matchup with Ohio State — will determine whether the Longhorns can turn potential into a championship run.
Additional suggestions for the published piece
– Add an embedded or side-by-side stat graphic comparing returning offensive production and projected targets for Manning.
– Include a “Key Games to Watch” list (Ohio State nonconference, major SEC matchups, late-season rivalry) with brief reasons why each is pivotal.
– Track three early-season metrics in follow-up pieces: third-quarter points per game, sack rate allowed, and Manning’s turnover rate. These will indicate whether the preseason projection is on track.
– Consider an interview excerpt or short Q&A with offensive-line coaches or position coaches on how they plan to accelerate chemistry among new starters.
Hopeful spin
The Longhorns combine top-tier talent, an aggressive offensive philosophy and a franchise quarterback entering his first full season as the signal-caller. If development continues and the line finds cohesion, Texas has the tools not only to compete in the SEC but to make a sustained run at the College Football Playoff — and potentially bring a national championship back to Austin. Hook ’em.