Texas longs for success in college football, having reached consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals and recorded an impressive 25 wins over the last two seasons. To find a better period in the program’s history, one would need to recall the era of Colt McCoy under coach Mack Brown more than 15 years ago, showcasing that Texas has indeed made a notable comeback.
However, following their 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, Texas is tasked with re-evaluating their quarterback situation as they aim for their first national championship since 2005. Enter freshman quarterback Arch Manning, a standout from the Class of 2023, whose dynamic playmaking abilities could be key to unleashing Texas’s full potential on the field.
Manning’s style has the potential to mask some team shortcomings, similar to the game-changing ability of Vince Young during Texas’ last championship-winning season. His agility may be particularly crucial as the Longhorns face a significant overhaul of their offensive line in 2025, potentially losing multiple starters to the NFL draft. The critical decision ahead for coach Steve Sarkisian will center on whether to transition from Quinn Ewers, who has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Texas football, to Manning, whose star potential cannot be ignored.
While Texas made considerable strides in the 2024 season, notably finishing with a 13-3 record and competing in the SEC Championship Game, they struggled against elite teams. A significant challenge awaits as they prepare to kick off the 2025 season against Ohio State, which will serve as an early litmus test for the Longhorns’ ability to compete at the highest level.
In addition to quarterback concerns, Texas faces defensive challenges with the anticipated departure of key players like defensive backs Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba, both instrumental in transforming the team’s pass defense last season. Despite these losses, Texas’s defensive front appears poised for success, bolstered by standout players like sophomore Colin Simmons and junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
Offensively, while there may be uncertainty regarding the future of various players, including projected early-round draft picks Kelvin Banks Jr. and Cameron Williams, there is still a wealth of talent remaining. Receivers such as Matthew Golden and promising backs like CJ Baxter could provide the Texas offense a substantial boost.
Looking ahead, Texas is welcoming the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, continuing their trend of strong recruiting efforts. With a manageable schedule in 2025 and the potential of Manning leading the charge, Texas has a realistic chance to ascend to greatness once more. If they capitalize on this opportunity, they could reunite with the Heisman Trophy and reclaim their status among college football’s elite.
In summary, Texas’s future looks promising, but it hinges on their ability to harness both the talent already in place and the incoming recruits to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.