Texas Longhorns football has entered a promising phase, achieving consecutive NCAA College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearances and securing 25 victories over the past two seasons. This level of success hasn’t been seen since the days of Colt McCoy under coach Mack Brown nearly 15 years ago, signaling that the Longhorns have indeed made a significant resurgence in college football.
However, following a 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, Texas faces a crucial challenge as they aim for their first national championship since 2005: finding a new quarterback. Enter Arch Manning, the highly-touted recruit from the Class of 2023, whose dynamic playing style could be the key to unlocking Texas’s potential. Manning’s unique skill set may be particularly valuable as the team transitions through a rebuilding phase on the offensive line, where they could lose several starters to the NFL Draft.
Coach Steve Sarkisian, entering his fifth season, has several critical decisions to make. Although the Longhorns enjoyed success in 2024—finishing with a 13-3 record and reaching the SEC Championship Game—they struggled to secure victories against top-10 ranked teams. Their most significant wins came against No. 12 Arizona State and No. 16 Clemson, but they must prove they can compete with elite opponents to truly establish themselves among college football’s elite.
The upcoming 2025 season opens with a rematch against Ohio State, a matchup that will showcase the talents of Manning and test the Longhorns’ readiness for higher competition. Transitioning from Quinn Ewers—a steady and reliable quarterback—to Manning may present risks, but the potential rewards are too significant to overlook. The Longhorns must seize the moment; Manning is draft-eligible in 2026, and this could be the decisive year for Texas football if they wish to capitalize on his talents.
On the defensive side, Texas faces losses, including standout defensive backs Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba, who each intercepted five passes last season. Yet there is optimism as the Longhorns have promising players like sophomore Colin Simmons and junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. who are expected to shine.
Offensively, Texas is well-positioned with returning talent, including promising wide receivers and a deep running back pool, suggesting that the foundation for a successful season is in place. The anticipated return of key players, along with a strong incoming recruiting class, gives the Longhorns a balanced roster capable of making a strong push towards their championship aspirations.
The landscape of the SEC isn’t as daunting as it might seem either, with several opponents struggling in the previous season. If Texas navigates the potential hiccups of Manning’s first year as a starter effectively, they could emerge stronger.
Overall, with a favorable schedule ahead and a top-tier recruiting class joining the mix, the Texas Longhorns have reason to be optimistic about their future. Embracing Arch Manning and nurturing his growth could indeed lead them back to championship contention and potentially set the stage for yet another Heisman Trophy winner for the storied program.