By: Jeff Doke

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations, poised to contend for both the SEC Championship and a national title.

Coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearances and a 13-3 record in 2024, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s fifth season at the helm has the program buzzing with anticipation.

With a talented roster, a favorable SEC schedule, and a new quarterback in Arch Manning, the Longhorns are projected as the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Poll, a testament to their reloaded roster and championship aspirations.

The biggest storyline for 2025 is the ascension of redshirt sophomore Arch Manning to QB1, succeeding Quinn Ewers, drafted this spring by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Manning, a former five-star recruit with a storied football lineage, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions across 10 games, including starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State.

His dual-threat ability—evidenced by 108 rushing yards and four scores—draws comparisons to Texas legend Vince Young.

Coach Sarkisian praises Manning’s work ethic, noting his dedication in the film room and weight room as key to his development. However, with only two starts under his belt, Manning’s ability to handle the pressure of a grueling schedule will be critical.

Behind him, the quarterback depth includes transfer Matthew Caldwell, redshirt freshman Trey Owens, and 4-star freshman KJ Lacey, providing insurance should injuries arise.

Despite losing 12 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including four of five offensive linemen and key defensive starters, Texas has reloaded with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and impactful transfers.

The offensive line, a major question mark, will rely on senior center Cole Hutson to anchor a rebuilt unit. The departure of left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a top-10 NFL Draft pick, leaves big shoes to fill, but Sarkisian remains optimistic about the group’s potential.

At running back, Quintrevion Wisner (1,064 yards in 2024) and CJ Baxter, returning from a torn ACL, form a dynamic duo.

Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo is expected to emerge as Manning’s primary target after a strong freshman campaign.

Defensively, junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (113 tackles, 8.0 sacks in 2024) and senior safety Michael Taaffe (78 tackles, 10 pass breakups) anchor a unit that ranked third nationally in yards allowed (284.3 per game) last season.

Transfers like defensive tackles Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard, along with sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons, bolster a reloaded defensive line.

Texas faces one of the toughest schedules in college football, starting with a blockbuster road game against defending national champion Ohio State on August 30.

A rematch of the 2024 CFP semifinal, where Texas fell 28-14, this game will test Manning’s readiness against an elite Buckeye defense.

Other key matchups include a trip to Georgia on October 18, a revenge game after two losses to the Bulldogs in 2024, and the renewed Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M on November 28.

The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas on October 11 adds further intensity. However, Texas avoids Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, giving them a favorable SEC slate.

Vegas has them at a 9.5 win total, with likely wins against San Jose State, UTEP, Sam Houston, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, and 50/50 games against Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Splitting the Ohio State and Georgia games could position Texas for an 11-1 record and a return to the CFP.

To reach their national title goal, Texas must address 2024’s shortcomings: nine penalties and two turnovers against Ohio State, red zone struggles (scoring under 80%), and too many tackles for loss allowed by the offensive line.

Cleaning up these “little things” will be crucial, as will the development of young talent under pressure. With Manning’s potential, a stout defense, and Sarkisian’s proven leadership, the Longhorns have the pieces to go all the way. Expect Texas to compete for the SEC title and make a deep CFP run, potentially bringing a championship back to Austin for the first time since 2005.

Texas is poised for a 10-2 or 11-1 season, likely dropping one of the Ohio State or Georgia games but dominating their remaining slate. With a favorable SEC draw and elite talent, the Longhorns are set to return to the CFP, with a strong chance to compete for the national championship.