Arch Manning
Texas Longhorns 2026 Preview
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Entering year three in the SEC, most are becoming comfortable with the Texas Longhorns and the SEC being in the same sentence.
Texas has racked up a 23-6 record as a member of the Southeastern conference the past two seasons, and year three looks to be much more of the same as the Longhorns were picked 4th in the preseason coaches poll.
If there has been a knock against the burnt orange, it’s been the performances when the lights are the brightest.
Last season, two of the three losses came against Georgia in a dominant 35-10 Bulldog victory and a 41-27 shortcoming at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl.
2024 was more of the same. It was a pair of missteps against Georgia that accounted for two of the three losses for the Longhorns.
One of those Georgia matchups was a highly built-up regular season matchup in Austin where the Bulldogs out physical-ed Texas to the tune of 30-15, with the other coming in the SEC Championship with Georgia edging the Longhorns 22-19 on a late Gunnar Stockton touchdown.
2024 was a magical season for Texas with the run to the Cotton Bowl in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff and the folks in Austin are hoping (and expecting) a repeat of that in 2026.
The name Arch Manning has been talked about in the lone-star state since what feels like Texas was still in the SouthWEST Conference, but the now fourth-year quarterback is poised to take the next step leading the Longhorns.
Manning has racked up a 12-3 record as the starter for Texas with over 4,100 yards through the air and 49 total touchdowns.
There has been so much scrutiny on Manning (some because of the name, some because of what he did in his high school career) but most of that has been from the national media.
Locally in Austin, it’s been the trajectory that was expected from the now junior. Manning played two games in his true freshman season then split time with Quinn Ewers in 2024 as the redshirt freshman. Last year took over in a hugely productive season, now looks to take the next step into dominance under center.
Much of the excitement heading into the season revolves around some key transfers, especially on the offensive side of the ball. In the backfield along Manning will be NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers. Smothers averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2 years with the Wolfpack and was one of the most heralded transfers in the class.
The receiver’s room has been retooled with the addition of Sterlig Berkhalter from Wake Forest, and Emmett Mosley from Stanford along with the premier transfer Cam Coleman from Auburn.
All that talent couples with 2nd team All-SEC wide-out Ryan Wingo returning.
On the defensive side, the biggest addition may be one wearing a headset as Steve Sarkisian hired longtime defensive guru Will Muschamp as the defensive coordinator.
The former head coach at South Carolina and Florida has spent the past five years as various positions on staff for Georgia returns to Austin after leading some of the toughest Texas defenses from 2008-2010.
Sixth year head coach Steve Sarkisian has rebuilt the Texas football brand into a national power and looks to take the next step this season and reach the pinnacle of college football.
There is a lot of buzz around this Texas program and well warranted. The Longhorns have quickly become a perennial pick to be in Atlanta the first weekend of December for the SEC Championship (while it still exists), but that just scratches the surface of what could be coming home to Bevo this year in Austin.
Hook Em Horns
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.
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