The Week 2 matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the San Jose State Spartans brings together two programs coming off disappointing season openers, each with something to prove as they attempt to establish momentum in the 2025 college football season. For Texas, the stakes are even higher, as the No. 7 ranked Longhorns entered the year with College Football Playoff expectations, only to stumble in their opener against Ohio State in a shocking 14-7 defeat. Despite outgaining the Buckeyes in total yardage, the Longhorns struggled offensively, unable to capitalize on their opportunities, which left fans and analysts questioning their offensive identity. Meanwhile, San Jose State enters Austin fresh off a narrow 16-14 loss to Central Michigan, a game where the Spartans rallied late but ultimately came up short. Both programs now see Week 2 as a chance to correct mistakes, build confidence, and set the tone for the long grind ahead.
For Texas, all eyes will naturally fall on Arch Manning, the star quarterback who carries both the family legacy and the lofty expectations of a fanbase desperate to return to national prominence. Manning’s performance against Ohio State was not disastrous statistically, but the offense simply failed to finish drives, and much of the blame landed on his shoulders. Texas coaches and players have voiced confidence in their quarterback, emphasizing his leadership, poise, and ability to bounce back. Against San Jose State, Manning will have an opportunity to reset the tone of the season. Surrounded by young offensive weapons, he will look to establish rhythm and chemistry with wide receivers Ryan Wingo and Deandre Moore Jr., both of whom are expected to play larger roles in this contest. Wingo’s size and route-running ability combined with Moore’s explosiveness offer Texas a dynamic duo on the outside, while the offensive line will need to improve significantly after being pushed around at times in Columbus. The projected starters up front include Trevor Goosby at left tackle and Connor Robertson at right guard, both of whom will be tasked with stabilizing the trenches and giving Manning the time he needs to execute.
The Texas running game will also be under the microscope. With Quintrevion Wisner projected as the lead back, the Longhorns will try to re-establish balance, something that eluded them in Week 1. Wisner’s ability to hit holes decisively and gain tough yards between the tackles will be critical, as San Jose State is not known for defensive dominance up front. A strong running performance would not only take pressure off Manning but also open up play-action opportunities that could allow Texas to stretch the field. Complementary backs may also see snaps as the staff looks to spread the workload and keep players fresh for the grueling conference schedule ahead.
On the defensive side of the ball, Texas is still very much a force, and Week 1 highlighted that even in defeat. Holding Ohio State to just 14 points is no small feat, and much of that credit goes to linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who anchors the front seven with both athleticism and football IQ. Hill’s ability to diagnose plays and make sideline-to-sideline tackles sets the tone for the entire defense. Alongside him, the defensive front has shown flashes of dominance, though the expectation is to translate those moments into four consistent quarters of play. The secondary also figures to play a crucial role, with cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau and safety Michael Taaffe tasked with containing San Jose State’s passing game. Taaffe’s leadership and Guilbeau’s coverage skills will be pivotal in eliminating big plays, which could be one of the Spartans’ only realistic chances of keeping this matchup close.
For San Jose State, the challenge is monumental. Coming into a hostile environment against a top-10 program, the Spartans know they will need to play their best game of the season just to remain competitive. Quarterback Walker Eget is projected to lead the offense, and his ability to distribute the ball efficiently will determine how much success the Spartans can generate. The offense is expected to lean heavily on the passing game, with wide receiver Sanny Scudero serving as the primary target. Scudero’s quickness and reliability make him a potential problem for the Texas secondary if Eget can find enough time to deliver accurate throws. The running game, however, remains a glaring weakness for San Jose State, as they lack a proven back capable of consistently producing against elite defensive fronts. That deficiency forces them into a more one-dimensional approach, something that could spell trouble against a defense as physical and disciplined as Texas.
Defensively, San Jose State’s strength lies in a few individual standouts, particularly on the defensive line and at linebacker. Defensive tackle Gafa Faga is expected to be the centerpiece of the front, providing both size and power in an effort to disrupt the Texas running game. Alongside him, linebackers Noah McNeal-Franklin and Taniela Latu bring energy and physicality, though they will face the daunting task of slowing down a far more athletic Texas offense. The Spartans’ defensive unit overall will need to play beyond its usual standard, with disciplined tackling and opportunistic turnovers serving as the only real chance to keep Texas within reach. A defensive score or momentum-changing play may be necessary if San Jose State is to avoid being overwhelmed.
Special teams could also play a role in this contest, particularly if San Jose State hopes to keep things close for any length of time. Denis Lynch is expected to handle kicking duties for the Spartans, and his accuracy will be important if the offense stalls in the red zone. For Texas, punter Michael Kern will be called upon to flip field position when drives stall, though the Longhorns ideally hope to minimize his workload by finishing drives with touchdowns. Special teams can often tilt the momentum in games featuring uneven matchups, and while Texas has the talent advantage across the board, mistakes in the kicking game can keep underdogs hanging around longer than expected.
The broader context of this game highlights two very different trajectories. Texas is playing with national title aspirations, aiming to shake off a season-opening stumble and get back on track before their conference schedule intensifies. Every snap matters for the Longhorns, as they must prove not only to pollsters but also to themselves that the Ohio State loss was more of a wake-up call than an indictment of their potential. Arch Manning, perhaps more than any other player in college football this season, is under the microscope every week, and his performance against San Jose State will be closely scrutinized for signs of growth and command.
San Jose State, meanwhile, enters with more modest goals, understanding that their season will not be defined by what happens in Austin. Instead, they view this game as an opportunity to test themselves against one of the nation’s best, a chance to gain experience and build confidence heading into their Mountain West schedule. For the Spartans, keeping the game competitive into the second half would be considered a moral victory, something they can build on moving forward. Still, the players and coaches will approach this matchup with the intent to shock the world, embracing the underdog mentality and hoping to catch Texas off guard.
Ultimately, this Week 2 clash looks on paper like a game heavily tilted in Texas’ favor, but college football has always been a sport filled with unpredictability. If the Longhorns come out flat, fail to execute offensively, or turn the ball over, San Jose State has just enough playmakers to make things uncomfortable. However, if Arch Manning and his offense find their rhythm early, supported by a dominant defensive performance led by Anthony Hill Jr., the result could quickly become lopsided. Texas fans will be looking for more than just a win; they want a statement that their team remains one of the elite in college football, capable of rebounding from adversity and pushing toward a championship run.
The projected lineups highlight the contrast between the two programs—Texas with blue-chip talent across the board and San Jose State piecing together competitiveness through grit and determination. As kickoff approaches at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the atmosphere will be electric, with Longhorn fans eager to see their team bounce back in convincing fashion. For San Jose State, it is the ultimate test of resilience and belief, stepping into the spotlight against a national powerhouse. Whether the game unfolds as a blowout or a surprising battle will depend on execution, discipline, and perhaps a few unexpected breaks along the way. But no matter the outcome, both teams will walk away with a clearer understanding of who they are and what lies ahead in the 2025 college football season.
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