The 2025 offseason has been nothing short of exceptional for the Texas Longhorns, and the national buzz surrounding the program has only grown louder as the summer approaches. Coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and poised to enter their first season as full-fledged members of the SEC, the Longhorns have navigated the offseason with the confidence of a program on the rise—and the results are being noticed by fans, analysts, and recruits alike.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has long spoken about building a culture of sustained success in Austin, and this offseason has been a masterclass in how to blend player retention, talent acquisition, and program development into one cohesive narrative. There were concerns following the conclusion of the 2024 campaign that the Longhorns might lose significant talent to the NFL Draft, the transfer portal, or other unexpected departures. While Texas certainly saw some movement, the results have overwhelmingly worked in their favor.
Perhaps the most significant development this offseason has been the emergence of Arch Manning as the undisputed face of the program. After patiently waiting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning is now stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Reports from spring practices and private workouts have been glowing. Coaches have lauded his poise, football IQ, and leadership qualities. Teammates describe him as mature beyond his years, someone who commands respect without needing to raise his voice. NFL scouts and national analysts alike have already projected him as a potential top-five pick in the 2026 draft, and the excitement around his first season as a starter has become a driving storyline for the program.
What’s particularly impressive is how Sarkisian and his staff have built the roster around Manning. Instead of resting on the laurels of a marquee name, Texas has attacked the transfer portal and high school recruiting trail with precision. The Longhorns secured several key commitments, including five-star offensive lineman Tyson Moore out of California and four-star wide receiver Kaden James from Houston. Moore, in particular, is expected to compete for a starting job from day one and offers a perfect combination of size, strength, and technique. On the other end, James is a deep-ball threat who could quickly become one of Manning’s favorite targets.
Texas also made significant waves in the portal. The addition of former Oregon wide receiver Dontrez Palmer was a quiet yet critical acquisition. Palmer brings SEC-level athleticism and a track record of production in big games, and his versatility in the slot or outside will be a boon for the Longhorns’ passing game. On defense, Texas landed former Georgia linebacker Zyon Freeman, a hard-hitting presence in the middle who brings championship-level experience and a relentless motor. Freeman’s arrival is expected to fortify the linebacker corps and bring added leadership to a unit that already includes returning stalwarts like Anthony Hill Jr.
One of the more underappreciated moves came on the coaching side. Sarkisian made several strategic additions to his staff, including the hiring of former NFL defensive backs coach Chris Harris Jr. to oversee the secondary. Harris, a Texas native and former Pro Bowler, has already made an immediate impact on the recruiting trail and has helped elevate the play of the Longhorns’ defensive backs in spring ball. His ability to relate to players, break down film, and instill confidence has been evident. Several young defensive backs have already credited Harris with helping them understand the nuances of coverages and pre-snap reads.
Internally, the strength and conditioning program has also drawn praise. New director of sports performance Ron McKeefery was brought in with the goal of helping Texas keep pace physically with the elite SEC powers. Early feedback suggests that the program has made major strides in this department. Several players, including sophomore edge rusher Colton Vasek and junior running back Jaydon Blue, have seen noticeable improvements in explosiveness and endurance. Blue, who is expected to carry the load in the backfield this season, has reportedly added ten pounds of muscle while maintaining his breakaway speed.
Then there’s the continuity factor. While many top programs deal with mass exoduses of players and staff in the modern NIL and transfer portal era, Texas has managed to retain key personnel at nearly every level. Returning offensive coordinator Kyle Flood and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have provided much-needed stability and consistency. Players are entering Year Three or Four in the same system, a rarity in college football today. That continuity is already paying dividends in how smoothly spring practices have gone.
But it’s not just on-field factors that have analysts excited. The program’s NIL efforts have taken a massive step forward this offseason. Texas has leaned into its reputation as a top-tier academic and athletic institution with one of the most passionate fanbases in the country. The Longhorn Foundation and Texas One Fund have continued to build structured, transparent NIL opportunities that appeal to both recruits and current players. Arch Manning, while reportedly turning down several outside offers to chase instant NIL riches, has praised Texas for its long-term vision and commitment to player development on and off the field.
There is also a clear sense that Sarkisian is evolving as a head coach. Critics early in his tenure questioned his in-game decision-making and ability to manage big moments, but those doubts have steadily faded. The 2024 season showed he can win close games, adapt to adversity, and prepare his team for high-pressure environments. The offseason has only reinforced the narrative that Sarkisian is no longer just an elite play-caller—he’s become a CEO-type head coach capable of building and maintaining a championship-caliber program.
The SEC transition, which could have posed major growing pains, instead seems to be energizing the program. Texas players have embraced the challenge, and the move has already paid off in recruiting, where prospects from across the South are now giving the Longhorns a serious look. Top recruits have cited the chance to play against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida as a reason for committing to Texas. The Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class currently sits near the top of the national rankings and includes several blue-chip prospects who are expected to contribute immediately.
From a national perspective, Texas is being viewed as a potential title contender—not in the distant future, but this upcoming season. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently named the Longhorns as his “dark horse” pick to win the national title, citing their blend of returning experience and incoming talent. FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt echoed that sentiment, saying Texas has “every piece you’d want in a championship team: an elite quarterback, skill talent, line play, and coaching continuity.”
Of course, none of the offseason hype will matter if the Longhorns can’t execute when the games begin. Their schedule is among the toughest in the country, with road trips to Alabama and Georgia as well as a neutral-site Red River Showdown against Oklahoma. But if the offseason has revealed anything, it’s that this Texas team isn’t interested in hiding from expectations. They’ve leaned into the pressure, embraced the spotlight, and made it clear that they believe their time is now.
It’s worth noting that the Longhorns have also strengthened their relationships with alumni and former players, creating a sense of unity and pride that hasn’t always existed in the modern era. Former stars like Vince Young, Colt McCoy, and Earl Thomas have all been spotted around the program in recent months, offering mentorship and encouragement. There’s a renewed sense that this isn’t just another chapter for Texas Football—it’s the start of a new era defined by excellence, accountability, and a genuine love for the game.
As summer workouts begin and the countdown to the 2025 season continues, it’s clear that Texas has done everything right this offseason. From the growth of Arch Manning to a fortified roster, revamped coaching staff, and improved support infrastructure, the Longhorns have positioned themselves to compete at the highest level. The critics who once scoffed at the notion that Texas was “back” are now paying attention. And if the buzz is any indication, 2025 may just be the year that the Longhorns finally silence all doubt and reclaim their place among college football’s elite.