The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for what could be one of the most exciting and impactful seasons in recent memory. With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, the Longhorns find themselves in a prime position to contend for national prominence, and potentially a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. Texas has a storied history in college football, and though the program has experienced ups and downs in recent years, the 2025 season presents an intriguing combination of talent, leadership, and opportunity that makes them one of the favorites in the competitive landscape of college football.
A Storied Program with a Bright Future
Texas football has always been a program with rich tradition and immense resources. The Longhorns have produced multiple national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL stars, and their fanbase is one of the most passionate in all of college sports. After a decade of fluctuating success, including disappointing seasons and coaching changes, Texas seems to be back on the upswing under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian.
When Sarkisian took the helm in 2021, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding the program, with fans and analysts wondering if he was the right fit. After all, Texas had seen multiple coaching changes in recent years, and each new hire came with promises of returning the team to its former glory. Sarkisian, who had a successful tenure as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, brought a fresh perspective to Texas, focusing on developing talent, building a solid offensive scheme, and returning the program to national prominence.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Longhorns are entering the season as legitimate contenders for a CFP spot. With Sarkisian’s offense showing its potential, a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and a burgeoning quarterback star in Arch Manning, the 2025 season looks like a perfect storm for Texas to make its mark on college football once again.
Arch Manning and the Quarterback Position
Arguably the most exciting storyline for Texas entering the 2025 season is the emergence of Arch Manning as the starting quarterback. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has lived with the weight of sky-high expectations throughout his football career. His commitment to Texas in 2023 was a seismic moment in college football, and it set the stage for his eventual ascension to the starting role.
After two years of watching and learning behind veteran quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning is now primed to take the reins of Texas’ offense. His time as a backup was valuable, allowing him to acclimate to the college game, study Sarkisian’s complex offensive system, and develop his skills. Now, the highly touted recruit out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans is ready to step up and lead the Longhorns into the 2025 season.
Manning is a five-star talent who brings a combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ that few quarterbacks possess. While the pressure will undoubtedly be intense, especially given his family legacy, Manning has shown that he is capable of handling high expectations. He is poised to be the face of Texas football for the next few years, and his development will be crucial to the team’s success.
With a year of learning under his belt and an offensive scheme that will cater to his strengths, Manning has the tools to thrive in 2025. His ability to make all the throws—whether it’s the deep ball, touch passes, or quick reads in the short to intermediate game—will be vital in Sarkisian’s offense, which is known for its tempo, precision, and explosive plays.
A Dynamic Offense Led by Steve Sarkisian
Speaking of Sarkisian’s offense, the 2025 Longhorns will feature a high-powered system that has already shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons. In 2024, Texas was one of the top offensive teams in the Big 12, and with Manning now at the helm, the offense should be even more dynamic in 2025.
The key to Sarkisian’s success as an offensive coach is his ability to adapt and evolve. His offense is built on a balanced attack, utilizing a diverse array of passing concepts and a strong running game. At its core, it’s a spread offense that thrives on mismatches, tempo, and spreading the ball to playmakers in space. Sarkisian has the ability to maximize the talents of his quarterbacks, and with Manning now in charge, fans can expect a more consistent and potent passing attack.
The Longhorns also have an excellent stable of playmakers who will help Manning shine in 2025. The running back position is deep, with an emerging star in Bijan Robinson, who could be one of the most dynamic players in college football. Robinson, a true game-changer with his speed, vision, and power, has the potential to dominate opposing defenses and ease some of the pressure on Manning as a first-year starter. A strong running game will complement the passing attack and keep defenses on their heels, making Texas’ offense one of the most dangerous in the country.
Additionally, Texas boasts a talented group of wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy, who has been one of the top playmakers in the Big 12. Worthy, with his explosive speed and ability to make plays downfield, will be a major weapon for Manning. He can stretch the field and create opportunities for other receivers to shine. The combination of a strong passing game and a solid running attack will give the Longhorns offensive balance, which is essential for competing at the highest level.
Texas also has one of the best offensive lines in the country. The offensive line is the cornerstone of any successful offense, and for Texas to contend in 2025, it will need to keep Manning protected and create running lanes for Robinson. With a solid offensive line and skill players at every position, Sarkisian has the pieces to run an offense that can challenge the best defenses in the country.
A Talented Defense with Room to Grow
While Texas’ offense will undoubtedly be a focal point in 2025, the Longhorns’ defense will also play a crucial role in determining the team’s success. Under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas has shown steady improvement over the past few seasons, and in 2025, the defense has the potential to be one of the top units in the country.
Texas returns several key players on defense, including standout linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Ryan Watts. Ford, in particular, has the ability to be one of the best linebackers in college football, with his ability to diagnose plays, tackle well in space, and provide leadership on the field. The secondary, led by Watts, is one of the strongest parts of the defense, and with the addition of some highly regarded recruits and transfers, Texas’ defensive backfield should be even more formidable in 2025.
One area where Texas will need to improve is its pass rush. While the Longhorns have had solid defensive line play in recent years, they will need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks to truly compete with the best teams in the nation. The defensive line, which will feature a combination of returning players and new additions, has the talent to disrupt offenses and create turnovers. If the Longhorns can improve in this area, their defense could be one of the most well-rounded in college football.
Overall, Texas’ defense in 2025 has the potential to be both opportunistic and dominant. With strong leadership, talent at every level, and a defensive coordinator with a track record of success, the Longhorns’ defense will be crucial in keeping them in the hunt for a CFP spot.
A Competitive Big 12 and National Landscape
While Texas is certainly one of the favorites for the 2025 season, they will face significant competition, both within the Big 12 and on the national stage. The Big 12, though no longer featuring perennial powerhouse Oklahoma, still has several formidable programs that will challenge Texas throughout the season. Baylor, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State have all been consistently competitive in recent years, and Texas will need to play its best football in conference games to secure a playoff spot.
Moreover, teams from other conferences—such as Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State—will be formidable opponents on the national stage. The College Football Playoff is an exclusive club, and Texas will need to be at the top of its game to claim a spot among the elite. The Longhorns will face several tough tests in non-conference play, and the competition from other national powers will push them to their limits.
However, despite the competition, Texas has one of the most complete rosters in college football. With a top-tier quarterback in Manning, a potent offense, and a defense that has the potential to be elite, the Longhorns are in prime position to make a deep run in the CFP.