As the Texas Longhorns continue their transformation under head coach Steve Sarkisian, all eyes are on the future, particularly on the highly anticipated arrival of Arch Manning as the starting quarterback. Manning, a 5-star recruit and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, committed to Texas in 2023, sparking excitement for what’s to come. National media outlets are already speculating on the Longhorns’ prospects for the 2025 season when Manning is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback.
A prominent national media outlet has made an early prediction about Texas’ record for the 2025 season, projecting them to finish with a 10-2 record. This prediction is based on several factors, including Manning’s potential, the strength of the surrounding roster, and the trajectory of the program under Sarkisian.
Manning’s arrival in Austin is expected to be a game-changer for the Longhorns. As the top-rated quarterback in the 2023 class, his combination of size, arm strength, football IQ, and leadership skills makes him an ideal fit for Sarkisian’s offense. Manning’s high school career, spent at New Orleans’ prestigious Isidore Newman School, was marked by incredible poise and playmaking ability, and many expect this to translate to the collegiate level. With a season or two of learning behind veteran quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers, Manning is poised to step into a high-pressure role with an elite skill set.
Texas is not just relying on Manning to lead them to success in 2025. The Longhorns’ roster is filled with talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, players like running back Jonathan Brooks and wide receiver Xavier Worthy give Texas the ability to balance the attack and take pressure off Manning. The offensive line, which has been a weak point for Texas in the past, is gradually improving, and the addition of top-tier recruits over the next couple of years will help fortify the unit.
On defense, Texas has made significant strides, with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski developing a unit that ranks among the best in the Big 12. With a strong defensive front and a talented secondary, the Longhorns should be able to compete at the highest levels in the conference, allowing Manning and the offense to focus on executing the game plan.
The 2025 schedule is another important factor in the prediction. Texas will face a mix of formidable opponents, including key conference matchups in the Big 12 and high-profile non-conference games. Historically, games against rivals like Oklahoma and Texas Tech are always tightly contested, and while the Longhorns have the talent to win these matchups, it is reasonable to expect a few growing pains, particularly with a freshman quarterback at the helm.
The Longhorns’ ability to compete in the 2025 season will also depend on how quickly Manning acclimates to the demands of college football. If he can develop chemistry with his receivers and make smart decisions under pressure, Texas should be able to navigate through a challenging schedule with just a couple of losses.
The 2025 season will likely mark the beginning of a new era for Texas football, with Manning as the centerpiece of the program’s resurgence. While the national media’s prediction of a 10-2 record is optimistic, it reflects the confidence in both Manning’s abilities and the Longhorns’ overall talent. If everything comes together, the Longhorns could be poised for a strong run at the Big 12 title and possibly even the College Football Playoff, making 2025 an exciting year for Texas fans and college football enthusiasts alike.