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Texas Longhorns fans have long awaited the arrival of Arch Manning since the nephew of Peyton and Eli committed to the program in 2022. Now, with the young quarterback ready to take center stage, a new chapter is unfolding in Austin.
Texas stands alone as the only team to reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) in both 2023 and 2024, despite Manning playing only a limited role. But across Austin, Las Vegas, and the SEC, the belief is strong: Manning has the tools to contend for the Heisman Trophy and lead Texas to its first national championship in 20 years.
"A much more dynamic offense" ahead
"The belief right now is that Arch [Manning] will elevate the offense immediately, and you can expect a much more dynamic scheme from Sark [Steve Sarkisian]," an anonymous SEC assistant coach told Athlon Sports' College Football Preview 2025. "This kid is the real deal - Heisman-level talent. They're loaded with playmakers."
Those comments appear in Athlon's exclusive scouting report on Texas, now available online and at newsstands nationwide.
High expectations, new faces
Expectations are sky-high for Manning, especially after Texas made back-to-back CFP semifinal appearances. Still, the Longhorns lost several key contributors to the NFL. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and top receiver Matthew Golden were both first-round picks. Tight end Gunnar Helm was selected in the fourth round, and quarterback Quinn Ewers went in the seventh.
With Ewers at the helm, Texas averaged over 30 points per game over the past three seasons. Manning - the top-rated recruit in his class - has the potential to raise the bar even higher, especially with new weapons like tight end Jack Endries (Cal) and wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (Stanford), both added through the transfer portal.
Elite defense taking shape
The Longhorns also bolstered their defensive front through the transfer portal, adding Maraad Watson (Syracuse), Cole Brevard (Purdue), and Travis Shaw (North Carolina). They'll forces with All-Americans Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr. to form a formidable front seven.
Only three teams recorded more sacks last season than Texas, which also finished as the No. 3 scoring defense in the nation.
Sarkisian is building a sustainable power
"They might have one of the best defensive lines in the entire country," the SEC assistant added. "They've got next-level rushers and the size and toughness to stop the run."
Head coach Steve Sarkisian also signed the No. 1 high school recruiting class in the country this cycle - further proof that he's building a sustainable winner in Austin, even as college football's landscape rapidly evolves.