As the Texas Longhorns approach the 2025 season, expectations are high following several promising years of recruiting, player development, and a renewed sense of purpose under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a roster loaded with talent across all positions, the offensive depth chart has undergone significant changes, and the Longhorns’ offense could be primed to take the next step in the competitive landscape of college football.
In this projected offensive depth chart, we’ll break down key players at each position, looking at returning stars, promising newcomers, and possible breakout candidates for the Longhorns in 2025.
Quarterback: Quinn Ewers & Arch Manning
One of the most intriguing storylines for Texas heading into 2025 is the quarterback situation. As of now, the battle between Quinn Ewers, the returning starter, and Arch Manning, the five-star freshman recruit, is expected to be one of the key focal points of spring and fall camp.
Quinn Ewers (Junior)
Ewers, a former five-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in the 2022 class, entered Texas with immense expectations. After an up-and-down 2023 campaign, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. He finished the season with a solid statistical line, but his performance in big moments—particularly during conference play—raised questions. However, Ewers’ immense arm talent and natural ability to make throws at all levels of the field mean that he will likely retain the starting job for 2025. With a year of experience under his belt, the Longhorns will be hoping for more consistency and maturity from Ewers in 2025.
Arch Manning (Freshman)
Manning, a generational talent and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is arguably the most highly anticipated recruit in Texas history. Though it’s unlikely that Manning unseats Ewers as the starter right away, he will certainly challenge for playing time in 2025. With his high football IQ, exceptional mechanics, and calm under pressure, Manning could see significant action in packages designed to help him develop while also adding a spark to the offense. Whether or not he starts this season will depend on how quickly he can adapt to the speed of college football.
Running Back: Jonathon Brooks & Cedric Baxter Jr.
The running back position for the Longhorns in 2025 is expected to be one of the team’s strongest areas, with a solid group of returning players and exciting new talent.
Jonathon Brooks (Senior)
Brooks, who emerged as the lead back for Texas in 2024 after the departure of Bijan Robinson, enters 2025 as the team’s workhorse. A strong, physical back with excellent vision, Brooks has shown that he can handle a heavy workload in the Big 12. He possesses the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, making him a valuable asset in both the ground game and as a safety valve in the passing attack. Expect Brooks to be a key figure in the Longhorns’ offense in 2025, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback.
Cedric Baxter Jr. (Freshman)
Baxter is another highly touted freshman who could make an immediate impact. Known for his speed, agility, and power, Baxter is the total package at running back. While he may not see the same number of touches as Brooks initially, expect Baxter to get plenty of opportunities in key situations, especially as he acclimates to the college game. His dynamic playmaking ability could allow the Texas coaching staff to use him in different roles, including as a change-of-pace back and in short-yardage situations.
Wide Receiver: Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jonathon Brooks (Out of the Backfield)
The wide receiver corps for the Longhorns is loaded with talent heading into 2025. With a veteran group at the top and some promising young players emerging, the receiving corps could be one of the deepest in the country.
Xavier Worthy (Senior)
Worthy, a former five-star recruit, has emerged as one of the premier wideouts in the Big 12. He possesses elite speed, outstanding route-running ability, and exceptional ball skills. As the go-to receiver for Texas in 2025, Worthy will likely be the focal point of the passing game, especially in deep routes and as a vertical threat. Expect him to be Ewers’ primary target as he looks to build on his strong career at Texas and help lead the Longhorns to an improved passing attack.
Adonai Mitchell (Junior)
Mitchell, a transfer from Georgia, brings championship pedigree to the Texas offense. Having won a national title with the Bulldogs, Mitchell is a physical, possession receiver who can win battles in the red zone and on third down. While not as fast as Worthy, Mitchell is a proven playmaker with an ability to create mismatches with his size and athleticism. Texas will lean on Mitchell in key situations, and his leadership will be crucial for the Longhorns as they navigate a season filled with high expectations.
Jonathon Brooks (Senior)
While Brooks’ primary role is as the starting running back, he is a versatile weapon in the passing game as well. Expect Texas to use Brooks in a variety of ways—out of the backfield, on swing passes, and as a check-down option. His ability to contribute as a receiver makes him a valuable dual-threat weapon that defenses will have to account for at all times.
Tight End: Ja’Tavion Sanders & Gunnar Helm
The tight end position is another area where Texas has significant depth. The Longhorns have several capable players who could contribute both in the passing game and as blockers, which will be essential in Sarkisian’s balanced offensive attack.
Ja’Tavion Sanders (Senior)
Sanders is one of the best tight ends in college football and is expected to be a key piece of the Texas offense in 2025. With his combination of size, speed, and hands, Sanders is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether lined up as a traditional tight end or in the slot, Sanders provides a reliable target for both Ewers and Manning. He can stretch the field vertically and provide a big-play threat while also contributing as a blocker in the run game.
Gunnar Helm (Junior)
Helm is another talented tight end who will see significant playing time in 2025. While not as dynamic as Sanders, Helm is a solid blocker who can help Texas control the line of scrimmage in the running game. His ability to catch passes and work as a second tight end in passing situations will give the Longhorns another weapon to use in their offensive game plan.
Offensive Line: Kelvin Banks & Cole Hutson
The offensive line is perhaps the most critical area for the Longhorns heading into the 2025 season. The line has a combination of talented veterans and rising stars, and they will need to come together to protect Ewers and open up lanes for the running game.
Kelvin Banks (Junior, Left Tackle)
Banks has been one of the most highly touted offensive linemen in college football since his arrival at Texas. Known for his combination of size, strength, and agility, Banks is one of the top left tackles in the country and is expected to be a key player for the Longhorns in 2025. Protecting the quarterback’s blindside will be one of his primary responsibilities, and his ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers will be critical for the success of Texas’ offense.
Cole Hutson (Sophomore, Right Guard)
Hutson is a rising star on the Texas offensive line. A strong and physical presence, Hutson has the ability to dominate defenders in both the running and passing game. As a sophomore, he will be expected to play a major role in keeping the pocket clean for Ewers and opening up holes for the running backs. His development will be crucial for the success of the offensive line.
Other Key Offensive Linemen
In addition to Banks and Hutson, players like Jake Majors (Center), Andrej Karic (Right Tackle), and Troy Omeire (Left Guard) will play pivotal roles in anchoring the offensive line. The depth on the line will be tested throughout the season, but with experienced players and highly-rated recruits, Texas should have one of the most physically imposing units in the Big 12.
