The Texas Longhorns are entering the 2025 college football season with an air of anticipation that’s hard to ignore. The team has been the subject of increasing optimism as they continue to build under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and some early polls have placed them near the top of the rankings. It’s a familiar story for Texas, a program with a storied history and a rich tradition of success that has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Yet, there’s a sense of confidence surrounding this Longhorns team heading into 2025, with many pundits touting them as a potential playoff contender.
In this article, we’ll examine the factors that have contributed to the growing hype around Texas in the preseason, why many believe they could be poised for a breakout season, and whether or not they’re truly ready to live up to the lofty expectations.
1. The Sarkisian Factor
Steve Sarkisian, now entering his fourth year as Texas’ head coach, has been a polarizing figure during his tenure. After taking over for Tom Herman in 2021, Sarkisian inherited a program in transition. His first two seasons were somewhat underwhelming, as Texas failed to live up to the hype, but there were signs of promise. The offense showed flashes of brilliance, and Sarkisian’s pedigree as a quarterback whisperer was evident in the development of young signal-callers.
In 2024, Texas showed more consistency and made strides under Sarkisian’s guidance. The offense became more cohesive, and the Longhorns found ways to compete in the Big 12, despite the challenges of a loaded conference. In his third season, Sarkisian proved he could keep Texas competitive in an era where recruiting battles and game-day coaching decisions can make or break a program. The foundation appears to be set for something more substantial in 2025.
As the Longhorns prepare for another season, Sarkisian’s ability to continue building on the positive momentum will be crucial. His recruiting acumen, particularly in securing talent at the quarterback position, will be tested. If he can get the best out of his players and bring them together as a cohesive unit, Texas could be on the verge of something special. The expectations on Sarkisian’s shoulders are higher than ever, and he will need to prove he’s capable of taking Texas back to elite status.
2. Quarterback Play and the Arrival of Arch Manning
One of the most talked-about storylines surrounding Texas football in recent years has been the recruitment of Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback out of New Orleans who chose Texas over several other top-tier programs. Manning, a five-star recruit and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has all the physical tools and football IQ to be a star at the next level. His commitment to Texas in 2023 made national headlines and raised the stakes for the program immediately.
While Manning is a future star in the making, Texas fans are hoping that their current quarterback situation will be strong enough to give the team a competitive edge in 2025. Quinn Ewers, the highly rated QB who transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2022, had a roller-coaster first two seasons with the Longhorns. Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, but inconsistent play at times prevented him from fully reaching his potential. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Ewers can take the next step in his development and provide Texas with elite-level quarterback play.
In 2024, Ewers showed notable improvement, and his ability to make all the throws was evident in several high-profile games. With another year under his belt and a deeper understanding of Sarkisian’s offensive system, he could take a significant leap in 2025. Should Ewers continue to progress, and should Manning be ready to step in when needed, Texas will be in a prime position at the most important position on the field.
3. Elite Recruiting Classes
One of the key factors in Texas’ rise to prominence in 2025 is the impressive recruiting classes they have brought in over the past few years. Sarkisian and his staff have been able to land some of the top talent in the country, especially on both sides of the ball.
On offense, the Longhorns have added some high-caliber players who can immediately contribute. Receivers like Johntay Cook and other highly rated wideouts are expected to make an impact in the passing game, giving Ewers or Manning a wealth of weapons to work with. Texas also continues to recruit well along the offensive line, an area where the Longhorns have sometimes struggled in the past. The offensive line is expected to be a strength in 2025, providing better protection for the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running backs.
Defensively, Texas has built a formidable unit through recruiting, with a focus on the trenches and the secondary. The Longhorns have been able to secure commitments from some of the best defensive players in the country, many of whom will likely start as true freshmen or sophomores. The defense was solid in 2024 but will need to elevate its play to championship-caliber levels in 2025 if Texas is to truly contend for the College Football Playoff.
With elite talent on both sides of the ball, Texas has the potential to be a complete team in 2025. The question is whether these recruits can adjust to the rigors of college football and contribute immediately.
4. Big 12 Exit and SEC Transition
As Texas prepares to enter the SEC in 2025, the program is set to face a significant challenge. The transition from the Big 12 to the SEC will be a crucial moment for the Longhorns, as they’ll have to contend with some of the most powerful and well-established programs in college football. The SEC is home to teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn, and the level of competition is expected to be significantly higher than what Texas has encountered in the Big 12.
For the Longhorns, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The SEC offers a bigger stage and the chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the nation. However, the level of competition in the SEC is unforgiving, and there will be no easy games. Texas will need to adapt quickly to the rigors of the conference and rise to the occasion if they hope to compete for championships.
The Longhorns’ ability to perform well in the SEC could be one of the deciding factors in whether they can sustain their early-season hype throughout the entire campaign. For many, the team’s performance in the SEC will define its success moving forward, and that will be a storyline to follow closely.
5. A Talented and Deep Roster
Beyond the quarterback position and recruiting classes, one of the reasons for optimism surrounding Texas in 2025 is the overall depth and talent on the roster. The Longhorns boast a strong mix of experienced players and promising young talent, providing a well-rounded and balanced squad.
On offense, Texas has a stable of talented running backs, including some who can take over games when needed. The offensive line, as mentioned earlier, is expected to be much improved, and this should allow the offense to establish a more balanced attack. Texas has also been able to retain some key playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, adding depth to an already potent offensive unit.
Defensively, Texas is strong in the front seven, where they have some of the most talented linebackers and defensive linemen in the conference. The secondary, which has been a weak point for the Longhorns in recent years, has seen significant upgrades in terms of both talent and depth. If the defense can play at a high level and complement the offense, Texas will be a tough team to beat in 2025.
6. The Road Ahead
Looking at the 2025 season, Texas has a challenging schedule ahead of them. Non-conference games and early-season matchups will give the Longhorns a chance to set the tone, but the real test will come in conference play. Texas will need to navigate a tough SEC schedule and prove they belong among the elite teams in college football.
There will be bumps along the way, but the talent is there for Texas to be a contender. The key will be whether the program can handle the pressure of high expectations and deliver when it matters most.
