Longhorns Daily News: Let the 2025 Texas Football Hype Begin

As the calendar turns to 2025, the Texas Longhorns football program stands at a pivotal crossroads. For years, fans and analysts have wondered when the Longhorns would return to national prominence, a question that has loomed ever since their last appearance in a BCS bowl game in 2009. But in 2024, the Longhorns seemed to have turned a corner, with a season that not only showcased their potential but also laid the groundwork for what could be a sustained period of success. As the hype for the 2025 season builds, there’s an undeniable sense of optimism in Austin. The time is now for the Longhorns to reassert themselves as one of college football’s elite programs.

A Look Back: The 2024 Season

To understand the magnitude of expectations for 2025, it’s essential to first look at the 2024 campaign. The Texas Longhorns finished the year with a strong 11-2 record, their best finish since the 2009 season. While they fell short of a College Football Playoff appearance, the Longhorns were competitive in every game, including a near-miss in the Big 12 Championship Game against Kansas State. The season marked a major step forward for head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had taken the reins of the program in 2021 after the departure of Tom Herman.

Under Sarkisian, Texas had slowly rebuilt its roster, and 2024 was the year everything seemed to click. The offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, was dynamic and explosive, with an elite wide receiver corps and an offensive line that finally showed signs of consistency. Meanwhile, the defense, which had been a sore spot for Texas in previous years, came together under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, with a young and talented group of defensive backs and pass rushers emerging as the backbone of the unit.

Perhaps most importantly, the Longhorns displayed resilience and composure in critical moments, an indicator that the program is maturing under Sarkisian’s leadership. The momentum from the 2024 season has created palpable excitement for what’s to come in 2025, and for good reason. Texas is on the cusp of greatness, with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers poised to take the program to the next level.

The Return of Quinn Ewers

At the forefront of the 2025 hype is none other than quarterback Quinn Ewers, who will be entering his junior season after a solid 2024 campaign. Ewers, a former five-star recruit, showed flashes of brilliance last year, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also cut down on turnovers, an issue that plagued him in his first two seasons in Austin. With another year of experience and continuity in Sarkisian’s system, Ewers is poised to take the next step in his development.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal-caller has all the physical tools to succeed at the highest level. His arm strength is elite, and he possesses the kind of mobility that allows him to extend plays and make throws on the move. But perhaps what has impressed most about Ewers is his leadership. Over the course of the 2024 season, he developed a stronger rapport with his receiving corps, particularly standout wideouts Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. If Ewers can build on his performance from last season and continue to mature as a leader, Texas’ offense will be one of the most dangerous in the country.

With the continued development of Ewers and a deeper understanding of Sarkisian’s offense, the expectations for Texas’ aerial attack in 2025 are sky-high. A Heisman Trophy campaign for Ewers is not out of the question, and many around the program believe that he has the talent to lead the Longhorns back to the top of the college football mountain.

Elite Talent on Both Sides of the Ball

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 season is the abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. Texas has recruited at an elite level in recent years, and many of those top-tier players will be contributors in 2025. The Longhorns have an embarrassment of riches at key positions, with a blend of experienced veterans and young, dynamic players who can make an impact immediately.

The Offense

While Ewers is the centerpiece of the offense, Texas boasts a wide variety of weapons that will make them a nightmare for opposing defenses. Xavier Worthy, who is entering his senior season, is one of the best wide receivers in the nation. The speedster has the ability to take the top off any defense, and his chemistry with Ewers is only going to improve. Alongside Worthy, Jordan Whittington returns as a steady and reliable option in the passing game. Whittington, who has battled injuries throughout his career, showed his full potential in 2024, and if he can stay healthy in 2025, he will be a key playmaker.

In addition to the dynamic wideouts, Texas will feature a strong running back duo in Jonathon Brooks and CJ Baxter. Both backs bring different skill sets to the table. Brooks, a power back, is a tough downhill runner who excels between the tackles, while Baxter’s elusiveness and speed make him a dangerous weapon in space. With an offensive line that is beginning to gel, the Longhorns should be able to control the ground game and balance their offense.

The Defense

On the defensive side, Texas has a number of potential stars who are ready to take over in 2025. The defensive line, which was one of the team’s most inconsistent units in 2024, has shown signs of becoming a strength with the emergence of young players like edge rusher Vernon Broughton and defensive tackle Byron Murphy. Both are poised for breakout seasons, and with the return of senior linebacker Jaylan Ford, the Longhorns’ front seven should be vastly improved.

In the secondary, Texas is loaded with talent. Sophomore cornerback Malik Muhammad had a standout freshman season, and he will be joined by a talented group of safeties, including Jerrin Thompson, who returns for his senior season. The Longhorns’ defense will rely on these players to make plays in critical moments, and with a more aggressive scheme under Kwiatkowski, the secondary should be able to cause problems for opposing quarterbacks.

Special Teams

Special teams have also been a focus for the Longhorns, and with a talented kicker in Bert Auburn and the return of dynamic playmakers like Xavier Worthy and Whittington on special teams, Texas will look to capitalize on any opportunity to flip the field and gain an advantage.

The Big 12 and National Outlook

The 2025 Big 12 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With teams like Kansas State, Oklahoma, and TCU all expected to be strong, the Longhorns will face a tough road to win the conference title. But with their talent, depth, and coaching, Texas has the potential to be the class of the Big 12 and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Nationally, the Longhorns will have to contend with a crowded field of contenders. The SEC, which Texas will join in 2025, is home to perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, all of whom will pose formidable challenges. However, with the right mix of offense, defense, and special teams, Texas has the ability to compete at the highest level. The Longhorns’ potential to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff in 2025 is real, and the excitement surrounding the program has reached new heights.