The road to a national championship runs straight through Austin, Texas, and the Texas Longhorns know it. The 2025 squad has one goal and one goal only: win it all or nothing at all. Last year’s run ended with a bitter loss to the eventual champions the Ohio State Buckeyes, and that sting hasn’t faded.
Leading the charge is head coach Steve Sarkisian, an aggressive play-caller who thrives on putting points on the board. Tasked with turning that vision into reality is Arch Manning—you can find my full breakdown on him here. In this article, I’ll dive into what this Texas team is made of, their offensive scheme and my projection for the season ahead.
With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL as a Miami Dolphin, the keys now belong to Manning. In Austin, belief is high, the hype is real and the expectations are sky-high. Let’s get to it.
Manning’s Potential
The anticipation is over—the Manning era has officially begun in Austin. Manning brings a unique skill set to the table that could ignite this offense. His mobility, pinpoint passing and natural leadership might well be the difference in a championship run. The challenge now is getting all the pieces to mesh seamlessly. If they do, the SEC will be set ablaze.
While Manning didn’t log a ton of snaps last season, he gained valuable experience in multiple games. We’ve all seen the talent. We’ve all seen the skill. Now, the early high-stakes matchups will truly test his decision-making and pocket presence. The first trial? A nonconference showdown with none other than defending champion Buckeyes.
Arch Manning’s arm is CRAZY 😳
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) June 14, 2024
Some NFL scouts reportedly believe Arch has the “potential” to put together an NFL career similar to Eli Manning’s.
Texas EASILY has the best QB room in the country between Manning and Quinn Ewers. pic.twitter.com/cRlOOH710F
Offensive Scheme
The Texas offense is built on balance and variety. Sarkisian prides himself on keeping defenses guessing with an even mix of run and pass. Expect to see core concepts like run-pass options (RPOs), play-action passes that stretch the field vertically and a sprinkle of QB-designed runs to keep opponents off balance.
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On the ground, I anticipate a heavy dose of outside zone runs designed to leverage this dynamic backfield’s speed and vision. What could truly set this offense apart is its efficiency after halftime. If Texas can come out of the locker room firing on all cylinders in the third quarter, they’ll make an already dangerous offense nearly unstoppable.
"We're an attack-oriented offense. We're trying to attack our opponent, we're not just running plays to run plays." – Texas HC Steve Sarkisian.
— James Light (@JamesALight) June 4, 2023
A major part of Texas' OFF success were the explosive plays created in the RPO game. Check out 6 examples of their #1 RPO scheme.. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/qH6DfJqzvt
Power of 3
This stable of running backs will give Texas a serious edge come College Football Playoff time. Here’s a quick look at what each RB brings:
- Quintrevion Wisner: an every-down back with exceptional vision and reliable hands out of the backfield.
- CJ Baxter: a smooth, shifty runner who consistently picks up four to five yards per carry.
- Jerrick Gibson: the most explosive of the trio, with lightning-quick first-step speed and an uncanny ability to hit second gear before defenders can react.
Having all three capable of making significant contributions gives Texas a versatile and unpredictable rushing attack.
Receiving Corps
Beyond Ohio State, Texas arguably boasts one of the most complete wide receiver rooms in the country. Here’s why:
- Ryan Wingo: the complete package—a deep threat with size and breakaway speed to finish plays in style.
- Kaliq Lockett: an incoming superstar known for incredible body control and jaw-dropping catches.
- DeAndre Moore Jr.: likely Manning’s go-to in the red zone, a tough and gritty receiver with excellent hands and athleticism.
- Emmett Mosley: a reliable possession receiver who always seems to know where the first down marker is, picking up crucial hidden yards.
If this group develops strong chemistry with Manning, SEC defensive backs are going to be in serious trouble.
Heart and Soul
In Texas, where football borders on religion, there’s never a shortage of linemen ready to play. This year’s offensive line features four new starters and will be anchored by left tackle Trevor Goosby, a mauler in the trenches known for his strength and quick feet. Goosby’s ability to protect the blindside and open running lanes will be critical to the offense’s success.
This unit embodies the physicality and toughness required in the demanding SEC. Under Sarkisian’s staff—who emphasize technique and communication—I believe once the early growing pains fade, this line will click seamlessly. The success of this offense both begins and ends with this group.
#Texas OT Trevor Goosby was thrown into the fire (vs. Clemson and Texas A&M) and made two starts, one at LT (vs. UGA) and one at RT (ASU) in 2024.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) August 7, 2025
Had some nice pass pro reps in limited action. Anchor, block sustaining need to improve, but a good baseline as a potential riser. pic.twitter.com/8JOGvmBoxq
Projection
Big things are coming for the Longhorns this season. Last year, they averaged 34.5 points per game. This year, with the weapons in place, I see them jumping to 44.5 points per game—top five in the SEC, maybe even the No. 1 offense by season’s end.
If Manning performs at the elite level expected and the offensive line holds up, Texas will be staring down an SEC Championship berth and a ticket to the CFP. If not, even a 10–2 record would feel like a missed opportunity in Austin.
What makes this team truly scary is its youth. They’ve got the talent to be elite now, but their potential growth together means the ceiling is even higher. I expect Manning to lead Texas for the next two seasons with this core intact—and I can only imagine how dangerous they’ll be by then.
Final remarks
Texas has the talent, the scheme and the quarterback to make a serious run. If they hit their stride, they’re not just competing in the SEC—they’re setting the pace. With this young core locked in for years to come, the rest of the country better get used to hearing one phrase over and over: Hook ’em.
