Texas Takes No. 1 Spot: Can Arch Manning Lead the Longhorns to a National Title?

By Jason Bolton June 07, 2025 12:59

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations, topping ESPN’s Football Power Index and multiple preseason rankings. The question on every fan’s mind: Can sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, deliver on his potential and guide Texas to its first national championship since 2005?

A Roster Loaded with Talent—But Unproven at Key Spots

Texas boasts arguably the most talented roster in the country. The Longhorns return standout running back CJ Baxter and have reloaded across the board under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Yet, much of their season hinges on the performance of Manning, who steps into the starting role after a year of anticipation and limited game action.

As one national analyst put it, “We can't say for sure that Texas is overvalued because if Arch Manning lives up to his hype, the Longhorns really might be the best team in the country. However, if he's merely very good instead of great, then holes elsewhere might become problematic... they're only No. 1 if Arch is an All-American. No pressure.”

Texas faces the challenge of replacing four starters on the offensive line and several defensive standouts, including NFL-bound Alfred Collins and Jahdae Barron. Less than half of the starters from last year’s Cotton Bowl squad return, leaving questions about experience and chemistry.

A Defense Built to Dominate

Despite those departures, Texas’s defense is still considered one of the nation’s best. In 2024, the Longhorns allowed just 283.4 yards per game and 109 rushing yards per contest, racking up 46 sacks, 119 tackles for loss, and 22 interceptions—numbers that put them among the elite in college football.

One analyst highlighted the linebacker corps as a particular strength: “In the middle, you got Colin Simmons on one side, Trey Moore on the other, and Anthony Hill in the middle. I don't know what you do, I don't know how you're going to be able to adequately defend all three of those guys. One of those guys is going to get home on a down-in, down-out basis.”

The Arch Manning Factor

Arch Manning’s pedigree is unmatched—his uncles Peyton and Eli are NFL legends, and his grandfather Archie was an NFL quarterback as well. Manning arrived in Austin with immense expectations, and now, as the projected starter, the spotlight is brighter than ever.

The pressure is palpable. “Pretty much anything less than getting to the title game is a disappointment,” noted another preseason observer. Manning’s ability to handle the pressure, develop chemistry with his receivers, and lead the offense will ultimately determine if Texas can live up to its No. 1 billing.

Can Texas Go the Distance?

The Longhorns’ floor is high thanks to elite recruiting and depth, but their ceiling depends on whether Manning can be the All-American talent many expect. If he rises to the occasion, Texas has the tools to end its two-decade title drought. If not, the Longhorns could find themselves falling short in a loaded SEC and national title race.

For now, all eyes are on Austin—and on Arch Manning—as the 2025 season approaches.