The Texas Longhorns faced a heartbreaking end to their season, narrowly losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes. This defeat was particularly painful, especially since the Buckeyes went on to claim the National Championship title. However, amidst the disappointment, there’s a silver lining for Texas fans: a player from the championship-winning team has decided to transfer to the University of Texas, where he will join Arch Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian for the 2025 season.
Aiming for greatness
The Longhorns are setting their sights high for the upcoming season. With one of the most storied programs in college football, anything less than a championship run would feel like a missed opportunity. The pressure is on, but Texas is ready to rise to the occasion, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
As the Longhorns gear up for the 2025 NCAA season, they have signed an exciting talent from the current reigning program in the country, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Arch Manning takes the helm
Leading the charge for Texas will be none other than Arch Manning, who will step into the starting quarterback role for the first time since his arrival in Austin in 2023. The expectations surrounding Manning are monumental. As a member of the renowned Manning football family, he is expected to deliver a performance that not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by his predecessors. The Longhorns’ success will heavily depend on his ability to adapt and thrive in this pivotal position.
Expectations are sky-high for the heir of the Manning royal QB family, and they are as high for the program.
A valuable addition to the defense
In an exciting development, former Buckeye nose tackle Hero Kanu has committed to Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns. Kanu chose Texas over offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia and Florida, showcasing the Longhorns’ appeal. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 315 pounds, Kanu is expected to be a significant asset to Texas’s defensive line. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining, giving him ample opportunity to make an impact.
Kanu redshirted his freshman year in 2022 and had been in and out of the lineup during his next two seasons with Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. As he arrives in Austin, Kanu registers 29 games played in his career, recording 14 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack.
Building a formidable defense
Kanu is not the only defensive lineman making the move to Texas. He becomes the third transfer to join Sarkisian’s program ahead of Manning’s inaugural season as starting quarterback. Alongside Kanu, the Longhorns have welcomed Travis Shaw from North Carolina and Cole Brevard from Purdue. This influx of talent is crucial, especially as Texas prepares to fill the gaps left by departing players.
Depth at the position will be crucial as the Longhorns are losing Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Bill Norton, and Jermayne Lole, all defensive linemen that elected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Looking ahead
As the Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season, the combination of Arch Manning at quarterback and the new defensive recruits, including Kanu, paints a promising picture. The coaching staff, led by Sarkisian, is focused on developing a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. With the right mix of talent and determination, Texas is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming NCAA season.
The Longhorns are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and aim for glory. Will they rise to the occasion and reclaim their spot among college football’s elite? Only time will tell, but the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the 2025 season.
Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns poses for a photo after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 during the second overtime in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
The stage is set for an exhilarating season ahead, and the Longhorns are ready to make their mark. With a blend of fresh talent and seasoned leadership, the Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a thrilling journey in college football.
