The 2024 college football season didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations set by Texas Longhorns fans. After a thrilling run, the team found itself eliminated from the College Football Playoff in the semifinals, falling to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Now, as the dust settles, the Longhorns faithful are looking forward to the 2025 season with renewed excitement and hope.
All Eyes on Arch Manning
A significant shift is on the horizon for Texas football. The departure of three-year starting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is heading to the NFL, opens the door for Arch Manning to step into the spotlight. Manning, a highly-touted recruit and member of the legendary Manning football family, is ready to take the reins as Texas’ starting quarterback. This transition has fans buzzing with anticipation, as they wonder how the young star will perform on the big stage.
The hype surrounding Manning has been building for years. His five-star pedigree, coupled with his illustrious family background—his uncles Peyton and Eli, and grandfather Archie—has created a media frenzy that is hard to ignore. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the moment when Manning would officially take over the quarterback position. Now, after two years of preparation and patience, that moment is finally here.
The Media Circus Awaits
With the excitement surrounding Manning, one can’t help but ponder: just how big will the media circus be when he steps onto the field as the starting quarterback? ESPN’s Marty Smith recently weighed in on this topic during a conversation with Paul Finebaum.
“Just know this, brother, it’s going to be Tim Tebow-level hysteria this fall when we go to Austin, Texas,” Smith declared. “When he is behind center full time for the first time, it’s going to be like it was with Tebow at Florida—everywhere they go, they’re going to be rockstars. That’s what I anticipate, and I think that’s what we’re gonna see.”
This comparison to Tebow is not made lightly. During his time at Florida from 2006 to 2009, Tebow became a household name, drawing massive media attention and polarizing opinions from fans. Will Manning experience a similar phenomenon? It’s certainly a possibility, given the expectations placed on him.
The Longhorns’ Future Looks Bright
As the College Football Playoff National Championship game concluded with Ohio State’s victory over Notre Dame, Texas was already being touted as an early favorite for next year’s title. The Longhorns are not just looking for a successful season; they are aiming for a championship run. With Manning now at the helm, the stakes have never been higher.
Moreover, Manning is also among the top Heisman favorites for the upcoming season. The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, and being in this conversation speaks volumes about the expectations surrounding him. If he performs well, he could not only lead Texas to glory but also etch his name in the history books.
The Tebow Effect: A Potential Reality
The level of hysteria surrounding Manning could rival that of Tim Tebow. During his college career, Tebow was followed everywhere by media, and fans either adored him or despised him, largely due to his immense popularity and constant coverage. If Manning lives up to the hype, we could see a similar situation unfold in Austin.
The excitement is palpable. Texas football may never be the same again. The combination of Manning’s talent and his family legacy creates a unique narrative that fans will be eager to follow. Can he handle the pressure? Will he rise to the occasion? These questions will be at the forefront as the season approaches.
What Lies Ahead for Texas Football
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the Longhorns are not just a team with potential; they are a team with a story. The transition from Ewers to Manning signifies a new era for Texas football, one that fans hope will bring them back to the pinnacle of college football.
The excitement is infectious, and the anticipation is building. Will Manning deliver on the promise that has been placed upon him? Will he lead the Longhorns to the heights they aspire to reach? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
As the Longhorns prepare for a new chapter, fans can expect thrilling moments, nail-biting games, and a journey that could redefine Texas football. The countdown to kickoff has begun, and the eyes of the college football world will be firmly fixed on Austin.
