After coming up short in the College Football Playoff Semifinals in back-to-back seasons, Arch Manning is stepping in as Texas‘ starting quarterback, and the Longhorns are motivated to take the next step in their ascension back to the top of the college football world.
Setting the Stage for 2025
With the 2025 season on the horizon, FanDuel Sportsbook has set the over/under for Texas’ wins at 9.5. This number serves as a benchmark for the Longhorns, who are eager to prove they can reach double-digit victories. But can they do it? The road ahead is filled with challenges, and the pressure is on Manning to deliver.
Challenging Season Opener
The Longhorns kick off the season with a daunting task: facing the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in Week 1. This matchup is particularly significant for Texas, as they seek revenge for their heartbreaking loss to Ryan Day’s squad that ended their 2024 season. Manning, as the freshly minted starting quarterback, will need to rise to the occasion right out of the gate.
September: A Mixed Bag
After the tough opener in Columbus, Texas will enjoy a slightly easier schedule throughout September. They will return home for two games against San Jose State and UTEP, followed by a bye week. The month wraps up with another home game against Sam Houston. These matchups will be crucial for Manning to settle into his role and for the team to build momentum before diving into the heart of their conference schedule.
SEC Challenges Await
As the Longhorns learned in 2024, playing in the SEC is no walk in the park. They will face a tough test on October 4, when they travel to Gainesville to take on a much-improved Florida team. This game will be a real litmus test for Manning and the squad. Following that, the atmosphere will be electric as Texas faces their arch-rivals, Oklahoma, in the famed Red River Rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 11. These two games will set the tone for the rest of the season.
Mid-Season Trials and Tribulations
While the Longhorns will enjoy a second bye week on November 8, the schedule does not get any easier. They will head to Sanford Stadium in Athens the following week for a rematch against the Georgia Bulldogs in what promises to be a high-stakes SEC Championship Game rematch. Texas is still stinging from their playoff exit last season, and they will be eager to show they’ve improved since then.
Rivalry Week and Season Finale
The final stretch of the season will be equally challenging. After returning home to face Arkansas on November 22, the Longhorns will gear up for a fierce showdown against Texas A&M on November 29. The rivalry between these two teams is legendary, and fans can expect fireworks as they clash in what will be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.
The Road Ahead for Arch Manning
All told, it won’t be an easy ride for Arch Manning as Texas’ quarterback in 2025, and he’s not expecting it to be. The pressure will be immense, but Manning has shown he can handle it. The Longhorns are determined to make their mark this season, and whether they can hit that ten-win benchmark remains to be seen.
Looking Forward
As the Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season, one thing is certain: they will not be taken lightly. With a blend of seasoned talent and fresh energy from Manning, Texas is poised to make a significant impact in college football. Can they rise to the occasion and reclaim their spot among the elite? Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Longhorns can turn their aspirations into reality this fall.
The excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher. Count the Longhorns out at your own risk this coming season!
