After the heart-wrenching defeat against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl, the Texas Longhorns waved their 2024 season goodbye, along with many of the school’s best players. With Arch Manning set to take over the team’s huddle in 2025, the 19-year-old quarterback will face a trial by fire, as he will be without top targets in the program, Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden.
A new era begins for Texas
The Longhorns are shedding their skin, hoping for a better finale to their upcoming campaign. Texas has fallen at the doorstep of the National Championship for the second straight year, and they’re desperate for the third time to be the charm next season. But will they be able to rise to the occasion?
However, the path won’t get any easier next year, as making the College Football Playoffs through a stacked SEC will be an adventure in itself. The Horns will be without pivotal pieces on both sides of the ball, and as Manning loses two top targets in Golden and Bond, fans in Austin are left wondering if the talent at the skill positions will be enough for him to thrive.
Manning faces a tough challenge
They say great quarterbacks elevate the play of everyone around them. As Manning embarks on his first season as a starter in college football, the heir to the Manning quarterback dynasty will face a litmus test right out of the gate.
During his debut starting season, Manning will rely on the skills of wide receivers Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. as his top wideout targets. In addition, incoming freshmen Kaliq Lockett (a 5-star recruit) and four-stars Jaime Ffrench and Daylan McCutcheon could make an immediate impact on the program. Moreover, Ryan Niblett, who redshirted last season, is hoping to form a partnership with Manning on the gridiron.
The running back room loses a key piece in Jaydon Blue, but retains Quintrevion Wisner and Jerrick Gibson, while adding incoming freshmen four-star James Simon and three-star Rickey Stewart. This mix of returning talent and new blood could be crucial for the Longhorns as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Key departures shake up the roster
Manning’s targets’ key absences are not limited to the wide receiver position; they extend to every skill position. Star tight end Gunnar Helm announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft after a sensational performance during the 2024 College Football Playoffs. Aside from the key wideouts’ departures, Helm joins an elite group of Longhorns who will be stepping into the next level, including RB Jaydon Blue, OT Kelvin Banks, Cam Williams, LB David Gbenda, and DB Andrew Mukuba.
In a surprising decision, Isaiah Bond also decided to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Though Bond’s talent is undeniable, the junior wide receiver had an underwhelming season in Texas after transferring from Alabama. He totaled 34 receptions for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns, but his availability was an issue as he missed considerable time, including playoff games.
However, Bond is confident in his game and has made something clear to whichever NFL team decides to take a chance on him. “I want to show teams they are getting the most explosive wide receiver in the draft. They are getting an eye-popper, a great, great athlete and a hard worker,” Isaiah Bond told ESPN.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
The Longhorns move into their post-Ewers era and usher in the Manning days at The Forty Acres. Head coach Steve Sarkisian will be hoping that the talented quarterback can lead this roster to the NCAA’s throne, as the burnt orange nation grows anxious and impatient.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Longhorns will have to rely on their depth and the ability of new players to step up. With a challenging SEC schedule ahead, every game will be crucial. Will the Longhorns find the right chemistry and make a deep playoff run? Will Arch Manning rise to the occasion and prove he can lead this team to glory?
With the clock ticking down to the start of the season, fans are left with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The Longhorns are at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape the future of this storied program. The upcoming season is not just about winning; it’s about building a legacy and proving that Texas football is back on the map. The journey ahead promises to be thrilling, filled with challenges, but also with the potential for greatness.
