As college football fans eagerly look ahead to the next season, one team is generating a buzz like no other: the Texas Longhorns. With a fresh outlook and a promising roster, they are ranked as the number two team in the country by Joel Klatt in his Way-Too-Early Top-10 list. What’s fueling this excitement? Let’s dive into the details!
Arch Manning Takes Center Stage
At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is none other than Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback who is finally stepping into the spotlight as Texas’ QB1. Klatt emphasized the significance of Manning’s arrival, noting that this moment is rare in college football. “It’s officially Arch Manning time in Austin,” Klatt declared. “Steve Sarkisian is going to be the benefactor of an incredible amount of patience from a young player and his family.”
What makes Manning’s situation unique is the perspective his family brings. With a lineage that includes MVPs and Super Bowl champions, the Mannings understand the journey of a football player. They have instilled a sense of patience in Arch, allowing him to develop and learn under Sarkisian for two years before taking the reins. This kind of preparation is invaluable and sets the stage for a dynamic offense next fall.
The Future of Texas Offense
So, what can fans expect from Texas’ offense with Manning at the helm? Klatt believes that the Longhorns will see a transformation thanks to Manning’s skill set. “That offense is going to look a little bit different because of his skillset running the football,” he explained. While he doesn’t anticipate a return to the Vince Young-era zone-read offense, he does see Manning’s ability to scramble as a game-changer. “When he can take off and affect the defense scrambling? That’s huge,” Klatt added. This is something Texas lacked with Quinn Ewers, and it could open up new avenues for the Longhorns’ offensive strategy.
Building a Strong Roster
But Manning isn’t the only reason for the optimism surrounding Texas football. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the program has shown consistent improvement, making strides each season. They recently made their way to the SEC Championship and have appeared in the College Football Playoff for two consecutive years. With the No. 1 recruiting class in On3’s 2025 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and five new additions from the NCAA Transfer Portal, Texas is poised to continue this upward trajectory.
Klatt pointed out that the Longhorns are committed to building their roster through elite-level recruiting. “You know they’re going to do well in the transfer portal,” he noted. This dedication to enhancing their roster through various avenues is a testament to the program’s ambition and vision for the future.
Addressing Offensive Line Concerns
However, not everything is perfect in Longhorn land. Klatt raised a critical concern regarding the offensive line. While this unit was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, they will be losing multiple starters to the draft and graduation. “The major question I have is that their offensive line was so good. Who’s going to be up front?” Klatt asked. Replacing four of the five offensive line starters will be a significant challenge and could impact the overall performance of the team.
Consistent Improvement Under Sarkisian
Despite the challenges ahead, Texas has shown remarkable growth in each of its four seasons under Sarkisian. The prospect of a fifth consecutive year of improvement is tantalizing, especially with Klatt ranking them as a top-two team in the nation. “I look at this Texas team and I think that they’re going to be fantastic,” Klatt expressed. “They’re going to be right there. I’d be surprised if that’s not one of the better teams in the country.”
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season
As the countdown to the new season begins, the excitement surrounding Texas football is palpable. With Arch Manning leading the charge and a roster that continues to evolve, the Longhorns are ready to make their mark. Fans can expect a thrilling season filled with potential and promise. Will Texas rise to the occasion and prove their worth among the elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Longhorns are a team to watch!
