Tony Thomas
Author
By Tony Thomas
A new era begins in Austin, Texas, as Arch Manning takes over the quarterback duties for the Texas Longhorns, selected as the top team in the Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has led the Longhorns to a 33-10 record over the last three seasons with two playoff appearances.
The Texas offense returns just four starters this season, but it will be a talented unit, nonetheless.
In limited action last season, Manning passed for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and only two INTs. He completed 68 percent of his passes. In addition, Manning scored four rushing TDs. His season-high came against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State: 83 percent completion rate, 325 yards, two touchdowns.
Now, it’s Manning’s offense to run full-time as QB1.
Manning will throw to talented receivers in Ryan Wingo (29 receptions, 472 yards, two TDs, 16.28 average) and DeAndre Moore (39 catches, 456 yards, seven TDs).
As Manning’s backfield mate, running back Quintrevion Wisner returns as the team’s leading rusher from a season ago. Wisner rushed for 1,064 yards and five touchdowns, including 110 yards and two TDs against Clemson in the College Football Playoff.
But the shining gem of this Longhorns team may very well be the defense. In 2024, Texas was ranked in the Top Ten in eight defensive categories last season. This talented unit returns seven starters that was +5 in turnover margin last season, led by defensive end Colin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill, Jr. and free safety Michael Taffe.
As a true freshman in 2024, Simmons made his mark early and often. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Simmons posted 48 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one INT and forced three fumbles. For his stellar effort, Simmons earned the following accolades:
Hill led Texas in tackles with 113 stops, along with 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one INT and four forced fumbles. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors.
Taafe was No. 2 on the team in tackles for the Longhorns with 78. In addition, Taafe picked off two passes, recorded 10 pass breakups and forced a fumble.
The Longhorns could be a tough out this season because Sarkisian is one of the best play-callers in college football, a young, talented quarterback with a familial football pedigree and a strong defense that could bring home a national title.
Yes, there is much football yet to be played, but the Longhorns have the talent and the schedule to run the table in 2025. If there is a slip up, it could be against either the Oklahoma Sooners (with better quarterback play in 2025) or between the hedges at Georgia.
In Week 1, they have everything in place to turn the Horseshoe into the unluckiest place on Earth against the defending national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, on Aug. 30.
The Buckeyes have more questions this season than in any season in recent memory. Ohio State suffered significant attrition in the offseason, not only on both sides of the ball, but also on the coaching staff. OSU is ranked No. 2 in the Coaches Poll.
The matchup should make for exciting television and will set the tone for both teams this season.
