Click here for all of EasySportz’s college football coverage. SEC Previews: South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama, Georgia.
Storylines Entering the Season
The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 season with sky-high expectations following back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearances. With head coach Steve Sarkisian in his fifth year, the program is poised to compete for an SEC Championship and a national title. Here are the key storylines:
- Arch Manning’s Ascension to QB1: After two years behind Quinn Ewers, redshirt sophomore Arch Manning takes the reins of the Texas offense. Known for his elite pedigree and dual-threat ability, Manning’s performance will be pivotal. Can he live up to the hype and become Texas’ best dual-threat quarterback since Vince Young?
- Roster Turnover and Youth Movement: Texas must replace six defensive starters and four of five offensive linemen from the 2024 season, which ended with a 13-3 record and a Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State. The influx of young talent, including the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, will need to step up quickly.
- Navigating a Brutal Schedule: The Longhorns face a daunting slate, starting with a rematch against defending national champion Ohio State on the road and including key SEC clashes with Georgia and Texas A&M. Avoiding critical mistakes (penalties, turnovers) that plagued them in 2024 will be essential.
- Defensive Line Reload: Despite losing key defensive linemen, Texas has bolstered its front with transfers like Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue). The emergence of sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons could make this unit elite.
Key Players
- Arch Manning (QB, So.): The former five-star recruit is expected to showcase his arm strength and mobility, potentially elevating Texas’ offense to new heights.
- Quintrevion Wisner (RB, Jr.): After rushing for 1,064 yards in 2024, Wisner leads a deep running back room and is a vocal leader.
- CJ Baxter (RB, R-So.): Returning from a torn ACL and LCL, Baxter’s recovery and explosiveness could make him a game-changer.
- Ryan Wingo (WR, So.): With top receivers gone, Wingo is poised to become Manning’s primary target after a strong freshman year.
- Colin Simmons (EDGE, So.): A freshman All-American in 2024, Simmons is expected to have a breakout season as a pass rusher.
- Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Jr.): A 2024 All-SEC candidate with 113 tackles and 8.0 sacks, Hill anchors the defense.
- Michael Taaffe (S, Sr.): A 2024 All-American, Taaffe’s leadership and playmaking (78 tackles, 10 pass breakups) are vital.
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Arch Manning (So.) | Trey Owens (Fr.) |
| RB | Quintrevion Wisner (Jr.) | CJ Baxter (R-So.) |
| WR-X | Ryan Wingo (So.) | Parker Livingstone (Fr.) |
| WR-Z | Kaliq Lockett (Fr.) | Aaron Butler (R-Fr.) |
| WR-Slot | DeAndre Moore Jr. (Jr.) | KC Concepcion (Jr., Transfer) |
| TE | Spencer Shannon (R-So.) | Jordan Washington (R-Fr.) |
| LT | Trevor Goosby (Jr.) | Malik Agbo (Jr.) |
| LG | Neto Umeozulu (Jr.) | Nate Kibble (R-Fr.) |
| C | Cole Hutson (Sr.) | Connor Robertson (R-Fr.) |
| RG | DJ Campbell (Sr.) | Cam Williams (Jr.) |
| RT | Brandon Baker (Fr.) | Andre Cojoe (R-Fr.) |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Trey Moore (Sr.) | Zina Umeozulu (Fr.) |
| DT | Travis Shaw (Jr., Transfer) | Alex January (Fr.) |
| DT | Cole Brevard (Jr., Transfer) | Aaron Bryant (R-Fr.) |
| EDGE | Colin Simmons (So.) | Ethan Burke (Jr.) |
| LB | Anthony Hill Jr. (Jr.) | David Gbenda (Sr.) |
| LB | Jelani McDonald (Jr.) | Liona Lefau (So.) |
| CB | Malik Muhammad (Jr.) | Terrance Brooks (Jr.) |
| CB | Wardell Mack (Fr.) | Jaylon Guilbeau (Sr.) |
| S | Michael Taaffe (Sr.) | Andrew Mukuba (Sr.) |
| S | Derek Williams Jr. (So.) | Jordan Johnson-Rubell (Fr.) |
| STAR | Jaylon Guilbeau (Sr.) | Kobe Black (So.) |
Note: Depth chart based on projections from spring practice and recruiting rankings.
2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | at Ohio State | Columbus, OH |
| Sep 6 | Sam Houston | Austin, TX |
| Sep 13 | UTEP | Austin, TX |
| Sep 20 | San Jose State | Austin, TX |
| Sep 27 | at Mississippi State | Starkville, MS |
| Oct 11 | Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry) | Dallas, TX |
| Oct 18 | at Georgia | Athens, GA |
| Oct 25 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, TN |
| Nov 1 | Florida | Austin, TX |
| Nov 8 | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR |
| Nov 15 | Kentucky | Austin, TX |
| Nov 28 | Texas A&M | Austin, TX |
Source:
Key Games Preview
- at Ohio State (Aug 30):
- Why It Matters: A rematch of the 2024 CFP semifinal, where Texas fell 28-14. The Longhorns open the season against the defending national champions in a hostile environment. This game will test Manning’s readiness and Texas’ revamped offensive line against Ohio State’s elite defense. A win could set the tone for a CFP run.
- Key Matchup: Arch Manning vs. Ohio State’s secondary. Manning must avoid the turnovers that hurt Texas in 2024 while exploiting a Buckeye defense that returns key pieces.
- at Georgia (Oct 18):
- Why It Matters: Facing the SEC powerhouse in Athens is a defining moment for Texas. After losing to Georgia in the 2024 SEC Championship (22-19 in OT), the Longhorns seek revenge. This game could have major SEC title and CFP implications.
- Key Matchup: Texas’ defensive line (Simmons, Shaw) vs. Georgia’s offensive line. Containing Georgia’s run game will be critical to forcing quarterback Carson Beck into passing situations.
- vs. Texas A&M (Nov 28):
- Why It Matters: The Lone Star Showdown returns on Black Friday, with Texas looking to repeat their 2024 victory. This rivalry game carries massive bragging rights and could impact SEC standings. Texas A&M’s strong offensive line and running back duo (Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels) will challenge Texas’ front.
- Key Matchup: Texas’ secondary (Taaffe, Muhammad) vs. A&M’s receivers (KC Concepcion, Terry Bussey). Limiting big plays will be key to stopping Marcel Reed’s passing attack.
Season Outlook
Texas is projected as a preseason No. 1 team, with a talented roster and a favorable SEC schedule that avoids Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss. However, the early tests against Ohio State and Georgia, combined with roster turnover, pose challenges. If Manning delivers and the young talent gels, Texas could win 10-11 games and return to the CFP. Expect a 9.5 win total, with a likely SEC Championship appearance and a shot at the national title.
