For years, Texas has entered seasons with enormous expectations. Now, the Longhorns are sitting exactly where many expected them to be No. 1 in the country.
Texas is 3-0 after surviving No. 1 Ohio State with a stunning 24-23 comeback and then handling UTSA 30-6. The Longhorns received 58 of 69 first place votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll and remain at the top heading into SEC play.
But this season feels different.
The question is no longer whether Texas has enough talent to compete for championships. The question is whether this team, led by quarterback Arch Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian, can finally turn all of that talent into the ultimate prize.
Arch Manning Has the Spotlight
There may not be a player in college football carrying more attention than Arch Manning.
The expectations surrounding Manning have been enormous since long before he became Texas’ starting quarterback. Now, as the full time starter, he has the opportunity to establish his own legacy in Austin.
His biggest moment so far came against Ohio State.
Texas found itself down 23-3 entering the fourth quarter, seemingly on the verge of a devastating loss. Instead, Manning and the Longhorns helped spark one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent Texas history. Hollywood Smothers scored the winning touchdown with 25 seconds remaining to complete the 24-23 victory.
Manning wasn’t perfect in that game, but the comeback demonstrated something important about the team around him: Texas refused to quit.
Against UTSA, Manning threw two first half touchdown passes and added 50 rushing yards as the Longhorns won 30-6. The performance wasn’t spectacular statistically, but Texas’ defense dominated, holding UTSA to only 143 total yards.
Now Manning heads into SEC play with the biggest stage of his career waiting.
Steve Sarkisian Has Built the Expectations
Sarkisian has helped transform Texas into a consistent national contender.
The Longhorns have reached the College Football Playoff twice under Sarkisian, and he enters his sixth season at Texas with a 50-20 record.
But getting to the playoff isn’t enough anymore.
Texas has spent the past few seasons building a roster capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Now the expectations have reached another level.
Sarkisian has repeatedly emphasized keeping his team focused on the next game rather than the No. 1 ranking. That mentality will be especially important because the Longhorns are about to enter the most challenging portion of their schedule.
The SEC Will Decide How Far Texas Can Go
Being No. 1 is one thing.
Staying there through an SEC schedule is another.
Texas’ conference opener comes against No. 14 Tennessee in Knoxville, giving the Longhorns an immediate test against a ranked opponent.
The Longhorns also have games against ranked opponents such as Georgia and other SEC contenders later in the season. Every week will bring another opportunity for Texas to prove that its ranking is deserved.
That’s what makes this season so fascinating.
Texas has the quarterback everyone has been waiting to see. It has a coach who has already taken the program to the playoff. It has a roster loaded with talent. And now it has the No. 1 ranking.
Can Texas Finally Break Through?
That’s the question hanging over the entire season.
Texas has already shown that it can overcome adversity. Coming back from 20 points down against Ohio State wasn’t just another win it was a statement about the team’s resilience.
But the biggest challenges are still ahead.
If Manning continues developing, Sarkisian keeps the team focused and Texas can navigate the SEC, the Longhorns could have a legitimate opportunity to make a deep postseason run.
The expectations couldn’t be higher.
Texas is No. 1. Arch Manning has the spotlight. Steve Sarkisian has the experience. Now the Longhorns have to prove they can finish what they started.
Can Arch Manning and Texas finally break through?
