Live from Austin: The Arch Manning Era Begins for the Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns are turning the page to a new chapter in their storied football history, with Arch Manning now set to take the reins as quarterback. After a successful 2024 season, which saw Texas finish with a 13-3 record and a dominant 7-1 run in SEC play, all eyes are on Manning to continue the program’s rise.
Passing the Torch
With Quinn Ewers declaring for the NFL Draft, the spotlight now shifts to Manning, who steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in college football. Ewers leaves behind a legacy of back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, and the expectation for Manning is clear: bring home a national championship.
As excitement builds, Rivals’ national recruiting director Adam Gorney offered a bold prediction for Texas’ 2025 season.
“My prediction is this: Texas loses next season’s opener against Ohio State (and the media has a field day with questions about Manning) and then the Longhorns run the table (we’ll see about the Georgia game) en route to another College Football Playoff run that ends with the title coming back to Austin,” Gorney said, according to Rivals.
The Road Ahead
The Longhorns will face a tough test right out of the gate, traveling to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 1 on August 30. While Gorney anticipates an early stumble, he believes it could be the catalyst for a championship-caliber season.
Manning, who spent two seasons as Ewers’ backup, has already shown flashes of his potential. With 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and a 66.3% completion rate in limited action, along with four rushing touchdowns, the young star is poised to lead the Longhorns’ offense in his first year as a starter.
High Expectations for Texas
Originally the No. 1 player in the class of 2023 per 247Sports, Manning enters the season with immense pressure but even greater potential. Fans are buzzing with optimism and confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.
“Same, but we beat Ohio State,” one fan posted online, responding to Gorney’s prediction.
“Ohio State is losing so many guys, but so is Texas. I think Texas has the better defense and Arch Manning takes over. 12-0/11-1,” said another.
Others added:
- “We’ll beat Ohio State.”
- “Of course there’s always a possibility Texas can win.”
- “That’s the story every year.”
- “Adam Gorney, ball knower, gained a follower.”
A Championship Run in the Making?
While Manning prepares to lead Texas into battle, the current college football season is set to conclude with Ohio State and Notre Dame facing off in the national championship game on January 20.
With the talent around him, a solid defense, and his family’s legendary football pedigree, Arch Manning could be the key to finally bringing the national championship trophy back to Austin. For Longhorns fans, the countdown to August 30 has officially begun.
