The 2025 Texas Longhorns Football Season: A Scheduled Return to Glory
As the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, the Texas Longhorns are primed for a transformative year. After years of rebuilding under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the program is starting to see the fruits of its labor. The Longhorns, who have a storied and decorated history in college football, are now looking to return to the national prominence that was once a given in Austin. The 2025 season represents a crucial chapter in their journey, one that could see Texas challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff and, more importantly, reassert itself as one of the premier programs in the country.
The Rebuilding Process Under Steve Sarkisian
When Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, it marked the beginning of a new era for the program. Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator with deep ties to the program, was brought in to breathe new life into a Texas team that had been underachieving for several seasons. His arrival came with lofty expectations, as Texas fans were eager for a return to national championship contention.
However, the path to success has not been smooth. Sarkisian’s first two seasons were marked by growing pains, including frustrating losses and a lack of consistency. In Year 1, Texas showed flashes of brilliance but faltered at critical moments. By 2023, the team appeared to be trending in the right direction, though they still struggled to reach their full potential. The program’s ascent, while gradual, laid a strong foundation for what would come in the 2025 season.
By the start of the 2025 season, many of the key pieces of Sarkisian’s vision have begun to fall into place. The Longhorns are now equipped with a blend of talented underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen who are ready to step up. This mix, combined with the program’s continued emphasis on recruiting and player development, positions Texas as a serious contender in 2025.
Recruiting: The Heartbeat of Texas Football
A critical aspect of Texas’ resurgence in the 2025 season lies in its recruiting efforts. The Longhorns have been consistently ranked among the top teams in recruiting over the past several years, and the fruits of that labor are now evident. By 2025, the Longhorns have accumulated a roster full of blue-chip prospects at nearly every position.
Key recruits in the 2023 and 2024 classes, who are now entering their sophomore and junior years, will be expected to make significant contributions. Among the most hyped players are quarterback Arch Manning, the highly-touted five-star recruit who signed with Texas in 2023, and a slew of elite skill players, including wide receiver Johntay Cook and running back Cedric Baxter. These players are not only talented, but they represent a shift in the way Texas has been recruiting. The Longhorns are no longer relying solely on the in-state pipeline—they are also pulling top talent from across the country.
For Texas to truly return to elite status in 2025, these young stars will need to live up to their potential and continue the tradition of success that has made Texas a recruiting juggernaut. With the right mix of experience and youthful energy, Texas is well-positioned to challenge the conference’s elite.
The Quarterback Situation: Arch Manning’s Rise
At the heart of Texas’ 2025 resurgence is the quarterback position. After years of uncertainty at the most critical position on the field, the Longhorns appear to have found their next great quarterback in Arch Manning. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch entered the program with sky-high expectations. Though his early years in the program were developmental, the 2025 season will be the year in which Manning is expected to take the reins and lead the team.
Manning’s journey to becoming Texas’ starting quarterback has been one of patient growth. He learned under the tutelage of Sarkisian’s offensive system, which emphasizes a balanced attack with both run and pass options. By 2025, Manning is expected to have fully grasped the complexities of the offense and be ready to show why he was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in recent years.
With his strong arm, poise under pressure, and football IQ, Manning has all the tools to thrive at the collegiate level. His leadership will be crucial to Texas’ chances in 2025, and if he lives up to the hype, he could very well be the catalyst for the Longhorns’ return to national relevance.
Offensive Firepower: A Balanced Attack
Under Steve Sarkisian, Texas has gradually developed an offense that balances both the run and the pass. The 2025 season will see the Longhorns’ offense reach new heights, as the pieces are now in place for a dynamic attack that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the country.
The running back room is stacked with talent, led by sophomore Cedric Baxter, who is expected to be the feature back in 2025. Baxter has the vision, burst, and power to excel at the college level, and he will be crucial to taking the pressure off Manning in his first full season as the starter. Texas has also built a strong offensive line, which will be key in both the running game and in providing Manning with ample time in the pocket.
At wide receiver, Texas has a deep and talented group, including players like Xavier Worthy, a dynamic deep threat, and Johntay Cook, who could be a breakout star in 2025. With a solid mix of proven playmakers and rising stars, the Longhorns have the weapons to create mismatches against any defense.
The offense, which has steadily improved under Sarkisian’s leadership, could be one of the most potent in the Big 12—and potentially the nation—by 2025. With Manning at the helm and a supporting cast full of skill talent, the Longhorns are poised to return to their high-scoring, explosive roots.
Defensive Dominance: A Stifling Unit
While offense often gets the most attention, defense will be just as important for Texas’ success in 2025. The Longhorns’ defense has shown significant improvement over the past few seasons, and by 2025, they have the personnel to dominate.
The defensive line is particularly strong, with future NFL prospects in the mix. Players like Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat could become household names in 2025, as they anchor a defensive front capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and running backs. The ability to generate pressure on the quarterback will be vital for the Longhorns’ defense to succeed.
In the secondary, Texas has a talented group of cornerbacks and safeties, led by senior Jerrin Thompson, who is one of the most experienced players on the roster. The Longhorns’ defense will need to be opportunistic, forcing turnovers and making key stops when it matters most.
The combination of a powerful defensive line and a strong secondary will give the Longhorns the tools to compete with the best offenses in the country. Texas’ defense, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, will be tasked with making key stops in crucial moments—particularly against high-powered offenses in the Big 12 and in any potential postseason matchups.
Key Games and Rivalries
The 2025 season will feature several pivotal games for Texas, as they look to make their return to the top of the college football world. The Longhorns will face off against traditional rivals such as the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry, a game that has historically been a barometer for Texas’ season. A victory in this contest would give Texas a significant boost both in the Big 12 standings and in terms of national perception.
Other important matchups will include games against high-profile teams like Alabama, which Texas will face in a home-and-home series, and top Big 12 teams such as Baylor and Kansas State. A strong showing in these games will be necessary to secure a place in the College Football Playoff conversation.
The Longhorns will also have to navigate the shifting landscape of college football as they prepare to transition to the SEC in 2025. This move will bring new challenges, but it also offers the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football. How Texas performs in the final season of Big 12 play could set the tone for their future in the SEC.
Conclusion: The Return of the Texas Longhorns
As the 2025 season draws near, the Texas Longhorns are ready to reclaim their place among college football’s elite. With a roster loaded with talent, including a quarterback who is poised to lead the team to new heights, the Longhorns are ready to make their scheduled return to prominence. The blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience gives the team a balanced, well-rounded approach that could make them a force to be reckoned with in 2025 and beyond.
Under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian, Texas has made significant strides in recent years, and the 2025 season represents the culmination of that hard work. With the right mix of coaching, talent, and execution, the Longhorns are ready to prove that their return to greatness is not just a matter of scheduling—but of preparing for a national championship run.
