High Expectations and Rising Stars: Player Ratings Reveal Texas Longhorns’ Blueprint for Championship Run with Arch Manning, Anthony Hill, Others
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, all eyes are on the Texas Longhorns. With their SEC debut looming and a roster full of elite talent, the expectations have never been higher for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad. The buzz isn’t just about team rankings or recruiting hauls—it’s about the individual players who will shape the fate of a program aiming to reestablish itself as a national powerhouse. Central to that conversation are player ratings—those ever-debated, highly scrutinized numerical assessments that seek to encapsulate a player’s impact, potential, and current performance. For the Longhorns, key figures like Anthony Hill, Arch Manning, Johntay Cook, and several others have drawn significant attention as these ratings shape narratives and set expectations for the fall.
At the center of the spotlight is quarterback Arch Manning. With the Manning legacy behind him and the full weight of Longhorn Nation on his shoulders, Arch enters this season as the presumptive starter after a redshirt year and impressive spring performance. The anticipation around him is intense, and for good reason. Manning’s player rating heading into the season is hovering around a 93-95 range on most analytic scales—a mark that denotes a high-end Power Five starter with All-Conference upside. What makes Manning’s case unique is not just his bloodline, but the visible progression in his footwork, decision-making, and ability to stretch the field with precision during offseason workouts. Critics once questioned whether he’d live up to the family name. Now, few question that he’s ready to lead.
While Manning commands headlines, linebacker Anthony Hill is arguably the most dominant returning defensive player on the roster. After an electric freshman campaign in which he not only solidified his spot in the starting lineup but also delivered multiple standout performances, Hill enters the new season with a rating near 96—borderline elite territory. Hill is explosive, instinctive, and versatile. His ability to both rush the passer and cover in space makes him a Swiss Army knife in Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense. Several draft analysts already see Hill as a potential first-round pick if his upward trajectory continues. Among SEC linebackers, Hill’s rating places him in the upper echelon, rivaling more established veterans from programs like Georgia and Alabama.
Wide receiver Johntay Cook is another name to watch, especially with Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell now gone to the NFL. Cook steps into a much larger role and has responded with a dominant offseason. His current player rating sits around 91, but many believe that’s a conservative estimate. Known for his smooth route running and elite acceleration, Cook could very well become Arch Manning’s top target. What sets Cook apart is his ability to make contested catches in traffic and create separation even against top-tier corners. If he stays healthy, he could easily jump into the 94+ range by midseason.
At running back, the Longhorns have an embarrassment of riches. CJ Baxter Jr. returns after flashes of brilliance during his freshman season, and he currently carries a rating of 90. His combination of size, speed, and vision makes him the prototypical SEC back. Behind him, Jaydon Blue and Tre Wisner offer change-of-pace options with ratings in the mid-80s. The backfield might not have a true superstar like Bijan Robinson, but the depth and versatility are undeniable. Expect Sarkisian to rotate backs and ride the hot hand, especially early in the season.
On the offensive line, Kelvin Banks Jr. remains the rock. One of the highest-rated linemen in the country, Banks enters the season with a 96 rating, anchoring a unit that returns multiple starters. His pass-blocking grades are off the charts, and his leadership has become increasingly visible during team practices and scrimmages. Banks will be a major factor in determining how much time Manning has in the pocket and how successful the run game can be against SEC defensive fronts.
Defensively, the secondary sees the return of Terrance Brooks and Malik Muhammad—both players with ratings in the 88–91 range. Brooks, in particular, has impressed with his physicality and instincts in zone coverage, while Muhammad has shown tremendous promise as a man-to-man cover corner. With SEC offenses ready to challenge the Longhorns vertically, the development and consistency of this duo will be critical. If both take the next step, they could form one of the conference’s better cornerback tandems.
Edge rushers like Ethan Burke and newcomer Colin Simmons (a five-star freshman) also deserve mention. Burke, who came into his own during the latter half of last season, carries an 87 rating entering the fall. His quick first step and improving hand technique make him a constant backfield disruptor. Simmons, meanwhile, is unproven at the collegiate level but arrives with a near-100 high school grade. Early returns from camp suggest he may play a rotational role early, but if he adapts quickly, he could become a true game-changer off the edge.
Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders’ departure leaves a gap that Gunnar Helm is expected to fill. Helm, though not as explosive, brings reliability and experience. His current rating sits in the 84–86 range, though with consistent targets from Manning, he could emerge as a valuable red zone option. In a Sarkisian offense that has historically leaned on tight ends to stretch the seam, Helm’s performance could determine how defenses have to scheme against Texas in passing situations.
Special teams, often overlooked in these assessments, also looks solid. Bert Auburn returns as the kicker with a player rating in the 85–87 range, while punter Ryan Sanborn holds steady at around 83. Field position will be crucial in close SEC matchups, and both specialists bring poise and experience.
There are also several under-the-radar players with breakout potential. Safety Derek Williams Jr. has flashed serious range and hit power during camp. His current rating is around 82, but insiders believe he could jump into the upper 80s by October. Similarly, freshman wideout Ryan Wingo and tight end Duce Robinson—if fully healthy—bring enormous upside. Both were five-star recruits, and while their college ratings haven’t stabilized yet, they carry massive expectations.
It’s important to remember that player ratings are not static—they evolve over the season based on performance, injuries, matchups, and momentum. But entering the 2025 campaign, Texas appears to be one of the most balanced and talent-laden teams in the SEC. The offense, with Arch Manning at the helm and a strong O-line protecting him, should be dynamic. The defense, headlined by Anthony Hill and a growing secondary, has the speed and toughness to compete at the highest level.
Texas’ return to national prominence depends on more than just stars on paper. Leadership, discipline, and execution will ultimately determine how far this group can go. But if the player ratings are any indication, the Longhorns are not just ready for the SEC—they’re ready to win it.
From top-rated veterans like Kelvin Banks and Anthony Hill to rising stars like Johntay Cook and Arch Manning, Texas is stacked with players who not only possess high ceilings but also carry immense expectations. The challenge will be translating those ratings into results when it matters most—in hostile stadiums, against elite competition, with the pressure of history and legacy weighing on their shoulders.
In the end, these ratings do more than assign numbers to talent. They tell the story of a team at a crossroads—young, hungry, and ready to prove that the wait is finally over. For Texas, the future isn’t just bright. It’s rated highly across the board.
