Texas Longhorns Enter 2025 College Football Season Poised for Championship Run After Consecutive College Football Playoff Appearances
Fresh off its second straight College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, Texas football enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most dangerous and confident programs in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have rebuilt their national identity, returning to prominence and once again establishing themselves as a top-tier team in the race for a national title. With an elite quarterback returning, strong recruiting classes, and a growing culture of excellence, Texas looks poised to make a serious push for its first national championship since 2005.
The 2024 season solidified Texas as a national powerhouse. The Longhorns not only made it to the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year, but they also showed that their success was no fluke. Despite falling short in the semifinal again, Texas proved they could go toe-to-toe with college football’s best. That experience has only fueled their hunger heading into 2025. Their roster is loaded with returning starters, breakout talent, and a top-three recruiting class that adds valuable depth and competition to an already championship-caliber squad.
Quarterback Arch Manning is now the face of the program. After redshirting his first year and serving as a backup, Manning took over the reins last season and delivered in a big way. His leadership, poise under pressure, and dynamic arm talent have earned him national recognition. As he heads into the 2025 season, Manning is not just a Heisman Trophy contender but arguably the most important player in college football. His ability to extend plays, read defenses, and command the huddle has transformed the Texas offense into one of the most feared units in the nation.
Offensively, Texas returns a balanced and explosive unit. The offensive line, anchored by All-American tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., is among the best in the country. The running back room is deep, featuring a mix of power and speed with standout backs like CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue. At wide receiver, the Longhorns boast one of the deepest corps in the nation, highlighted by Johntay Cook II and Ryan Niblett, both of whom emerged as consistent playmakers last season. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders may be gone to the NFL, but freshman phenom Kaden Durham is ready to step into a big role.
Sarkisian, known for his offensive mind, has built an offensive scheme that maximizes talent and creates mismatches. The Longhorns averaged over 40 points per game last season, and they may be even more dangerous in 2025. Sarkisian’s trust in Manning allows for more aggressive play-calling, and with the weapons at his disposal, few defenses will be able to keep up.
On defense, Texas made major strides in 2024 and looks to take another leap this year. The defensive line, led by returning stars like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, is physical and disruptive. The linebacker unit, featuring the athletic Anthony Hill Jr. and rising star Derion Gullette, brings speed and physicality to the second level. In the secondary, Texas will lean on the experience of players like Terrance Brooks and Malik Muhammad, both of whom have developed into reliable cover corners.
New defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, who joined from Arizona, has brought an aggressive mentality to the unit. His emphasis on turnovers and physical play has energized the defense, which was already trending upward under former DC Pete Kwiatkowski. Nansen’s system encourages attacking the quarterback, disguising coverages, and flying to the ball—elements that will be critical in matchups against the SEC’s top offenses.
Yes, Texas is now officially in the SEC. After years of speculation and preparation, 2025 marks their first full season as members of the Southeastern Conference. The schedule is brutal, but it also provides opportunity. The Longhorns will face Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M—all programs with playoff aspirations of their own. But Texas is not intimidated. They’ve beaten Alabama recently, they’ve stood toe-to-toe with the best, and they enter SEC play believing they belong—and that they can win it.
The rivalry with Texas A&M is officially back. One of college football’s most intense and storied rivalries, the Longhorns and Aggies haven’t met since 2011. That changes in 2025, and the matchup carries enormous implications, both in the SEC standings and on the recruiting trail. Reclaiming dominance in the state of Texas is a top priority for both programs, and a win in this rivalry game could sway the balance for years to come.
Recruiting continues to be a major strength for Texas. Sarkisian and his staff have assembled back-to-back top-three classes, pulling talent from across the country but also locking down the state of Texas. The Longhorns are winning battles against Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, which speaks volumes about their standing in the college football hierarchy. More importantly, they’re developing that talent. Freshmen aren’t just sitting—they’re contributing, and that culture of competition is raising the bar across the board.
The Longhorns’ commitment to excellence extends beyond the field. The athletic department has invested heavily in facilities, support staff, and player development. The new South End Zone complex at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is one of the best in the country. The resources available to players, from nutrition to mental health support to NIL education, are elite. Texas is not just building a winning team—they’re building a sustainable program designed to compete at the highest level year after year.
With all of this momentum, expectations are sky-high. Anything less than a national championship appearance will feel like a disappointment to many fans. Sarkisian embraces that pressure. He’s built a culture where expectations are met with preparation, and where past success is just the beginning. He’s also fostered a tight-knit locker room, where leaders like Arch Manning, Kelvin Banks Jr., and Anthony Hill Jr. keep teammates focused and grounded.
Leadership is often the difference between good and great teams, and Texas has it. Veterans know what it’s like to win big games. They know what it’s like to play on the biggest stages. And they’ve felt the pain of coming up just short. That combination of experience and hunger makes Texas particularly dangerous in 2025. They’re not just chasing a championship—they believe it’s their time.
There will be challenges. The SEC grind is unlike anything Texas has faced in the Big 12. Injuries, depth issues, and the weekly gauntlet of elite opponents will test the Longhorns. But they’re built for it. They’ve invested in depth, they’ve recruited nationally, and they’ve embraced the “SEC mentality.” Every game matters, every rep counts, and every detail is scrutinized.
The Longhorns open the season with a tough non-conference test against Michigan in Ann Arbor—a potential top-10 showdown that could shape the playoff picture early. From there, it’s a steady stream of high-stakes matchups, including home games against Alabama and Florida, and a trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU. By the time Texas faces Texas A&M in the regular season finale, the SEC Championship Game and a playoff spot may be on the line.
Fans are more engaged than ever. Season ticket sales are through the roof, and the burnt orange faithful believe again. Texas football is no longer a punchline or a program clinging to past glory. It’s a legitimate contender, built on real substance, strong leadership, and a clear vision. The 2025 season isn’t just another year—it’s a defining moment.
Should the Longhorns reach the College Football Playoff again, they’ll be more prepared. The core of this team has already experienced the spotlight. They’ve seen what it takes to win in December and January. With Arch Manning leading the way, and with Sarkisian pulling the strings, Texas has the talent, experience, and infrastructure to not only reach the playoff—but to win it.
As the 2025 season begins, one thing is clear: Texas is back. And this time, it’s not just hype. The Longhorns have arrived—and they’re coming for a national title.
