Texas Longhorns Have a Star in Arch Manning, But This Underrated Veteran Leader Could Be Their True MVP in 2025
When it comes to the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 football season, all eyes are understandably on Arch Manning. The heir to a football dynasty, the five-star quarterback brings with him expectations that few players in college football history have carried. He has the name, the pedigree, the arm talent, and the leadership qualities that programs dream of building around. But while Manning may be the face of the team, the real MVP of the Longhorns might be someone who does the dirty work, receives far less spotlight, and yet could be the true key to a title run: linebacker Jaylan Ford.
In a college football world obsessed with quarterback play, Ford represents the kind of quiet dominance that wins championships. He doesn’t have the media narrative of Manning or the brand appeal of a wide receiver like Xavier Worthy. But what he does have is experience, intelligence, toughness, and the kind of on-field production that often separates good teams from great ones. He’s the leader of the defense, the quarterback on the other side of the ball, and perhaps the most indispensable player on Texas’ roster.
Ford’s impact on the field has been undeniable over the past two seasons. He has led the team in tackles, consistently disrupted opposing offenses, and provided a stabilizing presence in the middle of the defense. He has the speed to cover sideline to sideline, the strength to take on blockers in the run game, and the instincts to anticipate plays before they unfold. In a conference where every snap counts and defensive lapses can decide championships, Ford’s consistency is a luxury Texas can’t afford to take for granted.
While Arch Manning might win games with his arm, Ford ensures Texas doesn’t lose them on the other side of the ball. In today’s SEC—where offenses are explosive and the margins are razor-thin—having a field general like Ford is critical. His ability to diagnose plays and adjust coverages in real time has helped the Longhorns thrive defensively, even against some of the best offensive talent in the country.
One of Ford’s most valuable traits is his leadership. He’s not a rah-rah guy always looking for the camera, but he commands the respect of his teammates through work ethic and production. Coaches often rave about his football IQ and the trust they place in him to manage complex defensive responsibilities. He’s the guy calling out shifts, identifying pre-snap alignments, and making sure the defense is in the right position. That kind of trust doesn’t come overnight—it’s earned, and Ford has spent years doing just that.
Ford’s presence is especially important in a season where Texas is transitioning to life in the SEC. The level of physicality, speed, and unpredictability in the conference is unlike anything Texas has faced in recent years. Ford provides a crucial anchor in that transition. His knowledge of the game, his ability to adapt on the fly, and his experience against top-tier competition make him a rare asset in an otherwise youthful defense.
The Longhorns will be facing elite quarterbacks, potent run games, and dynamic offenses week after week. Having a linebacker like Ford who can be trusted to make plays in space, cover tight ends, and shut down running lanes isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. While Manning and the offense will undoubtedly draw headlines, it’s Ford and the defense who may hold the key to whether Texas can win close, grind-it-out games late in the season.
In 2024, Ford recorded over 100 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and several tackles for loss. But his numbers only tell part of the story. He made game-changing plays in pivotal moments—third-down stops, red-zone interceptions, and momentum-killing hits that helped swing the tide. That clutch factor is something no team can manufacture. It’s intrinsic, and Ford has it.
Then there’s the emotional element. Teams need leaders not just to perform, but to inspire. Ford is the kind of player that young teammates look to in the heat of battle. He brings calm during chaos. He’s seen it all before and has grown into the kind of player who understands what it takes to win at the highest level. That kind of maturity is often the difference between teams that fall short and those that reach the playoff.
And even more than that, Ford’s unselfishness is a model for the rest of the team. In an age when players chase stats and social media clout, Ford is about the team, the system, and the mission. His focus is singular: winning. It’s the kind of attitude that spreads in a locker room and creates the type of team culture championship programs are built on.
As the Longhorns navigate a brutal SEC schedule, Ford’s health and availability will be paramount. If he’s on the field, Texas has a defense that can compete with anyone. If he’s not, the drop-off is significant—not just in production, but in organization and morale. There’s no true replacement for what he brings.
In contrast, the quarterback room is deep and talented. While Arch Manning is expected to be the starter and face of the program, Texas also has Maalik Murphy and others waiting in the wings. If an injury occurs or Manning has growing pains, there are contingency plans. That same depth doesn’t exist at Ford’s position. His value lies not just in his skill, but in his irreplaceability.
Ford is also playing for something bigger. He has NFL aspirations, and with each passing game, he’s building a resume that scouts can’t ignore. His versatility, size, and football IQ make him an attractive prospect at the next level, and 2025 could be the year he puts it all together for a breakout campaign that turns him into a first-round lock.
And let’s not forget the pressure Manning faces. Every pass he throws, every decision he makes will be dissected and discussed nationally. While some players thrive in that environment, others need time to grow into it. Ford provides a counterbalance to that pressure. While the offense works through growing pains and adjustments, it will be up to the defense—and Ford in particular—to hold the line.
That’s where Ford’s value skyrockets. When Texas needs a key third-down stop, when they’re holding a narrow lead with two minutes left, when the offense is sputtering and needs a spark—Ford is the player who steps in, settles the team, and makes the difference. He doesn’t need the spotlight to perform. He thrives in the shadows, doing the gritty, thankless work that real MVPs are made of.
So while Arch Manning may end up being the star that fans come to see and the media adores, it may very well be Jaylan Ford who determines whether Texas fulfills its championship destiny. Every elite team has that one player who holds everything together—the silent stabilizer, the commander in the middle, the true leader. For the 2025 Longhorns, that player is Jaylan Ford.
If Texas ends this season as SEC champions or finds themselves in the College Football Playoff again, you can bet Manning will get much of the credit. But don’t overlook the heartbeat of the defense—the guy wearing the captain’s badge, calling the shots, making the tackles, and holding everyone accountable.
Jaylan Ford might not win the Heisman. He might not dominate the highlight reels or sell out jerseys in the bookstore. But make no mistake: he could be the most important player on the team. The real MVP of the Texas Longhorns might not be the superstar quarterback everyone expects—but the unsung linebacker who quietly leads them to greatness.
