Quarterback Arch Manning may assist the No. 1 Texas Longhorns do one thing simply two different groups have performed for the reason that 2000 season.
On Monday, the Related Press launched its first high 25 ballot for the 2025 season. The Longhorns ranked No. 1 with 25 first-place votes, forward of the Penn State Nittany Lions (23 first-place votes) and Ohio State Buckeyes (11 first-place votes).
If Texas wins the nationwide title, it’ll be a part of the 2004 USC Trojans and the 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide as the one groups for the reason that 2000 season to go from preseason No. 1 to champions.
That places even more pressure on Manning, who’s changing Quinn Ewers because the Longhorns beginning QB this season. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old might have what it takes to deal with it.
Manning tried simply 95 passes in his first two seasons with the Longhorns however confirmed glimpses of his potential. He has already thrown for 969 passing yards and 9 landing passes.
“This man has all of it talent-wise,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay wrote of the 6-foot-4, 219-pound QB in his preseason scouting report. “The ball snaps off his hand, and he is each slippery and powerful within the pocket, exhibiting the flexibility to increase passing performs and break free from defenders within the open subject as a runner.”
Together with a proficient QB like Manning, the Longhorns ought to profit from the 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff. That offers them extra leeway than Alabama or USC had.
The Trojans received the nationwide championship in the course of the BCS period, when simply two groups performed for the trophy. The Crimson Tide, in the meantime, received their title in the course of the four-team playoff period.
Manning and firm nonetheless should overcome loads of exams this season, together with a large recreation in Week 1. The Longhorns face the Buckeyes on the street on Aug. 30 at midday ET on Fox.
Regardless, anticipate Texas to stay within the title hunt all through the season, particularly if Manning is nearly as good as marketed. He is already hailed as a future No. 1 NFL Draft pick.
