Texas Longhorns 2025: Why Confidence Outweighs Concerns Entering the Season

We discussed team-wide concerns this morning. That’s not nearly as fun as reasons for confidence, which are numerous.

Let’s dive right in.

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We Know the Program Is Strong

Yes, there’s a lot of turnover in college football, and each year has the potential to be different—perhaps drastically different (cough cough, Florida State)—than the year prior. And Texas did lose those 12 players to the NFL Draft plus all-time career leader in starts Jake Majors. But there’s simply too much returning star power mixed with emerging star power for Texas not to have a “good” season at minimum.

On top of that, Texas once again has program continuity with all three coordinators and the S&C department returning intact. The amount of individual player development is clearly established at this point and staff continuity is a big reason.

There’s also plenty of carryover in the leadership department, with new leaders emerging this offseason just as they have in each of the last four years.

Texas reached the semifinals the last two seasons, and a case can be made this is the most talented team Sark has had yet.

Improv and Big Plays from the Quarterback Position

I don’t fully know what to expect from Arch Manning, but it won’t be boring. He’s going to be good, but how good, how soon?

Despite limiting turnovers this offseason, there are concerns his play-style could lead to some once he’s playing unfamiliar defenses. He wants to make the play every down. There will be a bit of a +/- to account for, but on balance, he’s going to create positive plays that never would have happened last season—often with his legs.

The first chapter in the book on Arch covers his downfield accuracy. That’s something the offense severely lacked last year. He’s not as polished in the intermediate or RPO game as Quinn Ewers, at least not yet, but he’s going to make things happen even when the play doesn’t appear to be there.

The offense might lack execution at times, but big plays will be plentiful and should help deliver kill shots in ways we didn’t see last year (Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Arkansas, A&M, Arizona State).

Defense Wins Championships

Texas had a top-three defense last year, and it should again this season. The unit, led by Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill, Michael Taaffe, Jelani McDonald and several other future NFL Draft picks, sets a very high floor. Last year, unfortunately, the defense also set the ceiling, as the offense and special teams often struggled to hold up their end of the bargain.

The 2023 season was paced by the secondary. The secondary should be strong again, but this year the pass rush is expected to drive defensive performance. That will, in turn, support the coverage unit, which still boasts plenty of experience. Texas’ third level is stocked with veterans, and that counts for a lot.

There will almost certainly be a positive feedback loop between the pass rush and coverage. It might even be strong enough to offset the lost ball production from Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba.

Depth also shouldn’t be overlooked. By Sark’s own admission, Texas has 15–16 players capable of starting—and it might be more than that. They have five defensive tackles who could start, and that’s a position where depth can turn the sum into something greater than the parts.

Improved Special Teams

I called my shot back in May, saying special teams would be noticeably improved year over year. Optimism stems from Jeff Banks’ track record, Texas’ organizational commitment to the third phase, added experience, and the arrival of punter Jack Bouwmeester and kicker Mason Shipley. Bouwmeester, coupled with the defense, is going to flip the field for the offense a lot this season. He’s a massive, massive upgrade at the position. Shipley…I’m not quite a sure on. Kicking at Texas State or in practice isn’t the same as kicking under the lights in Athens.

Don’t overlook the experience gained on coverage teams. Last year, Texas was undone by too many mental mistakes. Expect a significant leap forward in that area.

Running Back Platoon Isn’t Special but It Is a Platoon

It can’t be overstated how worn down Tre Wisner was by the end of last year. This season, he’ll get far more help from CJ Baxter, Christian Clark, and Jerrick Gibson. All four are capable of starting, which represents a massive upgrade—especially deeper into the season.

All four also have good enough hands for Sark to take advantage of them in the passing game.

More Interior Power

I mean this in terms of both strength and the “power” run play. Neto Umeozulu upgrades Hayden Conner in this regard, Cole Hutson upgrades Jake Majors in this regard, and DJ Campbell is playing the best ball of his career.

On top of that, the threat of Arch’s legs gives Texas a +1 advantage in the run game. That could be one of the defining stories of the season. I believe it will factor into improved red zone efficiency, though it will take several weeks to know for sure.

Size, Length, Speed

This is a big, fast, and long team. Duane Akina can roll out a secondary with Jelani McDonald, Derek Williams, Michael Taaffe, and Kobe Black. Pete Kwiatkowski can send out edge rushers Ethan Burke and Colton Vasek or Zina Umeozulu. All three are over 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. Colin Simmons is an absolute menace with his speed-to-power ability as a rusher. Several defensive tackles are in the 6-foot-5 range. Linebackers Anthony Hill and Ty’Anthony Smith both bring length and speed to the position.

On offense, Arch is a big, fast quarterback. Receivers Ryan Wingo and Parker Livingstone bring size and speed, while DeAndre Moore adds vertical quickness from the slot. Trevor Goosby is a 6-foot-7 dancing bear at left tackle. And though CJ Baxter may not have all of his burst back yet, at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, he provides the size Texas coaches have long wanted in the backfield.

Only a handful of teams can stack up to Texas when it comes to raw traits.

Schematic Versatility

I won’t go deep into this but the offense is as comfortable in 12 personnel (two tight ends) as it is 11 personnel (one tight end). The former is better for running the ball but because of tight end Jack Endries and whoever the running back is, Manning will still have four quality receivers to target.

The offense has also been working in other personnel packages designed to get speed on the field and to create confusion with the defense. And probably a false start or two but we’ll live with those.

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Defensively, the staff has more pass rushers than ever before to get on the field. A sign of that, I’m running out of words and have only now mentioned Trey Moore.