Texas marks the start of the Arch Manning era: Analyzing the Longhorns’ 2025 schedule when a mega-recruit takes over as quarterback

The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the most storied programs in college football, and with the arrival of Arch Manning—the five-star quarterback recruit from New Orleans—the program has entered a new chapter. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, who has been heralded as one of the most anticipated quarterback prospects in recent college football history.

Manning’s decision to commit to Texas was a seismic moment in college football recruiting, elevating the Longhorns’ profile and expectations in ways few recruits could. After spending years at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, where he gained national recognition for his poise, arm strength, and leadership, Manning now faces the challenge of living up to the legacy of his famous family while leading Texas to Big 12 glory and beyond.

As the 2025 season approaches, we’ll take a detailed look at the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 schedule, analyzing the games, opponents, and key matchups in what promises to be a monumental year in Texas football. With Arch Manning taking over the reins as starting quarterback, the pressure is on—but so are the opportunities.

The Arch Manning Effect: What It Means for Texas Football

Before we dive into the specifics of the 2025 Texas Longhorns football schedule, it’s essential to understand what Manning brings to the table and how his presence will impact the program. Manning, who was ranked as the No. 1 overall quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, is an elite talent. His combination of size, arm strength, and football IQ gives Texas a promising future at the quarterback position.

During his time at Isidore Newman, Manning demonstrated an uncanny ability to read defenses, make all the throws, and perform in high-pressure situations. He’s been praised for his calm demeanor, which will be crucial as he steps into the spotlight at Texas, where expectations have always been high. Texas fans have been waiting for a quarterback who can lead the program back to national prominence, and Manning could very well be that player.

Moreover, head coach Steve Sarkisian has built an offense that plays to Manning’s strengths. Sarkisian’s offensive scheme—known for its dynamic passing attack—could be the perfect environment for Manning to thrive, surrounded by a talented group of skill players. The expectations for Texas football are higher than ever, and with Manning under center, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12 and college football playoff conversations.

Texas Longhorns’ 2025 Football Schedule: A Tough Road Ahead

The 2025 season will be a critical one for Texas, as it marks the beginning of the Arch Manning era. The Longhorns are set to face a challenging schedule, with games against some of the top teams in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups:

Week 1: Texas vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (Home)

The season opener for Texas will be an opportunity for Arch Manning to make his much-anticipated debut in front of the home crowd at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Louisiana-Lafayette, a solid mid-major team, will provide a great opportunity for Manning to get comfortable in a live game situation. This matchup will also give Sarkisian and the coaching staff a chance to fine-tune their offensive game plan and make adjustments before the tougher games arrive.

Key Storylines:

• Arch Manning’s first career start for Texas.
• Texas’ offense looking to establish chemistry early.
• Louisiana-Lafayette aiming to pull off an upset.

Week 2: Texas vs. Alabama (Home)

The first major test for Arch Manning and the Longhorns will come in Week 2 when they host Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. Texas faced off against Alabama in a thrilling game in 2022, and this year’s matchup promises to be another high-profile showdown. Alabama is always a top contender, and while Manning will face the challenge of an elite defense, it will also be an opportunity to prove his mettle against one of college football’s best teams.

Key Storylines:

• Arch Manning facing a top-tier defense in Alabama’s defense.
• Texas’ ability to compete with a program like Alabama.
• Sarkisian’s knowledge of Alabama’s defense, given his previous ties to the program.

Week 3: Texas vs. Wyoming (Home)

Following the high-stakes Alabama game, Texas will return to Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium to face Wyoming. While Wyoming isn’t expected to be a major threat, this game will provide Manning with a chance to further develop his game and work on his timing with the wide receivers and offensive line. Expect to see the Longhorns’ offense experiment with different strategies as they continue to work out the kinks.

Key Storylines:

• Texas looking to bounce back after a tough contest against Alabama.
• Manning gaining more confidence with each start.
• Texas preparing for upcoming conference opponents.

Week 4: Texas at Baylor (Away)

The Longhorns’ first road test of the season will come in Waco, where they’ll face a Baylor team that has been consistently competitive in the Big 12 in recent years. While Baylor has been a solid team, this will be a game where Manning’s ability to manage a hostile road environment will be key. Texas will need to establish a strong ground game to complement Manning’s passing attack.

Key Storylines:

• Manning’s first road game as a starting quarterback.
• A tough Big 12 opponent in Baylor, known for its physicality.
• Texas looking to make a statement on the road.

Week 5: Texas vs. Texas Tech (Home)

In their first Big 12 game of the season, Texas will host Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have been competitive in recent years and will provide a solid challenge for Manning and the Texas offense. The game could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their dynamic offenses. Manning will need to continue to develop chemistry with his wide receivers and stay poised against a team that has the potential to score quickly.

Key Storylines:

• A chance for Manning to prove he can lead the Longhorns to victory in conference play.
• Texas Tech’s aggressive defense vs. Manning’s passing game.
• Manning adjusting to Big 12 play.

Week 6: Texas vs. Oklahoma (Neutral Site, Red River Rivalry)

The Red River Rivalry is one of college football’s most intense and historic matchups, and in 2025, it will be no different. Texas and Oklahoma will meet at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, and the stakes will be high as both teams battle for supremacy in the Big 12. Arch Manning’s performance in this game could be a defining moment in his Texas career. Rivalry games are often decided by the ability of the quarterback to stay calm under pressure, and this will be Manning’s first taste of the intense rivalry.

Key Storylines:

• Manning making his debut in the Red River Rivalry.
• The importance of this game for Big 12 standings.
• Texas’ ability to handle Oklahoma’s physicality and speed.

Week 7: Texas at Kansas State (Away)

Kansas State has long been a tough out in the Big 12, and 2025 will likely be no different. Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium is always a challenging place to play, and the Wildcats are known for their tough defense and well-coached team. This road game will test Manning’s ability to perform in adverse conditions and could have significant implications for the Big 12 race.

Key Storylines:

• Manning’s ability to handle another tough road challenge.
• Kansas State’s defense and the key matchup with Texas’ offense.
• Both teams jockeying for position in the Big 12 standings.

Week 8: Texas vs. TCU (Home)

TCU is one of the top programs in the Big 12, and in 2025, they will likely be a contender for a College Football Playoff berth. The Longhorns will need to be on top of their game to defeat a Horned Frogs team that has built a reputation for explosive offense and a solid defense. This could be a pivotal matchup for Texas as they look to cement their place in the playoff race.

Key Storylines:

• Manning and the Longhorns facing one of their toughest Big 12 foes.
• The importance of this game for College Football Playoff contention.
• The key battle in the trenches between Texas’ offense and TCU’s defense.

Weeks 9-12: Remaining Big 12 Opponents (Kansas, Iowa State, West Virginia, Oklahoma State)

The final stretch of the 2025 regular season will feature matchups against some of the Big 12’s more competitive programs, including Kansas, Iowa State, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State. Texas will need to take care of business in these games to maintain their position in the standings and keep their playoff hopes alive. For Manning, these games will offer a chance to sharpen his skills and ensure he’s fully prepared for the postseason.

Week 13: Texas vs. Big 12 Championship Game (TBD)

If Texas has navigated the