Texas competitors of Arch Manning see blood in the water and reduce his margin of victory.

As the 2025 college football season draws closer, Arch Manning’s highly anticipated arrival at Texas has captured the attention of college football fans, analysts, and rivals alike. Manning, the five-star recruit and heir to the Manning football legacy, has been touted as the savior of the Texas Longhorns’ program, expected to lead the team back to national prominence. His recruitment and subsequent development have been framed as the key to Texas’ future success, with the Longhorns’ national championship aspirations now heavily resting on his young shoulders.

However, in the ever-competitive world of college football, success is never guaranteed, no matter how talented the player. As the season progresses and Manning’s spot in the starting lineup becomes a focal point of Texas’ hopes, the program’s competitors in the Big 12 and beyond see an opportunity. They recognize that Manning, despite his prodigious talent, is still a young player, and they are intent on capitalizing on any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that arise, especially in the early part of the season.

Rival teams are no longer merely looking to stop Texas’ offense—they are also setting their sights on reducing Arch Manning’s margin of victory, attempting to expose any flaws in his game and test his ability to handle pressure. With Manning being so highly regarded and having so much expected of him, every opponent will be motivated to throw their best at him, and the Longhorns will face a heightened level of scrutiny and challenges. Let’s take a deeper dive into how Manning’s competitors are positioning themselves to neutralize his impact and reduce his margin of victory.

Rival Teams in the Big 12: Looking for Weaknesses

Manning’s most immediate competitors will come from within the Big 12, the conference where Texas has experienced a fluctuating level of success in recent years. While the Longhorns are considered one of the conference’s top teams, the conference has several formidable opponents who are eager to prove that they can take down the new-look Texas team with Manning at the helm.

Oklahoma Sooners: A Renewed Rivalry

The Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the biggest rivals of Texas for decades, and their rivalry is always one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. As the Sooners continue to rebuild under head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma will be looking to prove itself in the Big 12 and beyond. Oklahoma’s defense has shown signs of improvement, and Venables’ experience as a defensive mastermind at Clemson gives the Sooners a strategic edge.

Manning, as talented as he is, will face a defense that has had ample time to study his game tape, particularly in his transition from high school to college football. The Sooners will undoubtedly try to put Manning under pressure, mixing up defensive schemes to exploit any signs of indecision or mistakes. Oklahoma’s defense will look to limit Manning’s big-play ability by taking away his primary receiving options and forcing him into uncomfortable situations. If they can disrupt Manning’s timing with quick pressure from the defensive line and take away the Longhorns’ playmaking ability, they may be able to rattle the young quarterback early in his career.

Kansas State Wildcats: A Tough, Physical Defense

Another team that will present a significant challenge to Texas in 2025 is Kansas State. The Wildcats, under head coach Chris Klieman, have consistently played tough, physical football and built a reputation for being able to upset more talented teams. Kansas State’s defense will likely take a no-nonsense approach against Manning, utilizing a physical, hard-hitting style that forces quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Expect Klieman’s defensive unit to try to overwhelm Manning with a relentless pass rush and an aggressive secondary.

The Wildcats will test Manning’s poise in the pocket and his ability to read defenses quickly. Kansas State’s defense is capable of disguising coverages and implementing creative blitz packages to create confusion for Manning. If they can exploit his occasional inexperience and force him to make mistakes, it could lead to turnovers or missed opportunities for Texas’ offense. Kansas State’s ability to slow down Manning and stymie the Longhorns’ offense could have a major impact on the outcome of the game.

Baylor Bears: Defensive Disruption and Ball Control

Baylor, another team that consistently challenges for the Big 12 title, will be another significant competitor for Texas in 2025. Baylor’s defense has steadily improved under head coach Dave Aranda, and they will likely focus on neutralizing Manning’s deep ball while controlling the tempo of the game. The Bears are known for their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers, and this will be a key area of focus when facing Manning.

Baylor will likely try to keep Manning on the sidelines by relying on a strong running game and ball-control offense. If the Bears can sustain long drives and keep Manning from having opportunities to score, it will force Texas to play from behind. Defensively, Baylor will likely use a combination of aggressive pass rushes and sound coverage to limit Manning’s options and force him into making mistakes under pressure. By forcing Manning into quick decisions and rattling his confidence, Baylor could reduce the Longhorns’ margin of victory and make the game a grind.

National Contenders: Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and More

While Texas’ Big 12 rivals will be focused on finding cracks in Manning’s armor, teams from across the country will also be gunning for the Longhorns. In particular, the SEC and Big Ten powers like Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama will present the biggest challenges to Manning and Texas’ national championship aspirations. These teams are used to competing for national titles year in and year out, and they know how to take advantage of young quarterbacks.

Georgia Bulldogs: Defense and Big-Game Experience

The Georgia Bulldogs, the reigning national champions, have one of the most well-rounded teams in college football, and their defense is the hallmark of their success. With head coach Kirby Smart at the helm, Georgia has built a defense that is capable of shutting down the most potent offenses in the country. While Manning’s raw talent may be undeniable, the Georgia defense will force him into difficult situations, using their elite pass rush and secondary to keep him under pressure. Georgia’s ability to make quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket and shut down passing lanes will test Manning’s poise, decision-making, and leadership.

In addition to their defensive prowess, Georgia’s big-game experience will be a significant factor. The Bulldogs know what it takes to win national championships, and they will be looking to stifle any momentum Manning and Texas build. If Manning and the Longhorns struggle in this high-pressure environment, it could derail their national title dreams.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Pressure From All Angles

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, are another team that will challenge Manning and the Longhorns for national supremacy. Ohio State consistently produces elite talent on both sides of the ball, and they will likely focus on attacking Manning from all angles. The Buckeyes’ defense, with its array of pass rushers and ball-hawking defensive backs, will look to force Manning into tight throws and bad decisions. If Ohio State’s defense can generate consistent pressure, Manning will have to prove that he can lead Texas in a high-stakes environment against one of the best teams in the country.

Ohio State also has one of the most dynamic offenses in college football, so if the Buckeyes are able to put points on the board early, it could put additional pressure on Manning to match their output. This game would test Manning’s ability to stay calm, execute under duress, and rise to the occasion when faced with a top-tier opponent.

Alabama Crimson Tide: Stifling Defense and Explosive Offense

Finally, Alabama, the gold standard of college football under head coach Nick Saban, will be another team looking to reduce Manning’s margin of victory. Alabama’s defense is always among the best in the nation, and the Crimson Tide have the ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses. If Manning is unable to establish a rhythm against Alabama’s defensive line and linebackers, it could prevent Texas from finding success. Additionally, Alabama’s offense—led by a dynamic quarterback and playmakers—will be able to exploit any weaknesses in the Longhorns’ defense, forcing Manning to play catch-up and reducing Texas’ chances of winning.

Manning’s Path Forward: Overcoming the Challenges

For Arch Manning, the road to the national championship will be filled with challenges. His competitors, whether in the Big 12 or across the nation, will do everything in their power to expose any vulnerabilities in his game and reduce his margin of victory. Manning will need to adapt quickly, stay poised under pressure, and make the right decisions when faced with adversity. If he can do that, Texas has the talent and coaching to compete for the national title. However, Manning’s ability to rise above the challenges and lead Texas to victory will ultimately determine the Longhorns’ success in 2025 and beyond.

In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, Arch Manning’s journey to greatness will be shaped by how well he navigates the pressures and obstacles thrown his way. If he can meet those challenges head-on and deliver when it matters most, he could bring the Longhorns back to championship glory.