Arch Manning is not the only standout prospect for the Texas Longhorns under Steve Sarkisian in 2025.

When Arch Manning made the decision to commit to the Texas Longhorns in June 2023, the college football world took notice. The grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s arrival in Austin was seen as a monumental moment for the Texas program. The Longhorns had secured one of the most coveted quarterbacks in a generation—an elite talent with the pedigree and potential to reshape the future of the program.

However, while much of the attention surrounding Texas’ recruiting efforts for the 2025 class has centered on Arch Manning, he is far from the only top-tier prospect committed to the Longhorns. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are assembling one of the most dynamic recruiting classes in the nation, and a number of standout players are already committed to join the program in 2025. These recruits, alongside Manning, represent the foundation of a Texas team that is poised to contend for championships in the years to come.

This article explores the other highly regarded prospects who will join Arch Manning in Austin and examines how their talent and potential fit into Sarkisian’s vision for the Longhorns. From playmakers on offense to disruptive defenders, the 2025 class for Texas features a well-rounded group of players who will help push the program toward national prominence.

1. The Rising Star: Jaden Greathouse (Wide Receiver)

While the signing of Arch Manning undoubtedly steals the spotlight, it’s important to remember that Steve Sarkisian has been equally focused on building an explosive offense. A key figure in this offensive revolution is Jaden Greathouse, a wide receiver from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. Greathouse is one of the top-ranked wide receivers in the country and has committed to the Longhorns for the 2025 class.

Standing at 6’2” and 210 pounds, Greathouse brings a unique blend of size, speed, and hands to the Texas offense. His high school career has been marked by impressive consistency, having hauled in over 50 catches for over 1,000 yards during his junior season. He is known for his ability to make contested catches, particularly in the red zone, and his physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations. Greathouse’s presence will give Arch Manning a reliable target on the outside, and his ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for the entire offense.

Greathouse’s commitment to Texas is a significant win for Sarkisian, as it ensures that Manning will have an elite receiving corps to work with as he transitions to college football. With Xavier Worthy already a standout on the roster, and Greathouse adding another dimension to the offense, Texas is shaping up to have one of the most potent passing games in the country in the coming years.

2. Cedric Baxter Jr. (Running Back): The Future of Texas’ Backfield

While Texas has made significant strides in the passing game, Sarkisian’s offense is predicated on balance. A dynamic quarterback like Arch Manning will need a strong running game to complement the aerial attack, and that’s where Cedric Baxter Jr., one of the nation’s top running back prospects, comes in.

Baxter, who hails from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, is a 6’0”, 210-pound powerhouse who runs with both power and speed. Ranked as one of the top running backs in the class of 2025, Baxter combines an explosive first step with the ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles. His vision and patience as a runner allow him to make plays even when the holes aren’t wide open, while his ability to break tackles makes him a consistent threat for big plays.

Baxter’s commitment to Texas is crucial for the development of the offense under Sarkisian. The Longhorns need a reliable workhorse in the backfield, and Baxter fits that role perfectly. His presence will allow Texas to control the tempo of games, giving Manning and the passing attack the balance they need to thrive. Whether it’s a screen pass, a draw, or an inside zone run, Baxter will be a key component of the offensive scheme that Sarkisian continues to build.

3. Ethan Calloway (Offensive Tackle): Protecting the Quarterback

In any offensive system, particularly one as quarterback-centric as Sarkisian’s, the offensive line is paramount. Arch Manning’s success will depend not only on the talent of his receiving corps but also on how well he is protected in the pocket. To ensure Manning has the time he needs to develop into the superstar many expect him to be, Texas has secured a commitment from one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation: Ethan Calloway.

Calloway, a 6’6”, 300-pound offensive tackle from North Carolina, is a prototypical blindside protector with the athleticism to match his size. He possesses an elite combination of strength, footwork, and technique, allowing him to protect the quarterback’s blind side while also being a force in the run game. His ability to move in space makes him ideal for Sarkisian’s up-tempo system, where offensive linemen must be able to adjust quickly to various defensive looks.

Texas’ commitment to recruiting elite offensive linemen, like Calloway, will be key to maintaining long-term success. With Calloway and others in the 2025 class, the Longhorns will have the tools they need to build one of the most formidable offensive lines in college football, which will provide Manning with the time he needs to grow into his role as the face of the program.

4. The Defensive Gems: Jamel Williams (Linebacker) and Jamal Anderson Jr. (Defensive Back)

While much of the focus in recruiting often falls on offensive playmakers, Sarkisian knows that a successful football program requires balance on both sides of the ball. As such, he has placed a heavy emphasis on defensive talent for the 2025 class. Two of the most highly regarded defensive commitments for Texas are Jamel Williams, a linebacker from Georgia, and Jamal Anderson Jr., a defensive back from Dallas, Texas.

• Jamel Williams (Linebacker): Williams is a dynamic linebacker who excels both in pass coverage and run defense. At 6’2” and 230 pounds, he is well-suited to play in a variety of defensive schemes. His ability to read plays, shed blocks, and make tackles in space will make him an immediate contributor to the Longhorns’ defense. His versatility is particularly valuable for Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas’ defensive coordinator, who is known for his multiple schemes and the use of versatile linebackers who can affect the game in numerous ways.
• Jamal Anderson Jr. (Defensive Back): Anderson is one of the most highly regarded defensive backs in the 2025 class and is ranked among the top safeties in the country. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, he has the range and physicality to cover both wide receivers and tight ends. His high football IQ and ability to read quarterbacks make him a valuable asset in pass coverage. As the Longhorns continue to build their defense, Anderson’s ball-hawking skills will give them an added dimension in the secondary.

With these defensive recruits, Texas is well-positioned to strengthen a defense that has often been one of the program’s weaknesses in recent years. Williams and Anderson, along with others in the 2025 class, will form the backbone of a defense capable of competing in the high-powered SEC.

5. The Long-Term Vision: Sarkisian’s Texas Revolution

Under Steve Sarkisian, Texas has shown significant progress in just a short period. His offensive acumen has already reshaped the way the Longhorns approach the game, and the 2025 recruiting class will only add fuel to that fire. While Arch Manning certainly garners the majority of attention, the other standouts in the class, including Jaden Greathouse, Cedric Baxter Jr., Ethan Calloway, and the defensive stars, are just as crucial to Texas’ success in the coming years.

Sarkisian’s vision is not just about having a single standout quarterback; it’s about building a complete program that can compete at the highest level on both sides of the ball. With a balanced offensive attack, a stout defense, and elite players across the roster, Texas is well on its way to reclaiming its place as one of the premier programs in college football.

The 2025 class will play a pivotal role in that journey. As Manning and his fellow recruits develop and mature in the Texas system, the Longhorns will be poised to take on the challenges of the SEC and make a run at the College Football Playoff. The future of Texas football has never been brighter, and it’s not just Arch Manning who is leading the charge—it’s the entire 2025 class.