What the Longhorns Need to Win the National Championship is Discussed by a Texas Star Duo
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for the 2025 college football season, two standout players have shared their perspectives on what the team needs to secure a national championship. Quarterback Arch Manning and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. are poised to lead Texas in their pursuit of the program’s first national title since 2005.
Arch Manning: Embracing the Spotlight
Redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning, who ascended to the starting role following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL, is stepping into a significant leadership position. Manning, a five-star recruit and member of the renowned Manning football family, brings a wealth of talent and pedigree to the Longhorns. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 10 games, throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, and rushing for four more.
Manning acknowledges the pressure that comes with his new role but emphasizes the importance of team cohesion and execution. He believes that a collective commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, is crucial for Texas to achieve its championship aspirations.
Anthony Hill Jr.: Defensive Leadership
Junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is another key figure in Texas’ quest for a national championship. Hill, a first-team All-American and All-SEC selection in 2024, led the team with 113 tackles and contributed 16.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Hill emphasizes the necessity of a dominant defense to complement the offense’s efforts. He stresses the importance of maintaining discipline, executing defensive schemes effectively, and creating turnovers to set the tone for games. Hill’s leadership and playmaking ability are expected to be pivotal in Texas’ defensive strategy this season.
Team Outlook
With Manning at the helm and Hill anchoring the defense, Texas boasts a formidable roster. The Longhorns’ defense ranked third nationally in yards allowed and points per game in 2024, recording 46 sacks, the second-highest in the SEC. Offensively, Texas is poised to be dynamic, with Manning’s leadership and a talented supporting cast.
