Kicking off the season on Aug. 30, the Longhorns will face a familiar opponent in a rematch from the Playoff semifinals as they travel to Ohio State.
This won’t mark the first starting opportunity for the quarterback, but it will be his debut as the definitive QB1 for the program following the announcement regarding the 2025 season.
From that point forward, the schedule becomes significantly more favorable for Texas, which is projected to commence the 2025 season in a strong position despite losing several offensive linemen and a few key players.
Among Texas’ eight SEC rivals, only two concluded the 2024 season with winning records against conference opponents.
With a tough matchup against the Buckeyes in Week 1 and a crucial game against Georgia in Week 12, the Longhorns will not encounter any team that finished the previous season ranked in the CFP Top 25.
Nonetheless, Manning will face high-pressure situations, having only started in games while Ewers dealt with an oblique injury.
Among the pivotal matchups will be a clash with the rising quarterback star at Florida on Oct. 4, followed by the essential Red River Rivalry matchup against Oklahoma the following week.
Texas is anticipated to contend for the SEC title and make a return to the CFP as Manning takes the reins after spending two seasons as Ewers’ backup.
September Slowdown
The month of September presents Texas with an opportunity to regroup, enhance team chemistry, and gear up for the challenges of SEC play. The Longhorns can treat this month similarly to how a team might approach the preseason.
While it’s worth noting that all three opponents have recently appeared in bowl games, they lack the depth and talent to keep pace with Texas over the full 60 minutes.
Texas is likely to be favored by three touchdowns or more in each contest, allowing Manning to assert control over the offense during this period while building rapport with his receiving corps.
Although Manning has shown he can run effectively, Coach Steve Sarkisian would be wise to limit wear and tear on his star quarterback, especially with a demanding five-week stretch against SEC competition ahead.
Manning will finish his day early in these games as the Longhorns lean on a talented group of running backs after establishing commanding leads.
October Highlights
The calendar turns to October with two highly anticipated games: one at Florida on Oct. 4 and another against Oklahoma on Oct. 11.
Fans should prepare for an electrifying showdown between Arch Manning and DJ Lagway in Week 6, a must-watch event showcasing arguably the two most gifted quarterbacks in college football during a critical SEC clash.
Florida wrapped up the 2024 season with a four-game winning streak, including victories with Lagway at the helm.
While some Texas fans might assume a straightforward victory given the previous year’s dominant 49-17 win at Texas, it’s essential to remember that was prior to Lagway’s ascension as the starter, and the 2025 matchup will take place in a hostile environment.
The following week brings the highly anticipated encounter with Oklahoma. The Sooners will be eager to rebound from a disappointing 34-3 defeat to Texas in 2024 as they enter Year 3 under Coach Brent Venables.
With transfer John Mateer stepping in at quarterback, this game promises to be another thrilling quarterback duel, providing Manning with a chance to establish his Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Midseason Malaise
Each of these conference games should see Texas favored by more than a touchdown, though they may not come easily.
This stretch occurs between the Red River Rivalry and a crucial matchup against Georgia, which will put pressure on both Sarkisian and Manning to maintain focus.
In 2024, Texas handled Kentucky and Mississippi State without much difficulty, but both teams, having previously finished at the bottom of the standings, will look to improve in 2025.
Vanderbilt also poses a challenge, especially with their standout quarterback. The Commodores are likely to prove tough once more, as the Longhorns barely escaped with a 27-24 victory in Nashville in 2024.
Given that tipped passes caused Ewers two crucial interceptions in that game, Manning’s agility and ability to manage the pocket should help mitigate this issue moving forward.
Tense Finish
The final stretch kicks off with a demanding road game against a Georgia team eager to reclaim its status in college football after failing to reach the CFP semifinals in consecutive years.
Having defeated Texas twice in 2024, the Bulldogs will be formidable opponents in a packed Sanford Stadium, where the Longhorns will make their first-ever visit to Athens, Georgia.
The rivalry games against Arkansas and Texas A&M will both provide stiff competition. The Aggies, led by defensive-minded head coach Mike Elko, will be keen to hinder Manning’s effectiveness, especially if he is in contention for the Heisman Trophy as the season concludes.
Fortunately for Texas, both matchups are set at home, where the Longhorns are likely to hold the advantage.
With a blockbuster opening and a rivalry-heavy closing, Texas will face considerable challenges throughout the season. However, the Longhorns benefit from a favorable schedule that includes six of the SEC’s bottom seven teams from the previous year, while avoiding potentially tough opponents like LSU and Ole Miss.
This manageable lineup suggests that Manning has a solid chance to lead Texas to a 10-2 record, which would qualify the Longhorns for the College Football Playoff and potentially a return to the SEC Championship Game.
Manning’s mobility and leadership abilities present Texas with a golden opportunity to build on the robust foundation established by Ewers over the past two seasons.
