Arch Manning’s tenure as Texas’ full-time beginning quarterback begins with a bang on Aug. 30, when the Longhorns journey to Ohio State in a rematch from the School Soccer Playoff semifinals. It will not be the primary begin of his profession, however will probably be his first as this system’s unquestioned QB1 following Wednesday’s information that Quinn Ewers is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

From there, issues loosen up significantly for Texas, which is anticipated to enter the 2025 season as a top-five crew, regardless of the losses of a number of offensive linemen and a handful of key pass-catchers. Simply two of Texas’ eight SEC opponents completed the 2024 season with a successful file in opposition to league competitors. 

Between dealing with the Buckeyes in Week 1 and a showdown at Georgia in Week 12, the Longhorns will not see a single opponent that completed the 2024 season ranked within the CFP High 25. Nevertheless, there’ll nonetheless be high-pressure moments for Manning, whose solely begins to date got here in opposition to overmatched foes Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State whereas Ewers handled an indirect damage.

Among the many key contests will likely be a showdown with rising star quarterback DJ Lagway at Florida on Oct. 4, adopted by the all-important Crimson River Rivalry contest with Oklahoma the next week. Texas is anticipated to compete for the SEC title and return to the CFP as Manning takes over following two seasons as Ewers’ understudy.

How sensible is that? Here is a breakdown of how Texas’ 2024 season would possibly go together with Manning main the way in which

Texas 2025 soccer schedule 

Blockbuster starting

Video games (1): at Ohio State (Aug. 30)

Ohio State is anticipated to lose appreciable manufacturing from its protection because the Buckeyes at present have six defenders ranked among the many prime 100 within the 2025 CBS Sports activities NFL Draft Prospect Rankings. However the Longhorns will even be breaking in a number of new offensive gamers in key positions after they head to the Horseshoe to open the 2025 season for a blockbuster matchup. Thus, it’s going to be an early litmus take a look at for 2 revamped models after the Buckeyes’ protection received the most effective of the Ewers-led Longhorns in key moments through the Cotton Bowl.

Manning has competed 63 of 95 profession passes with 9 touchdowns and two interceptions. However none of these go makes an attempt have are available in a real highway atmosphere. Although he logged three runs at Texas A&M in November, he did not try a go at Kyle Discipline. Asking any quarterback — even one with Manning’s expertise — to win at Ohio State of their first profession highway begin is a tall order.

Projected file: 0-1

September slowdown

Video games (3): vs. San Jose State (Sept. 6), vs. UTEP (Sept. 13), vs. Sam Houston (Sept. 27)

September is an opportunity for Texas to take a deep breath, construct some chemistry and put together for the fireplace of SEC play. The Longhorns can basically deal with the month like an NFL crew would possibly method the preseason. To be honest, all three of those opponents are coming off bowl appearances. However not one of the three have the expertise to compete with the Longhorns over the course of a 60-minute recreation.

Texas needs to be favored three touchdowns or extra in every recreation, and Manning ought to be capable of take command of the offense throughout this stretch whereas creating connections together with his receivers. Whereas Manning is a succesful runner, coach Steve Sarkisian could be good to try to mitigate put on and tear on his star quarterback with a run of 5 straight weeks in opposition to SEC competitors looming. The perfect situation could be that Manning’s day is finished early in every of those video games because the Longhorns lean on a proficient operating again room after constructing massive early leads.

Projected file: 3-0

October highlights

Video games (2): at Florida (Oct. 4), vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 11)

Seize your popcorn, as a result of the Arch Manning vs. DJ Lagway quarterback showdown of Week 6 will likely be must-see TV. The matchup is an NFL scout’s dream as it is going to showcase arguably the 2 most-talented quarterbacks within the sport in a high-stakes SEC matchup. Florida closed the 2024 season on a four-game successful streak that included wins over LSU and Ole Miss with Lagway at quarterback. It could be tempting for some Texas followers to pencil within the recreation as a win contemplating how uncompetitive the Gators have been throughout a 49-17 loss at Texas in 2024. However that recreation occurred earlier than Lagway took over the beginning job, and the 2025 contest will likely be performed in hostile territory.

Then comes the all-important Oklahoma recreation. The Sooners will likely be desperate to flush the distress of 2024’s lifeless 34-3 loss to Texas as they flip the web page in Yr 3 beneath coach Brent Venables. OU is brining in Washington State switch John Mateer at quarterback, which is able to make this one other fascinating QB showdown. Search for Manning to ascertain his Heisman Trophy candidacy throughout this stretch.

Projected file: 2-0

Midseason malaise

Video games (3): at Kentucky (Oct. 18), at Mississippi State (Oct. 25), vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 1)

Texas needs to be greater than a landing favourite in every of those convention video games, however they will not essentially be simple. The stretch is sandwiched between the Crimson River Rivalry and an enormous recreation at Georgia, which is able to put the stress on Sarkisian and Manning to maintain the Longhorns centered. Texas beat Kentucky and Mississippi State with out a lot hassle in 2024. However after occupying the league’s cellar, each have nowhere to go however up in 2025.

Then, there’s Vanderbilt. With star quarterback Diego Pavia efficiently suing the NCAA to acquire extra eligibility, the Commodores determine to be a tricky out as soon as once more. The Longhorns gritted out a 27-24 win in Nashville in 2024 and will count on the same problem from the ‘Dores in 2025. A few tipped passes led to 2 expensive interceptions from Ewers in that assembly. Tipped passes have been a season-long problem for the Longhorns, and Manning’s mobility and pocket presence ought to assist resolve that downside in 2025.

Projected file: 3-0

Tense end

Video games (3): at Georgia (Nov. 15), vs. Arkansas (Nov. 22), vs. Texas A&M (Nov. 29)

The ending stretch begins with a brutal highway journey to play what needs to be a hungry Georgia crew. After consecutive seasons with out reaching the CFP semifinals, the Bulldogs will likely be desperate to reclaim their spot atop faculty soccer. Georgia beat Texas away from residence twice in 2024, and Sanford Stadium needs to be in uncommon kind because the Longhorns go to Athens, Georgia for the primary time ever.

The Arkansas and Texas A&M video games will every be difficult rivalry contests. The Aggies and defensive-minded head coach Mike Elko will likely be hungry to try to stifle Manning’s manufacturing, notably if he enters the common season’s ultimate week in Heisman Trophy rivalry. Nevertheless, each video games come at residence, and the Longhorns needs to be favored in every.

Projected file: 2-1

Summing it up

The blockbuster starting and rivalry-fueled ending will every convey challenges. However Texas will get six of the SEC’s backside seven groups from the 2024 convention standings and misses doubtlessly thorny league foes like Alabama, LSU, Tennessee and Ole Miss. It is a manageable sufficient slate to count on that Manning ought to lead the Longhorns to a 10-2 mark. That will be adequate to get Texas into the School Soccer Playoff (and doubtlessly again to the SEC Championship Recreation). Manning’s mobility and management give Texas a golden alternative to construct on the sturdy basis constructed by Ewers over the previous two seasons.

Projected file: 10-2