R.J. Young with FOX Sports ranked Texas as his number one team in the country for 2025. The ranking centers on Arch Manning taking over as the starting quarterback after three seasons under Quinn Ewers.
“If Texas wins a national title for the first time in two decades, it’s because Quinn Ewers — a three-year starter for the Longhorns who went on to become a seventh-round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins — helped set the table to enjoy the meal,” Young said. “That’s Ewers’ legacy.”
The transition wasn’t entirely unexpected last season.
Manning appeared in relief of an injured Ewers multiple times during the 2024 campaign. He totaled over 1,000 yards in limited playing time, giving fans a preview of what’s coming in 2025.
“Make no mistake about it, though, this is now Arch Manning’s team, and he’s the best quarterback that the Longhorns have had since Vince Young,” Young added.
Texas hasn’t won a national championship since 2005. The Longhorns made the College Football Playoff last season but couldn’t advance past the semifinal round.
Ewers declared for the NFL Draft after completing his junior season. He threw for 2,665 yards and 26 touchdowns in 11 games before suffering a late-season injury.
Manning’s full-time role represents the culmination of one of college football’s most anticipated quarterback transitions. The sophomore was the top recruit in the 2023 class and has been waiting for his opportunity to lead the program.
