Texas’s dream season fell just short. While losing to the eventual College Football Champions, Ohio State, is something to hang your hat on, what matters is what next season has in store.
Longhorns Looking to Fill Gaps From Departing Talent
Like other top programs in the country, the Longhorns are expected to lose many key starters to the NFL. Some are projected first-round picks or should be drafted by day three (Kelvin Banks Jr., Matthew Golden, Jahdae Barron, Isaiah Bond, Alfred Collins, Andrew Mukuba, Quinn Ewers, etc.).
With less than 50% of production expected to return, some analysts are skeptical of returning to a top program. The Longhorns finished first in the SEC with a 7-1 record and a 13-3 overall record last season.
While the program likely takes a step back regarding wins and losses, this does not necessarily mean it is heading in the wrong direction.
“They are 103rd in returning production. I think they take a step back,” says Josh Pate. “It’s more likely. It’s not time to predict yet, but let’s say they do. I believe there is a world that could be Texas, could be anyone else, where they have one fewer win this year, but the program continues to grow.”
“If your record says who you are, the crowd will say that’s impossible. If your record isn’t as good as it was last year, then you didn’t progress, but that isn’t always true. However, that is how you get judged.”
The Longhorns’ knock on them has more to do with how well they did last season rather than how much worse they may be this season. Even with the departures, the Longhorns are still the favorites to win the SEC again and will have Arch Manning at the helm as a full-time starter.
Manning is also the co-favorite to win the Heisman, which perfectly explains the Longhorns’ second-best odds of winning the college football playoffs in 2025. Along with Manning, the Longhorns will also be getting their lead running back, Quintrevion Wisner, back for his junior season.
Wisner finished with a team-best 1,064 rushing yards last season. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who finished first on the team in tackles (113) and second in sacks (8), will also be making his return.
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Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Longhorns are expected to return some firepower that should keep fans hopeful of another successful season. Coupled with the 13th out of 16th-ranked strength of schedule in the SEC, the Longhorns can make some noise even in a tough conference.
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