Texas football fans are excited for the Arch Manning era. Given that Manning is the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, there are high expectations for the young quarterback. Many believe he will lead the Longhorns to new heights, possibly as soon as this upcoming season.
However, Rod Babers, a former Longhorn, is raising concerns about some underlying issues within the team, while everyone’s attention is focused on the star quarterback. He warns that issues like offensive line chemistry, tight end depth, and Texas’ running game identity could create significant challenges for head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Rod Babers Sounds Alarm on Texas’ Offensive Line, Tight End Depth, and Chemistry Ahead of Arch Manning Era
In a recent episode of On Texas Football, Babers sat down with Jeff Howe to talk about what’s ahead for the Longhorns. While fans are excited about the Arch Manning era, Babers says Texas still has a few things to figure out, especially on offense.
One thing Babers isn’t too worried about is pass protection. He believes Manning’s ability to avoid sacks will help the offensive line look better than it is. But when it comes to the run game, he isn’t fully confident. The real concern, he says, is chemistry up front.
“I think pass protection-wise, actually, I think they’re going to hold up pretty well,” he said. “A lot of it is because of Arch’s sack avoidance. He’ll be able to avoid more sacks than Quinn.”
The 44-year-old also mentioned Texas’ reliance on outside-zone running. But with changes in the backfield and four new offensive line starters in 2025, Babers wonders if head coach Steve Sarkisian will stick with what’s familiar or try something new.
After all, running the ball has been a weakness in past seasons, and it could be the key to taking pressure off Manning.
Another area of concern is tight end depth. The former cornerback didn’t hold back, stating, “Like tight end—that was my number one question going into the spring. It’s like, what the hell are they going to do at tight end? Like, they really have nothing at tight end.”
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Texas recently added top talent in Jack Endries, who is considered one of the best tight ends in the country. But Sarkisian’s offense often uses two tight ends, and the other names—Spencer Shannon and Jordan Washington—are still untested. With the tight end being such a vital part of Sark’s playbook, the Longhorns need someone else to step up fast.
With big expectations surrounding Manning, Babers warns that Texas’ offensive success will depend on more than just the quarterback. The key to championship success will lie in how Sarkisian handles the offensive line, running game, and tight end depth.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
