Texas Longhorns 2025: Bold Predictions, Rising Stars, and Championship Dreams | The College Football Experience (Ep. 1897)…Read More…
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns are at the epicenter of national conversations, brimming with talent, potential, and expectation. In Episode 1897 of The College Football Experience, the hosts dive deep into what fans can expect from the Longhorns this year—an ambitious season shaped by returning veterans, emerging stars, and a coaching staff determined to restore Texas to national prominence.
After a strong 2024 campaign that saw the Longhorns contend in the College Football Playoff conversation, the program heads into 2025 with both optimism and pressure. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, entering his fifth year in Austin, knows this could be a defining season not just for his legacy, but for the Longhorns’ return to sustained national power.
A Loaded Roster and Key Returnees
One of the primary reasons for the heightened expectations in 2025 is the sheer depth and talent across the Texas roster. Quarterback Arch Manning, the highly touted prospect from the famous Manning lineage, is now in his second full year as the starter. After an impressive 2024 season that saw him throw for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns, Manning is poised for a Heisman-caliber campaign.
The Longhorns also return a powerful supporting cast. Running back Jaydon Blue is back after a breakout junior season, bringing his blend of speed, agility, and vision to a backfield that will be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Wide receiver Isaiah Bond, the transfer from Alabama who made a huge impact last year, is expected to be Manning’s go-to target once again.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. anchors a unit that finished top-15 in total defense last season. Hill’s leadership, coupled with the emergence of cornerback Malik Muhammad and a deep defensive line rotation, gives Texas a real shot at fielding one of the Big 12’s best defenses.
Bold Predictions from the Podcast Crew
In Episode 1897, the College Football Experience crew didn’t hold back in laying out bold predictions for Texas. One of the most attention-grabbing forecasts came from host Colby Dant, who declared, “This is the year Texas finally crashes the CFP party for good. Not just making it—they’ll be favorites to win it all.”
Another prediction suggested that Texas could go undefeated in the regular season, thanks to a favorable schedule that sees them playing key matchups against Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Florida at home. Their non-conference slate, including a marquee Week 2 showdown against Michigan, will test their readiness early on.
Analyst Patty C argued that Arch Manning will finish top three in Heisman voting and could be the best Texas quarterback since Vince Young. “He’s smarter, stronger, and now more experienced. The way he manipulates defenses is unreal,” she said.
Meanwhile, the show’s producer Nick declared Texas’s defense will rank in the top 10 nationally, citing their returning starters and a promising influx of 5-star freshmen.
New Faces to Watch
While many eyes are on returning stars, the Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class is also turning heads. Among the names mentioned on the show is defensive end Elijah Rushing, a five-star recruit who flipped from Oregon late in the cycle. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Rushing is expected to contribute immediately and might even start by mid-season.
Another name to remember is wide receiver Johntay Cook II, who redshirted last season but has reportedly made huge strides in the offseason. His speed and route-running in spring practices left both coaches and teammates impressed.
Texas also added key transfers to shore up thin areas, including a veteran safety from Georgia and a reliable offensive guard from Iowa. The show praised Sarkisian’s use of the portal, calling it “strategic and masterful.”
Coaching Stability and Maturity
Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of the Longhorns’ 2025 campaign is coaching continuity. For the first time in years, Texas returns nearly all its position coaches, coordinators, and of course, Sarkisian himself. This level of stability is a rarity in modern college football and gives Texas an edge in preparation and culture.
Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has built a unit that thrives on versatility and aggression, while offensive coordinator Kyle Flood’s schemes have been instrumental in Arch Manning’s growth. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt mid-game and make key adjustments was frequently cited in the episode as a reason for their strong finish last year and high ceiling this season.
Roadblocks Ahead
Despite all the optimism, the College Football Experience crew cautioned listeners not to overlook the challenges ahead. Injuries, particularly on the offensive line, could derail Texas’s progress. The pressure of national expectations also looms large—every mistake will be magnified, especially for a program that’s been criticized for underachieving over the past decade.
Additionally, while Oklahoma may be in a transitional phase, programs like Kansas State, TCU, and even Houston are improving and hungry to pull off upsets. The podcast noted that Texas must maintain focus week-to-week, especially in the back half of the season.
The Big Picture: Is Texas Really “Back”?
“Back” is a word that Texas fans have heard, used, and debated for years. This year, it might finally mean something concrete. The combination of talent, experience, and momentum is unlike anything the Longhorns have had since their last national title run in 2005.
The 2025 season is more than just another chapter—it’s a crossroads. With a transcendent quarterback, a battle-tested defense, and a coaching staff firing on all cylinders, the Longhorns have everything they need to finally re-enter college football’s elite.
If they can rise to the occasion, manage expectations, and stay healthy, there’s every reason to believe that 2025 could be the year the Texas Longhorns truly—finally—are back.
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