Arch Manning's Texas Squad Now in No. 1 Conversations and It's Not Just Hype Anymore
Even after a rough 2025 season, Texas football is suddenly in the national championship talk heading into this year. And the reason is simple: Arch Manning is leading a loaded Longhorns roster that just got way deeper in the transfer portal.
Steve Sarkisian's program is betting everything on Manning's next step. The sophomore quarterback has elite size and developed fast after taking over as the full-time starter. Now? Analysts are putting Texas somewhere in that No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 conversation depending on how you rank the other top teams. That's a massive swing from where things stood just months ago.
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Texas didn't rebuild with just hope. Sarkisian went to work bringing in Cam Coleman, a wide receiver from Auburn, plus running back Hollywood Smothers from NC State, and Raleek Brown. These aren't depth pieces. These are impact players designed to give the offense way more firepower.
Chris Gordy, breaking it down on Locked On SEC, nailed it: "I think most people agree Texas is probably going to be, you know, number one, number two, number three, somewhere in those rankings, depending on where you want to put the other top teams, but there's no doubt this team is loaded."
Manning Eyes a Historic Final Run
The conversation has shifted completely. Nobody's talking about potential anymore. This is about production. Manning is positioning himself for a Heisman push, a national title run, and top draft status when he leaves for the NFL.
The SEC keeps dominating the college football to pro pipeline, and Manning is leading the charge into the 2027 draft class. Evaluators are already eyeing him as a likely first-round pick based on his development trajectory and the elite talent surrounding him in burnt orange.
The pressure is on now. Expectations in Austin are sky high, and Manning knows this is his moment.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.