With Arch Manning taking the reins at Texas and the redshirt sophomore quarterback inheriting a loaded roster built for a title run, championship expectations are soaring in Austin.
PFSN’s latest projections forecast the Longhorns not only earning a College Football Playoff berth but advancing all the way to the National Championship Game. Manning’s dual-threat ability and Texas’s elite defense create a compelling case for these bold predictions in 2025.
Championship Foundation Built on Elite Defense and Dynamic Quarterback Play
Manning demonstrated his readiness during limited 2024 action, recording 4 rushing touchdowns and 9 passing touchdowns while completing 67.8 percent of his passes. These numbers came in spot duty behind Quinn Ewers, showcasing Manning’s ability to produce efficiently when called upon.
The foundation for championship predictions extends beyond Manning’s pedigree. PFSN noted that Texas returns the second-highest graded defense nationally from 2024, earning a 92.18 A- rating. This defensive excellence provides crucial support for a first-year starting quarterback.
ARCH MANNING HAS ARRIVED. TD TEXAS🔥 🙌
FIRST TEXAS TD FOR ARCH 👏
(via @InsideTexas)
pic.twitter.com/0vsv0LtQgJ— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 31, 2024
Key defensive returnees include edge rusher Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., both considered among college football’s elite at their positions. Simmons recorded double-digit sacks as a freshman, while Hill established himself as the defensive signal-caller in the middle of Texas’s defense. This experienced unit gives Manning the luxury of managing games rather than needing to win shootouts week after week.
The Longhorns’ talented running back room adds another dimension to support Manning’s development. With multiple backs capable of explosive plays, defensive coordinators cannot focus solely on stopping Manning’s arm or legs. This balance creates the offensive versatility championship teams require in January.
Playoff Path Features Historic Matchups and Revenge Opportunities
The projected playoff journey begins with a Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against South Carolina, marking just the second meeting between these programs. The Gamecocks hold the historical edge from their lone encounter, a 27-21 victory in 1957. That 68-year gap between meetings adds intrigue to this potential playoff clash.
Texas’s offensive line depth and Manning’s mobility present matchup advantages South Carolina would struggle to counter. The Gamecocks’ defense has shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks, a weakness Manning could exploit throughout the game.
Oregon awaits in the projected Fiesta Bowl semifinal, carrying recent momentum against Texas. The Ducks captured victories in 2000 and 2013, including a dominant 30-7 triumph in the 2013 Alamo Bowl that still stings for Longhorn faithful. Despite Oregon’s recent success, Texas maintains a 4-2 edge in the all-time series.
This potential rematch offers Texas redemption against a program that embarrassed them on a national stage. The Longhorns enter with advantages Oregon hasn’t previously faced, including their elite defensive personnel and Manning’s playmaking ability that surpasses any Texas quarterback Oregon has encountered.
The championship game projection creates an immediate rematch with Clemson following Texas’s 38-24 victory in the 2024 College Football Playoff first round. The Longhorns already proved they could handle Clemson’s defensive pressure and physicality, providing valuable confidence entering a potential title game meeting.
Clemson brings extensive playoff experience with seven previous appearances under Dabo Swinney. However, the Tigers face a Texas program that not only defeated them convincingly but returns their second-ranked defense nationally while adding significant portal talent. The Longhorns’ roster improvements since their previous meeting create additional challenges for Clemson’s offensive game plan.
The deep playoff run prediction ultimately depends on Manning elevating Texas’s strong foundation. While Manning showed promise in limited action, leading a championship run as a first-year starter presents unique challenges. The margin for error shrinks in playoff games, where one mistake can end a season.
PFSN’s projection from Sugar Bowl victory through semifinal triumph to a championship game appearance represents Texas maximizing their potential in 2025. With elite defense, explosive playmakers, and Manning’s dual-threat ability, the Longhorns possess every ingredient necessary for a memorable playoff run.