Not Arch Manning: Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian reveals which players will be key the next 2025 NCAAF season

There’s no doubt Arch Manning will have all eyes on him heading into the upcoming NCAAF season, but head coach Steve Sarkisian knows there’s plenty more talent across the Texas Longhorns roster.

In a recent interview with ESPN, the veteran head coach acknowledged that his quarterback may very well be one of the team’s top stars. However, he was quick to give credit to the rest of his roster—especially highlighting the impact his group of defensive ends could have this season.

“I would argue it might be the best position group we have on our team right now from sheer talent,” Sarkisian started. “Now we have some experience there with Michael Taaffe coming back, Derek Williams getting healthy, Jelani McDonald‘s experience, Jaylon Guilbeau‘s experience, Malik Muhammad‘s experience.

“But below those guys, I think our ability to recruit that position the last two years is really evident. The guys look the part, they all are impactful players on special teams and so [coach Akina has] inherited a really good room of talented players, competitive players that are going to help us down the road.”

The Texas Longhorns stand for the playing of The Eyes of Texas after defeating the Colorado State Rams at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Focus on the tight ends

It’s a time of change in Texas—especially following the news that Quinn Ewers will be continuing his career in the NFL. Head coach Steve Sarkisian now knows that Arch Manning will be his primary leader on the field, but for him to thrive, he’ll need to lean on the key weapons around him.

see also

NCAAF News: Arch Manning breaks silence on long wait to become Longhorns QB1, sitting behind Quinn Ewers

“I think having DeAndre Moore and Ryan Wingo back is going to be big,” Sarkisian said to the press. “And then we got some guys that, it’s time to step up and it’s their moment. I would say the one room that we probably have our biggest question mark in is in the tight end room. So the offense is there.”

What can we expect from the Longhorns in the upcoming season?

With Arch Manning taking over as the new face of the Texas Longhorns, expectations are sky-high heading into the 2025 season. The young quarterback is poised to lead the offense with big confidence, and he won’t have to do it alone. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has built a strong foundation around him, starting with a defensive front that’s expected to keep the pressure off their rivals. The defensive ends, in particular, will play a crucial role in controlling games and setting the tone early.

On the offensive side, the spotlight extends beyond Manning. The tight ends are expected to be key contributors, both as pass-catchers and blockers in Sarkisian’s system. Meanwhile, a talented group of wide receivers gives the Longhorns multiple weapons in the passing game, creating the perfect environment for Manning to shine. If all the pieces come together, Texas could be primed for a breakout season on both sides of the ball.