Texas enters the 2025 college football season with Arch Manning at the helm, a quarterback already praised for his leadership and burdened with soaring expectations. As the Longhorns make their highly anticipated move into the SEC, analysts have called Manning the “perfect leader” to steer the program forward.
With Texas viewed as a top national contender and a frontrunner in the SEC race, the pressure mounts. Manning, widely projected as a Heisman Trophy contender, is expected to undergo a trial by fire as he navigates a brutal SEC schedule stacked with elite competition.
Is Texas the Team To Beat in the SEC with Arch Manning at QB?
In his latest appearance on “On Texas Football” with Bobby Burton, college football analyst Phil Steele offered high praise for Manning as he prepares to lead Texas into a new era.
Manning, who has sat patiently behind other quarterbacks, now takes over as the face of the Longhorns as they head into their first season as a full-fledged SEC member. Steele did not hold back in his assessment of Manning’s readiness and poise.
“I think Arch is, you know, he’s got the mobility, he’s got the arm strength, he’s the perfect leader for the offense,” Steele said.
He emphasized the maturity Manning has shown by waiting his turn in an age where quarterbacks often transfer for immediate playing time.
“I love the fact that in today’s era, here’s a quarterback that actually sat, learned the offense, was comfortable as a backup, and now it’s his time. He’s ready to take over. I just absolutely love that.”
Steele believes Texas is one of the most complete teams in the SEC and rates the Longhorns highly in his preseason analysis.
“They’re probably the most talented team in the SEC this year,” he noted, pointing to strength across the board. “I rate all three units on defense in my top 10 units.”
Steele Ranks Texas No. 3, Warns of SEC Roadblocks for Manning
He highlighted key players such as linebacker Anthony Hill and cornerback Malik Muhammad as anchors of what he called his “No. 1-rated defense.” Offensively, despite losses to the NFL, Steele remains confident in the talent and depth returning.
“They lose a lot in the receiving corps, but I like the additions that they have there. I think they have one of the best receiving corps in the country,” he said, adding that the offensive line, though restructured, remains solid.
However, Steele also issued a strong warning about the challenges ahead.
“The biggest question mark I have with Texas this year, Bob, has got to be the schedule,” he said. “Three of their road games this year: Ohio State, Georgia, and even Florida in the Swamp. I think Florida’s going to be a dangerous team there.”
He cited Florida’s upset wins at home last season as a sign that the Longhorns face no easy path. Steele ranks Texas No. 3 in his preseason power poll, while acknowledging the brutal slate.
“They play more top 10 teams in my power poll than anybody else,” he said.
Even with high expectations, Manning and the Longhorns will be tested early and often in their quest for SEC supremacy.