ESPN’s initial SP+ rankings place the Texas Longhorns lower than some expected for the 2025 season, despite their strong finish last year, as they adjust to key departures like QB Quinn Ewers and CB Jahdae Barron under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Arch Manning, a former five-star quarterback, will take over for Quinn Ewers after two seasons and is expected to be among the nation’s top passers, but Texas ranked No. 7 in ESPN’s SP+ rankings, trailing SEC rivals Alabama (No. 2) and Georgia (No. 4).
Texas is projected to have the nation’s 28th-ranked offense (32.0 rating) and the top overall defense (10.1) for the 2025 season.
The SP+ model factors in current rosters, returning production, and recent history, with Texas benefiting from the return of running back CJ Baxter after his 2024 injury and former five-star receiver Ryan Wingo as a key target for Arch Manning.
Texas’ defense will be anchored by returning standouts like Freshman All-American EDGE Collin Simmons, First-Team All-American linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and Second-Team All-American defensive back Michael Taaffe. Sarkisian’s staff also secured the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class (247Sports) after signing the sixth-best class in 2024. Ranked No. 7 in SP+, the Longhorns will have opportunities to prove themselves with tough road matchups against No. 1 Ohio State (Aug. 30) and No. 4 Georgia (Nov. 15).
Texas will open the season with a highly anticipated rematch against Ohio State in Columbus, following their Cotton Bowl semifinal clash.
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