One of the biggest changes comes at the quarterback position. Arch Manning is the new starter for Texas following the departure of Quinn Ewers to the NFL. Looking at both sides of the football, the Longhorns have what it takes to be a championship team. However, they will need to prove it week in and week out.

As revealed by Wickersham, then Alabama defensive coordinator and current Ole Miss coordinator Pete Golding attempted to prevent Manning from going to Texas by bringing up head coach Steve Sarkisian’s previous battle with alcoholism, which cost him his job at USC.

Arch Manning and Texas are the early favorites to emerge victorious in the College Football Playoff. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Texas has the highest odds to win a national title at +550. Ohio State follows close behind at +600, while Penn State owns the third-best odds at +700.

While the Longhorns have yet to secure a commitment from the 2028 class, they have been connected to some of the top prospects in the nation. The Longhorns have shown interest in four-star prospects such as Brysen Wright, Damarion Mays, Jack McNamara, Jackson Vaughn, and Jayden Wade. Adding any of those prospects would be a major recruiting win.

After two years of fans and analysts clamoring for him to take over the program, Arch Manning is officially the starter for the Texas Longhorns. Not only is he a former No. 1 over

Earlier in August, Archie Manning, NFL legend and grandfather of Arch Manning, boldly declared that his grandson would stay with the Texas Longhorns beyond this season and not enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Weeks later, the Longhorns quarterback finally had a chance to share his opinion about his pro aspirations.