Texas Longhorns Football Facing Questions Amid SEC Transition
Austin, Texas – September 2025
The Texas Longhorns are 3–0 on paper, but the mood around Austin is anything but comfortable. As the program adjusts to life in the SEC, questions are mounting about the consistency of the offense, the health of key players, and whether head coach Steve Sarkisian can steady the ship before the schedule turns brutal.
—
Arch Manning Under the Microscope
Much of the pressure falls on sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also glaring inconsistency.
Against UTEP and San Jose State, Manning completed big throws but often looked hesitant under pressure. Analysts have pointed to shaky mechanics and a tendency to hold the ball too long, putting stress on an offensive line that is already underperforming.
> “Arch is learning on the fly,” Sarkisian said earlier this week. “The talent is there — but in the SEC, every mistake gets magnified.”
—
Offensive Struggles
The Longhorn offense has failed to find rhythm. Injuries to the running back group, including Tre Wisner, have left the ground game thin. Meanwhile, the wide receivers haven’t produced at the level expected in Sarkisian’s system.
The offensive line, considered a strength in preseason, has surrendered too many pressures. Without improved protection, Manning will continue to face uphill battles against tougher defenses in October.
—
A Bright Spot: Jack Endries
One positive has been the emergence of Jack Endries, a transfer tight end from Cal.
Through three games, Endries ranks second on the team in receiving yards (106) and has hauled in two touchdowns. Beyond the stats, his ability to block and serve as a reliable target has offered Manning a much-needed safety valve.
> “Jack has stepped up in a huge way,” said offensive coordinator Kyle Flood. “He’s quickly become one of our most dependable players.”
—
Program Shifts and Big Picture
Off the field, Sarkisian made waves by supporting a potential NCAA rule change to extend eligibility to five years for all players. Such a move could reshape roster management and development — and Texas would be at the forefront of adaptation.
Meanwhile, the program leaned into tradition and hype this week with the release of a video titled “Under the Lone Star” ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Sam Houston.
—
What’s Next
The Longhorns are heavy favorites against Sam Houston, but the real tests come later: matchups with Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia loom large.
If Manning can settle in and the offensive line finds stability, Texas could emerge as a dark horse SEC contender. If not, the early cracks could widen into major issues.
—
🔥 Bottom Line: The Longhorns are winning games, but doubts remain. The next month will reveal whether Texas is truly ready to compete at the top of the SEC — or if growing pains will define Sarkisian’s fifth season in Austin.
