The Longhorns went 10-3 in 2025 and missed the College Football Futures Odds playoff for the first time in three years. As a result, the stakes were raised. On paper, this roster is significantly better. Texas loaded up in the portal. Namely, with Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and multiple offensive linemen. Also, they return key pieces on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line, a relatively weak point last year, is expected to be a strength. Defense brings back high-end talent and has a new coordinator in Will Muschamp. National championship odds sit in the +650 to +750 range (among the shortest in the country). Meanwhile, SEC title odds are around +300, and the win total is 9.5. Preseason rankings place them in the top five.
Now, Arch Manning enters Year 2 with more experience, better weapons, and a cleaner supporting cast. He is a co-favorite or near the top of the Heisman odds (generally in the +750 range).
The early-season struggles of 2025 are viewed internally as valuable growing pains. To show, both Manning and Sarkisian have said those challenges should help him handle the pressure this time. If he plays like a top-tier quarterback for a full season, he will be in the Heisman conversation. In addition to being a potential No. 1 overall NFL pick.
Sarkisian is in Year 6 and has produced consistent 10-win online betting seasons. This is widely regarded as his best roster at Texas. Certainly, the championship window is open. The program has spent heavily to make sure Manning is not asked to carry an incomplete team. The schedule is demanding, and the pressure in Austin is real. Thus, anything short of a deep playoff run or SEC title contention will be viewed as underachievement.
The potential is championship-level. Indeed, Texas has the talent, the quarterback, the scheme, and the resources to win the SEC and compete for a national title. The variables are whether Manning takes the next step consistently. And whether the new pieces mesh early. Also, the team must handle the weight of being one of the preseason College Football Odds favorites week after week. On pure roster strength and coaching continuity, few programs enter 2026 with a higher ceiling.
Texas Longhorns Seek to Hook Title – How Good are Sark and Arch?
Of course, Arch Manning is a very good quarterback with elite physical tools and a high ceiling. But he is not yet a finished product. Steve Sarkisian is a strong, proven college coach who has elevated Texas into consistent contention. Although the final step to a national title has so far eluded him.
Manning’s 2025 season as the full-time starter showed both the promise and the gaps. In sum, he threw for just over 3,100 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Also, he added nearly 400 rushing yards and 10 scores, and closed the year strongly after an uneven start. The arm talent, size, and dual-threat ability are obvious.
He improved as the season went on, cut down turnovers late, and handled the intense scrutiny that comes with the Manning name and the Texas job. Accordingly, the supporting cast around him is better this season, which should help. The remaining question is consistency. The question remains whether he can play at a high level for a full season against the SEC’s best defenses.