Arch Madness Begins: Texas Longhorns Shake Up National Rankings as Arch Manning Era Officially Takes Flight After Spring Camp
The winds of change are sweeping through Austin, and at the center of the storm is the name that has electrified college football conversations for years: Arch Manning. With spring football sessions officially wrapped up, the Texas Longhorns have not only revealed a clear direction for the 2025 season but have also made waves in the latest national rankings—and it’s all centered around their new quarterback at the helm.
The 2024 season saw Texas finish with a strong 11-1 regular-season record, capped with an appearance in the SEC Championship Game, where they narrowly fell to the eventual national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite the setback, the Longhorns earned a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal, only to fall to the Ohio State Buckeyes in a hard-fought battle.
But that was Quinn Ewers’ team. Now, it’s Arch Manning’s turn.
A New Chapter Begins in Austin
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Arch Manning—grandson of Archie, nephew of Peyton and Eli, and perhaps the most anticipated quarterback prospect of this generation—took the field for his first spring practice as the Longhorns’ starting QB. Paired with rising talents like Trey Owens, the energy and intensity at Texas spring camp was palpable. The expectations? Sky high.
Insiders and analysts have been quick to note the composure and command Manning has brought to the locker room, even in these early stages. While his playing time had been limited in the shadow of Ewers, those within the program say Manning has spent the last two years quietly preparing for this moment—and now, he’s ready to deliver.
National Rankings Reflect the Hype
Following the conclusion of spring sessions, updated post-spring national rankings place Texas squarely within the top five, with many outlets placing them as high as No. 3, just behind perennial powerhouses Georgia and Michigan.
The reasoning is simple: while other top programs are either replacing major talent or adjusting to new coaching changes, Texas returns a loaded roster, a seasoned coaching staff under Steve Sarkisian, and now, a quarterback who could redefine the program’s legacy.
High-Stakes Season Opener: A Rematch with Ohio State
The 2025 season opener will be nothing short of a blockbuster. On August 30, the Longhorns will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for a revenge-fueled rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s a game already being billed as a potential playoff preview—and the perfect national stage for Arch Manning’s official debut as QB1.
With a win, Texas could immediately cement itself as the team to beat in the SEC and possibly in all of college football. With a loss, questions will emerge—but so will opportunities for growth before the brutal SEC schedule kicks in.
Building Around Manning
The success of the 2025 Longhorns won’t rest on Manning alone. Texas returns several key playmakers on both sides of the ball, including top receivers, a deep backfield, and an offensive line that has steadily developed into one of the more reliable units in the conference. Defensively, Texas will be banking on experience and improved depth to avoid the lapses that cost them in key moments last season.
Sarkisian and his staff have also reloaded through the transfer portal, ensuring Manning will be surrounded by talent capable of executing a dynamic and balanced offensive game plan.
Can Texas Finally Take the Next Step?
For all of Texas’ recent success—back-to-back CFP appearances and an SEC Championship Game berth—there remains one glaring omission from their résumé: a national title in the modern era.
The arrival of Arch Manning doesn’t just represent a new starter under center; it symbolizes the next evolution of a program on the verge of greatness. If Manning lives up to the immense expectations, 2025 could be remembered as the year Texas officially returned to the pinnacle of college football.
The Eyes of the Nation Are Upon Them
“Arch Madness” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a genuine cultural moment for a program that has been preparing for this transition for years. With a legendary name, a top-tier roster, and national attention locked in, the Texas Longhorns have everything to prove—and everything to gain.
As fall approaches, one thing is certain: college football fans everywhere will be watching closely as the Arch Manning era begins in earnest.
