Quarterback Arch Manning could help the No. 1 Texas Longhorns do something just two other teams have done since the 2000 season.
On Monday, the Associated Press released its first top 25 poll for the 2025 season. The Longhorns ranked No. 1 with 25 first-place votes, ahead of the Penn State Nittany Lions (23 first-place votes) and Ohio State Buckeyes (11 first-place votes).
If Texas wins the national title, it will join the 2004 USC Trojans and the 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide as the only teams since the 2000 season to go from preseason No. 1 to champions.
That puts even more pressure on Manning, who’s replacing Quinn Ewers as the Longhorns starting QB this season. However, the 21-year-old may have what it takes to handle it.
Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons with the Longhorns but showed glimpses of his potential. He has already thrown for 969 passing yards and nine touchdown passes.
“This guy has it all talent-wise,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay wrote of the 6-foot-4, 219-pound QB in his preseason scouting report. “The ball snaps off his hand, and he’s both slippery and strong in the pocket, showing the ability to extend passing plays and break away from defenders in the open field as a runner.”
Along with a talented QB like Manning, the Longhorns should benefit from the 12-team College Football Playoff. That gives them more leeway than Alabama or USC had.
The Trojans won the national championship during the BCS era, when just two teams played for the trophy. The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, won their title during the four-team playoff era.
Manning and company still must overcome plenty of tests this season, including a massive game in Week 1. The Longhorns face the Buckeyes on the road on Aug. 30 at noon ET on Fox.
Regardless, expect Texas to remain in the title hunt throughout the season, especially if Manning is as good as advertised. He’s already hailed as a future No. 1 NFL Draft pick.
