Full Breakdown
Texas Longhorns Aim for 2026 Bounce-Back
5/5/2026, 2:54:33 AM
2025 Season Recap: Missed Playoff
Texas entered 2025 as preseason No. 1 with freshman Arch Manning. The team finished 10-3 and missed the CFP. Losses came to Ohio State, a road defeat at Florida where Manning was sacked six times, and a 35-10 loss to Georgia. Wins over Texas A&M and Michigan capped the season.
Coaching Change: New Defensive Coordinator
Head coach Steve Sarkisian hired former Florida and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator, shifting defensive play-calling away. The change lets him focus on offense. Offensive line coach Kyle Flood returned, and the staff added defensive ends coach Collin Simmons, linebacker Rasheem Biles, and retained safety Ian Geffrard.
Transfer Portal Overhaul: Skill Positions and Line
Texas added wide receiver Cam Coleman, giving Manning a No. 1 target. The backfield was rebuilt with transfers Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). New linemen include Melvin Siani (Wake Forest), Jonte Newman (Texas A&M), left tackle Trevor Goosby (returning from shoulder surgery), right guard Brandon Baker and center Connor Robertson.
Arch Manning Outlook
Manning’s 2025 flashes were limited by protection lapses and a thin receiving corps. With Coleman and a refreshed line, he is expected to raise his draft stock and drive Texas toward a title bid in 2026.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 record 10-3; losses to Ohio State, Florida (six sacks), Georgia (35-10); bowl win vs Michigan.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarkisian said the 2025 squad lacked rhythm, trust and experience. He called the SEC schedule ‘a playoff game every week.’ He added Muschamp’s hire frees him to focus on offense and eases his defensive headset duties.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans urge Sarkisian to give up offensive play-calling, citing red-zone stalls. Analysts flag an unresolved secondary with no clear starter at corner or safety, a weakness for Muschamp’s defense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The article notes uncertainty over the secondary’s starter hierarchy and lacks defensive metrics after Muschamp’s arrival, leaving a gap in early-season assessment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it goes back to finding rhythm of playing with one another and trusting one another,” — Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
- “I know our conference is tough, it really is. It feels like a playoff game every week, and I don't know if it feels that way in all the other conferences,” — Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
- “And then I think ultimately it's experience. And right now, we're just not an experienced group, especially not an experienced group playing together. And so we've got to keep pushing those guys to be the best that they can be. I know there's more in there. I know there's better play in there, and it's our job to get it out.” — Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
- “I would play a game if I could,” — Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
Outlook: What Lies Ahead
If new weapons click and Muschamp’s defense improves, Texas could contend for a national title and avoid another CFP lobbying push. Ongoing secondary issues or Manning injuries would likely drop the Longhorns back to a nine-win floor.
