It is time for the Related Press No. 9 Texas Longhorns to embrace their new actuality.
Texas entered 2025 with the loftiest of targets, hoping to contend for a nationwide title and ship quarterback Arch Manning to New York for December’s Heisman Trophy ceremony. However lower than midway by way of the common season, the Longhorns should recalibrate expectations.
On Saturday, Texas (3-2, 0-1 in SEC) misplaced on the Florida Gators (2-3, 1-1 in SEC), 29-21.
Texas should readjust as season goes off the rails
The season is not about profitable a nationwide title. As a substitute, the Longhorns merely must see development from Manning, who has fallen nicely wanting the huge hype bestowed upon him forward of the 12 months.
In opposition to Florida, Manning was 16-of-29 for 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Whereas his arm power is not a query, Manning’s accuracy on downfield photographs has been suspect. Manning additionally struggled in high-leverage conditions, changing simply twice on seven third-down go makes an attempt.
The Gators protection was at all times going to be a troublesome problem, however Manning nonetheless managed to disappoint. The Longhorns punted on 4 of their first seven possessions and completed with as many three-and-outs as scoring drives (three). They did not assist their unproven quarterback within the run recreation, both, ending the loss with 52 yards on 26 carries (two yards per try).
Whereas different quarterbacks may have the ability to masks these weaknesses, Manning’s inconsistency has accentuated them. Concerningly, he arguably performed his worst within the fourth when Texas wanted him most because it tried to mount a comeback, ending the quarter 5-of-11 for 94 yards and two interceptions whereas additionally shedding 23 yards on 4 sacks.
The season can nonetheless worsen from right here. Subsequent weekend, Texas performs No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0, 1-0 in SEC) within the Purple River Rivalry. Getting into Week 6, the Sooners ranked third within the nation in scoring protection (9 factors per recreation), they usually shut out Kent State (1-4, 0-1 in MAC), 44-0, on Saturday.
The Longhorns additionally must journey to No. 12 Georgia (4-1, 2-1 in SEC) later this 12 months and finish the season in opposition to No. 6 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 in SEC).
If Texas nonetheless thinks it may possibly compete for a nationwide title, it is going to be severely disenchanted. As a substitute of setting its purpose so excessive, the Longhorns ought to be sure that Manning is constructing the proper habits for the longer term, when a championship is extra life like. Contemplating how tough issues have gone thus far, that can be troublesome sufficient.
