Texas entered the 2025 season as the preseason No. 1, with Arch Manning at the helm—arguably the most hyped yet unproven quarterback in recent memory. But despite a 10-win season, the Longhorns found themselves on the outside of the College Football Playoff, a bitter pill to swallow after coming so close in 2024. That year ended with a heartbreaking strip-sack fumble on fourth-and-goal with just over two minutes left in the CFP semifinal, a play that still lingers in the minds of fans and players alike.

Now, as we look ahead to 2026, Texas is reloading. Aggressive moves in the transfer portal have the 'Horns primed for a bounceback season, and the focus is squarely on Manning, who grew into his role as the season progressed. But the journey back to title contention won't be easy.

Let's rewind to 2025. There's no shame in losing a hard-fought defensive battle to Ohio State to open the season. But a month later, after three tune-up games and a bye week, Texas traveled to face one of the worst Florida teams in recent memory—and lost. That afternoon exposed a glaring weakness: Manning was pressured on nearly half of his 29 pass attempts and sacked six times. The offensive line, plagued by a revolving door at left guard and uncertainty at center, never truly found its rhythm.

"I think it goes back to finding rhythm of playing with one another and trusting one another," head coach Steve Sarkisian said after the Florida loss. "And then I think ultimately it's experience. Right now, we're just not an experienced group, especially not an experienced group playing together. 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."

Despite the offensive line struggles, Manning came into his own as the season wore on. But the damage was done. A November loss to Georgia—a game Sarkisian insists was closer than the final score—sealed Texas's fate. Late in the third quarter, trailing just 14-10, the Longhorns had Georgia facing fourth-and-1 at the Bulldogs' 36-yard line. Georgia converted, then drew Texas offsides on a fourth down at midfield. The Bulldogs scored to go up 21-10, then recovered a surprise onside kick to steal another possession and score again. Game over.

Now, with a revamped roster and a year of experience under Manning's belt, Texas is ready to prove that 2025 was an anomaly, not the new normal. The Longhorns are reloading, and the rest of the college football world should take notice.