

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns, led by quarterback Arch Manning, sit atop the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history, cementing their status as favorites to compete they will compete for the National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Alongside Penn State, ranked No. 2, and defending champions Ohio State, Texas is a top contender, with Manning’s star power driving the hype. The Longhorns face a pivotal Week 1 matchup against the Buckeyes in Columbus, a clash that could foreshadow the playoff race.
While teams like Clemson and Notre Dame are expected to make the postseason, and programs like Colorado under Deion Sanders and North Carolina with Bill Belichick aim for bowl games, Texas’ high-octane offense and storied legacy make them the team to watch. Manning, the Heisman favorite, carries the weight of expectations as Texas seeks its first national title since 2005.
Ed Orgeron Believes Manning Can Match Burrow’s Brilliance
Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a 2019 national championship with Joe Burrow, recently visited Austin and was blown away by Arch Manning’s performance at a Texas practice. Speaking on Barstool’s Pardon My Take, Orgeron made a stunning comparison, saying Manning is “as close to, or maybe as good” as Burrow, a statement he’s never made about any other quarterback. Orgeron, who has been out of coaching since 2020, noted Manning’s roots in Louisiana and his growth into a dynamic talent.
Like Burrow, who waited behind Ohio State’s starters before erupting at LSU, Manning spent two years learning under Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. Orgeron’s praise stems from Manning’s poise and skill, which shone last season in limited action: 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, a 67.8% completion rate, plus 108 rushing yards and four scores. With Texas down a record 12 players to the NFL Draft, including four offensive linemen, Manning’s potential to replicate Burrow’s historic 2019 season has the college football world buzzing.
Can Manning Emulate the Greatest College QB Seasons?
Now that Oregon has brought up the subject, here are some of the greatest recent quarterbacks whose seasons ended with a national championship, like Burrow’s. If Manning matches or comes close to any of these, he will surely be the first pick in the next NFL Draft, given the doubt surrounding his return in 2026, his NIL value, popularity, and eagerness to reach the NFL.
Cam Newton at Auburn in 2010. He threw for 2,854 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions; he also rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy, led Auburn to a national title, and was the first overall pick, like Burrow.
In 2013, Jameis Winston threw for 4,057 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions as a freshman at Florida State. He won the Heisman Trophy and led the Seminoles to a national title by defeating Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game. He was the second freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. He also became a first overall pick.
Vince Young, the greatest Longhorn QB, played for Texas in 2005. He threw for 3,036 yards and 26 touchdowns and had 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,850 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns. However, his last game was even more impressive, as he led Texas to a national title with an epic victory over USC in the Rose Bowl. His performance in that game is legendary: 267 passing yards, 200 rushing yards, and 3 touchdowns. Trevor Lawrence with Clemson in 2018 and Matt Leinart with USC in 2004 also deserve honorable mentions.
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