According to a CBS Sports betting analyst, the Texas Longhorns will perform well and live up to the high expectations
The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season surrounded by a level of anticipation and scrutiny that has become all too familiar in Austin. Following a strong 2024 campaign and a narrowly missed opportunity at a national title appearance, the expectations are as high as they’ve been in over a decade. According to a CBS Sports betting analyst, those expectations are not misplaced. The Longhorns are not only built to contend in the newly configured SEC, but also have the depth, coaching continuity, and talent to potentially dominate. For once, the hype may actually be justified.
At the center of this optimism is head coach Steve Sarkisian. Now entering his fifth season, Sarkisian has managed to shake off the early doubts that followed his hiring. Once viewed with skepticism due to a rocky tenure at USC and time away from head coaching, Sarkisian has steadily rebuilt his reputation in Austin. He’s created an environment of professionalism, consistency, and player development that has resonated with both recruits and fans. His offensive system, rooted in NFL concepts but flexible enough to evolve with college defenses, has been a catalyst for the Longhorns’ offensive resurgence. Under his guidance, Texas has developed a more balanced identity — capable of winning with explosive plays through the air or grinding it out on the ground.
A significant reason for the bullish outlook on Texas lies in its roster construction. The team returns a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent, many of whom are already garnering national attention. Quarterback Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the 2023 recruiting class, is expected to be the full-time starter after showing flashes of brilliance last season in limited action. Manning has the name, but more importantly, he has the skillset. With a strong arm, quick processing ability, and surprising athleticism, he fits perfectly in Sarkisian’s system. He also benefits from a deep supporting cast that includes a veteran offensive line and one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the country.
The receiving room, headlined by returners like Isaiah Bond and Johntay Cook II, offers speed, route-running precision, and game-breaking ability. Bond, a transfer from Alabama, has already built chemistry with Manning and provides a legitimate vertical threat. Cook, meanwhile, is poised for a breakout year. His body control and hands make him a reliable target in traffic, and his football IQ allows him to find soft spots in zone coverage. Together, the duo gives Texas a dynamic one-two punch on the perimeter, with additional depth provided by players like Ryan Niblett and tight end Gunnar Helm.
The backfield may have lost Jonathon Brooks to the NFL Draft, but the Longhorns are far from depleted. CJ Baxter, who saw significant action as a freshman, returns as the likely feature back. Baxter combines size, power, and burst, and has shown the ability to carry the load over a full game. Behind him, Jaydon Blue adds a change of pace with his elusiveness and vision. The tandem gives Texas a thunder-and-lightning approach, something Sarkisian has utilized effectively dating back to his days as an offensive coordinator.
Offensively, the line remains a key strength. Anchored by center Jake Majors and tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., the unit returns four starters and has developed cohesion that’s hard to replicate. Majors, a multi-year starter, brings leadership and intelligence to the group. Banks, already projected as a first-round pick in next year’s draft, is the kind of cornerstone left tackle that quarterbacks trust to protect their blind side. The group’s ability to create running lanes and keep Manning upright will be crucial, especially in the SEC where defensive fronts are elite across the board.
Defensively, Texas made significant strides last year under coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and that trajectory is expected to continue. The Longhorns led the Big 12 in several key defensive categories in 2024, and now return a core that is both experienced and physically dominant. Up front, the defensive line is loaded. Alfred Collins and T’Vondre Sweat were mainstays last year, and while Sweat has moved on to the NFL, Collins remains a disruptive force. Vernon Broughton and Byron Murphy II, who rotated heavily last season, now step into larger roles. Both are agile, quick-twitch interior linemen capable of collapsing pockets and stuffing the run.
Edge rushers Ethan Burke and Colton Vasek add length and pass-rushing ability on the perimeter. Burke in particular emerged late last season as a consistent threat off the edge, using his speed and bend to get to the quarterback. The linebacker unit, led by Jaylan Ford, continues to be one of the smartest and most physical in the nation. Ford, a tackling machine, is the vocal leader of the defense and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He’s flanked by Anthony Hill Jr., a rising sophomore who brings speed and ferocity. Hill’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs makes him invaluable in the modern SEC, where offenses are increasingly reliant on hybrid players.
In the secondary, the Longhorns boast a mix of savvy veterans and rising stars. Cornerback Terrance Brooks returns after a strong sophomore campaign and is expected to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers. His instincts and technique are NFL-ready, and he’s complemented by Malik Muhammad, who impressed in spring practices and is pushing for a starting spot. At safety, Jerrin Thompson and Derek Williams provide stability and physicality. Williams, in particular, is drawing comparisons to former Texas greats for his range and willingness to play downhill.
Special teams, often overlooked in preseason previews, should not be a concern. Bert Auburn, the reliable placekicker, returns after converting nearly 90% of his field goal attempts last season. Ryan Sanborn, the graduate transfer punter, continues to be a model of consistency. Field position battles, particularly in tightly contested SEC games, could tilt in Texas’ favor thanks to these veterans.
All of this talent and cohesion has led oddsmakers to install Texas as one of the favorites to not only reach the SEC Championship Game, but also the expanded College Football Playoff. The Longhorns opened the betting cycle with +700 odds to win the national title, behind only Georgia and Ohio State. CBS Sports’ betting analyst noted that while these odds reflect national confidence, they may still be undervaluing Texas’ potential. The analyst emphasized the team’s continuity, especially at quarterback and offensive line, as a key reason for optimism. Unlike previous seasons where Texas struggled with turnover or lack of identity, this team appears stable, well-coached, and deeply motivated.
One of the biggest narratives surrounding Texas is how they will handle the jump to the SEC. Skeptics argue that the grind of a tougher schedule, combined with the weekly physicality of SEC play, could expose weaknesses. However, Texas fans and analysts alike are quick to point out that the team has already proven itself capable of competing with SEC-caliber talent. Their upset win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 2023 was no fluke — it was a statement. That victory, followed by a series of solid showings against other top-25 teams, shows that Texas is not only ready for the SEC but potentially built to thrive in it.
The 2025 schedule includes marquee matchups with Georgia, LSU, and Texas A\&M, offering plenty of opportunities for the Longhorns to make national statements. The Red River Showdown against Oklahoma, now also an SEC matchup, retains its luster as one of college football’s premier rivalries. Winning that game would give Texas both bragging rights and a critical edge in divisional standings.
Off the field, Texas has capitalized on NIL opportunities and branding to maintain momentum in recruiting. The Longhorns consistently rank in the top five for incoming classes, and the talent pipeline shows no sign of slowing down. That pipeline, combined with the program’s revamped culture under Sarkisian, has created an environment where players are not only choosing Texas but developing into stars once they arrive.
Perhaps the most encouraging development for Texas supporters is that the team finally seems to have turned the corner culturally. For years, critics cited a sense of entitlement or lack of accountability within the program. Those criticisms no longer hold water. This team, led by players who have endured both setbacks and growth, plays with purpose. The leadership core is strong, and the younger players are following suit. There is no reliance on nostalgia or history — this is a team that wants to earn everything on the field.
Of course, in college football, nothing is guaranteed. Injuries, unforeseen upsets, and the volatility of 18- to 22-year-old athletes make even the most talented rosters susceptible to disappointment. But Texas enters 2025 in a better position than it has in over a decade. They have talent, experience, depth, and a coaching staff that knows how to win. According to CBS Sports and many others in the betting world, the time for cautious optimism has passed. The Longhorns are not just back — they’re built to win now.
