NCAA College Football: 2025 Preview – Texas Longhorns

What’s New & Key Changes

Quarterback Transition
Quinn Ewers has declared for the NFL Draft, making way for sophomore Arch Manning to take over as the full-time starter. With only two collegiate starts under his belt, Manning now steps into the spotlight amid sky-high expectations.

Roster Turnover
Texas lost several key contributors on both sides of the ball to the NFL and transfer portal, including star WRs, defensive linemen, and tight end Gunnar Helm. To refill the roster, they brought in transfer defenders like Maraad Watson (Syracuse), Cole Brevard (Purdue), Travis Shaw (North Carolina), and Hero Kanu (Ohio State).

Incoming Impact
Freshman Michael Terry III, the elite Velcro-receiver recruit from Alamo Heights, will start as a true freshman at receiver. The running back room returns homegrown talent like Quintrevion Wisner, supported by an expanded recruiting haul.

Offensive Line Rebuild
Texas will feature four new starters upfront after massive departures. Their ability to gel early will determine whether the offense remains a national juggernaut or takes a developmental step back.

Key Returners & Unit Strengths

• Quarterback & Skill Positions: Arch Manning inherits a star-studded receiving corps, including DeAndre Moore Jr., Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V (transfer), and returning tight end options. Wisner’s dual-threat ability keeps defenses honest.
• Running Game: Quintrevion Wisner returns after rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2024 (4.7 ypc and 311 receiving yards). His role and versatility will anchor the ground game.
• Wide Receivers: Emmett Mosley V adds proven production, while Terry III, Ryan Wingo, and Moore round out one of the deepest WR rooms in college football.
• Defense: Colin Simmons is a breakout star on the edge. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. returns to lead a unit that added reinforcements up front via portal additions. The secondary remains loaded despite Jahdae Barron’s departure.
• Special Teams: Texas added kicker Mason Shipley (Texas State) and continues to reload punters and return specialists through recruiting and the portal.

2025 Season Preview

Texas opens the season on August 30 at Ohio State, a bold statement game to christen the Arch Manning era. They follow with the standard SEC gauntlet against teams like Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Florida.

Key benchmarks include limiting pressure on Manning (target under 27%), improving red-zone offense (historically outside the top 30), and sustaining explosive plays—Texas led the nation in 20+ yard plays last year (108). If Texas checks those boxes, they’re playoff material. If not, the hype may turn sour fast.

Betting Angle – Bet105 Insights

Texas will likely open as preseason favorites to win the SEC and contend for the national title. But with unproven depth and inexperienced quarterback play, the sharp edge shifts to premarket bettors.

Win Total Futures (Projected around 10.5 or 11.5)
The under may offer serious value if the number opens too high, given the uncertainties with the offensive line and Manning’s learning curve.

Spread Plays
Texas has consistently underperformed when installed as double-digit favorites. Until the offense shows cohesion, avoid laying heavy lines early—even against Group of Five opponents.

Live Bets & Second-Half Moves
Kirby Smart-adjusted and Sarkisian-coached teams traditionally improve as games wear on. In close early-season contests, Texas could be a profitable second-half fade for the public or live underdog play.

Rivalry Games at Home
Games like Georgia, Oklahomas and Texas A&M in Austin will have emotional weight. Be wary of public hype filling lines; directional live moneylines or short spreads could offer inefficiencies.

Texas remains one of the defining programs in college football. But with roster turnover and a new quarterback era underway, the smart money is on adjusting expectations—not just relying on reputation. For bettors who follow deeper trends and early season form, Texas could be both a challenge and a diamond in the rough on bet105.

Experience the thrill of college football. Bet smarter and ride the momentum with bet105.