Steve Sarkisian took a not-so-subtle jab at the College Football Playoff selection process earlier this week, saying that TexasCitrus Bowl victory Michigan may surpass some playoff games in TV viewership.
He's right. Brands like Longhorns and Wolverines are like catnip on New Year's Eve. Ratings will likely surpass several first-round playoff games, especially those involving Tulane And James Madison.
In making this statement, Sarkisian is taking a dig at the selection process that left the 9-3 Texas team on the sidelines.
The reality is that Texas missed the playoffs despite finishing No. 1 in the preseason rankings for the first time in program history after two straight semifinal appearances.
Excuses can be made for Texas' absence from the 12-team field based on scheduling. But the Longhorns finished behind four other teams in the SEC standings and lost throughout the year as the playoffs were expected.
This leads to the question: what next?
The portal season has already been chaotic for Texas, with most of the running backs opting to leave the team en masse in addition to the starting linebacker. Ash Lion and wide receiver DeAndre Moore.
NFL decisions will soon put pressure on Texas as well. Those who love the star left tackle Trevor Goosby and protective gear Herod could leave and open gaping holes in the map of the depths of Texas. For those who love all-American safety Michael Taaffe are also planning to obtain higher education.
However, if I were a betting man, I would bet on Texas to be number one in next season's preseason.
Only five seniors were on Texas' 22-man starting roster this season.
Arch Manningwhich beat Michigan to 376 yards of offense and four touchdowns on Wednesday is back. The same goes for superstar Edge Rusher. Colin Simmons. With the title window open in Austin, expect the Longhorns to go all-in with the transfer portal to create a legitimate contender for what will be Manning's final season.
As we head into a critical offseason on the Forty Acres, we look back at what went wrong and what worked in 2025, and what it means for the Longhorns' offseason.
Expect Manning to be the preseason Heisman favorite.
Yes, we have already done this. Yes, Manning had some real nasty moments in the 2025 season. But what you may have missed throughout the season is that Manning has become an elite college quarterback.
After being called “college football's first bust” by The Athletic, Manning threw 13 touchdowns against just two interceptions in the regular season while completing 62% of his passes. Despite the slow start, he finished the year among PFF's top 20 QBs in terms of his season grade.
Given the success Manning has had in his first year as a starter and the overwhelming optimism from sources in the building about his future, expect Manning to break out in 2026.
And given his last name and the attention surrounding him…expect it to spark a ton of Heisman talk this summer.
Changes around Manning are coming.
Steve Sarkisian threw for 1,000 yards in every stop he made between 2008 and 2024 as a play caller or head coach. Things stalled this year when no Texas quarterback broke the 600-yard barrier.
This was partly due to injury. But a lot of that had to do with struggles on the offensive line and disappointing outfield play. Quintrevion Wisnerwho is now the third runner up in 247Sports Portal Rankings.
The utility room on the portal will have to undergo a complete reconstruction. The only fellows left in the room are the freshmen. Christian Clark And James Simona pair that will soon be joined by four-star freshman Derrek Cooper.
Given the youth of the room, expect Texas to pull at least one high-profile individual out of the portal, maybe even two. The Longhorns are expected to be active at the top of this market.
The same can be said for the offensive line, where the only real guarantee of a return is the right tackle. Brandon Baker and potentially the center Connor Robertson. Texas will aggressively add offensive lines in the portal to help bolster a unit that ranked 112th nationally in pressures allowed during the regular season.
Oh yeah, don't be surprised if Texas targets a high-ranking receiver in the portal. Player like Auburn broadcast Cam Coleman could change the face of the Longhorns' offense. Texas will also likely at least get a blocking-oriented tight end.
Unexpected change of defense
Defense hasn't been an issue for Texas this year. The Longhorns ranked 26th nationally in yards allowed per game, 25th in scoring defense and allowed only 26 points per game in Texas' three losses.
Despite this, Sarkisian made a surprising change, ditching defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who was the architect of the nation's third-ranked defense in 2024, and hiring Georgia analyst Will Muschamp.
It's a Muschamp reunion in Austin. Former future head coach of the Longhorns, Muschamp returns after 15 years away to remain on the job Florida And South Carolinahead coach.
Does Muschamp still have his fastball as a defender? Let's see. But Sargsyan clearly expects Muschamp to become CEO of this division and become one of the top ten companies every year.
As for Texas' results, the Longhorns may have the best defensive tackle in the country next year in EDGE Colin Simmons, who had 13.5 TFLs and 11 sacks in the regular season. There are also building blocks with players like Kanu (if he returns), freshman safety. Grayson Littleton and sophomore D.T. Alex January.
Expect Texas to add a couple of defensive spots through the portal. The Longhorns are still aggressively pursuing linebackers and cornerbacks in the portal, and it wouldn't be surprising if they take a defensive back or edge rusher as well.
Looking to the future
In hindsight, Texas' first place finish in the preseason was short-sighted. The Longhorns had holes on offense and lacked an elite secondary to be a truly dominant defense. Manning also struggled throughout his debut, and questionable line and run play didn't help matters.
However, Texas finished with nine wins, including over playoff teams. Oklahoma And Texas A&M.
Heading into next year, with the return of Manning and Simmons and the expected push at the plate, the Longhorns should once again be among the top seed in the preseason.
The header window is open in Austin. The staff understands this. Expect them to make efforts to achieve that goal this offseason.
