Texas came into the 2025 college football season with extremely high expectations. Through two games, though, they’ve shown a concerning number of weaknesses on offense.
The Longhorns were ranked as the No. 1 team in the preseason AP poll. Not only are they the only team to have made the College Football Playoff in both of the past two years, but they also boasted the best defense in the SEC last season. What’s more, they entered this year with one of the preseason Heisman favorites, Arch Manning — one of the most hyped up prospects in college football history.
Texas’ Week 1 opponent was no slouch. They took on the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes were the best defense in the entirety of college football last year, and they brought back arguably the best player in the sport, safety Caleb Downs. The defense is rock solid once again this season despite losing standouts like Jack Sawyer to the NFL Draft.
Ohio State had holes this time around that Texas was unable to take advantage of, thus allowing the Buckeyes to pick up the win, 14-7.
Manning’s Misfires
Last season, fans clamored to see more of Arch Manning. They questioned why he was not starting over Quinn Ewers, a more experienced quarterback who faltered in both matchups against Georgia. They got their answer last Saturday afternoon.
Manning noticeably missed his target on multiple passes. His most frequent blunder was throwing passes too low. His most costly mistakes were an interception and another almost-pick, which was overturned after review.
It is important to note that this is Manning’s first road start in college. He may need some time to settle in. College football analyst and former QB Joel Klatt noted how expectations have been too high because of Arch’s last name. Being the nephew of two two-time Super Bowl champion uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of another NFL QB, his namesake, Archie Manning, sets the bar high.
In addition, Klatt recalled his own playing days, saying, “I can tell you from experience that starting on the road for your first time is just a different animal.” While some late-game highlights showed a glimpse of hope for Manning, he wasn’t Texas’s only problem.
Play-calling Woes When It Counted
Ohio State’s third-quarter goal-line stand was the difference-maker in the opening game. In a fourth-and-goal situation at the Ohio State 1-yard line, Texas called a QB sneak. Just by the way the two teams lined up, Texas’ situation looked bad.
Texas clearly made a bad play call, and, of course, the Buckeyes held the line, causing a turnover on downs. The Longhorns should have watched Ohio State’s goal-line stands last year against Nebraska and Penn State. They should have learned from those instances and gone with a different play, but they paid the price to start the season.
Furthermore, Texas was horrid at fourth down conversions in this matchup, going 1-for-5. While they gained 336 yards to the Buckeyes’ 203, they could not move the sticks when it mattered.
Those who kept up with Texas football last year know this is not a new trend. When the Longhorns played Georgia in Oct. 2024, they went 2-for-15 on third down and 1-for-5 on fourth down. Making key plays at key times in key matchups will be crucial for the Longhorns’ offense if they want to make it to the National Championship game this season.
Penalties
Penalties are the easiest fix listed in this article, yet this issue also carries over from last season. The Longhorns gave the Buckeyes 50 free yards over the course of six penalties. The offensive line was unable to stay disciplined, committing multiple false starts. Ohio State, on the other hand, only gave up 15 penalty yards.
The Longhorns’ only one-possession loss last season was the SEC Championship game against Georgia. Not only did they give up 94 penalty yards to the Bulldogs’ 49, they took a false start in the second quarter that made a difference in kicker Bert Auburn’s missed field goal.
Are there new faces on this offensive line and on this team? Yes. But it doesn’t excuse giving the opponent free yards.
Scheduling
Only one team on Texas’ regular season schedule last year was ranked by the time the season was said and done. This year, the Longhorns won’t have it so easy. Currently, five teams on the schedule are ranked, including Georgia, Texas’ kryptonite last year. With one loss already under their belt, the Longhorns do not have much room for error remaining.
Yes, It’s Still Early
Before anyone panics, yes, it’s still early in the season. Yes, the loss to Ohio State won’t make as big of a dent in Texas’ ranking as, well, any other loss would. And the Longhorns just smashed their way through San Jose State, 38-7.
But this Texas football team’s flaws have been exposed early. Only the players and coaches can determine if this is a blessing that teaches them a lesson early, or the curse that keeps them out of the postseason.
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