Expectations were already high enough for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning heading into the 2025 season.
Longhorn fans hope the 21-year-old leads the program to its first national championship since the 2005 season. A new preseason poll puts even more pressure on Manning.
On Monday, USA Today published the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. (The Associated Press preseason poll’s release is scheduled Aug. 11.) Texas ranked No. 1, claiming 28 of the 67 first-place votes. The Ohio State Buckeyes were No. 2, while the Penn State Nittany Lions were No. 3. It’s the first time the Longhorns have been No. 1 in the preseason poll.
Oddsmakers agree with coaches. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Texas as the preseason national title favorite (+550), ahead of Ohio State and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Manning has attempted just 95 passes in two seasons with the Longhorns, but his flashes have been impressive. He had five touchdowns (four passing and one rushing) after replacing Quinn Ewers in a 56-7 Week 3 win over UTSA last season.
