Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Steve Sarkisian Redefines Arch Manning’s Role as Texas Eyes National Championship Run

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 15, 2025 3:12 PM ET

After back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances, expectations are higher than ever for the Texas Longhorns.

The college football powerhouse has handed over the reins to quarterback Arch Manning, and the roster has been reloaded after some key departures.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian joined the "On Second Thought" podcast, and host Cedric Golden of the Austin American-Statesman asked about the challenges of building a new team every year because of the transfer portal. The Longhorns coach discussed players who must step up to be leaders on a team looking to establish an identity.

"We have players on this team who are going to be really significant contributors this fall, who in their first two years of college football have gone to the College Football Playoff semifinal. They don't even know any different!

"The difference now for those guys is their role has evolved. Anthony Hill has really got to be a leader on this team. Arch Manning has got to be a leader on this team."

Sarkisian continued to list players he expects to step up this season.

Manning joined Texas as part of its 2023 recruiting class. A former five-star recruit, the 21-year-old was the No. 1 player in the country at the time and chose the Longhorns over several blue-chip programs like Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson and more.

Texas must protect its young signal-caller; the team's offensive line will have four new starters. The Longhorns are also losing their three top pass catchers from last season.

A key player Manning must replace is former quarterback Quinn Ewers, who departed the Longhorns and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft.

In ESPN's latest way-too-early rankings, Mark Schlabach has Texas slotted at No. 3, behind Penn State and Clemson.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: