Jeff Durham
Can the Crown Stay Put?
There’s a reason burnt‑orange fans are strutting around like they just won the lottery: Arch Manning is finally under center, and Texas starts the year ranked No. 1 . The name alone could probably sell out a congressional hearing. NFL.com calls him the top Heisman candidate because of his “pedigree and pro potential,” despite having only 95 career pass attempts . Read that again. Ninety‑five.
Here’s the thing: being a Manning doesn’t automatically confer quarterback divinity. This isn’t a royal coronation; it’s a college football season filled with sharks ready to bite.
SEC Reality Check
Remember, Texas hurried into the SEC a year early by paying a hefty buyout . Now comes the real cost: a schedule with Alabama, Georgia and LSU, plus the new 12‑team playoff that rewards the four highest‑ranked teams with first‑round byes . With the likes of Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State hunting those byes, Texas will need more than a famous last name.
The first‑round games are on campus . Imagine a December trip to Columbus or Happy Valley. If the Longhorns slip, they’ll be staring down a hostile crowd instead of soaking in a bye week margarita.
Meanwhile, Everywhere Else…
While Longhorn Nation watches game tape of Arch, Peyton and Eli, other stars are sharpening their knives. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love scored in 14 of 16 games and racked up 19 touchdowns last season . He could become the first running back to win the Heisman since Derrick Henry. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s sensational receiver, posted 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 TDs as a freshman and might break even more records with a new QB. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is poised for a second straight 4,000‑yard passing year . And don’t sleep on LaNorris Sellers, who could rack up 3,500 passing and 1,000 rushing yards, Cam Newton‑style .
That’s not even mentioning Oregon, Penn State or Michigan teams loaded enough to steal those playoff byes .
The Hot Take
Texas will be good, but not great. Arch Manning won’t be holding the Heisman come January; he may not even finish as a finalist. Between a brutal SEC gauntlet, a revamped playoff format, and opposing stars determined to write their own legacies, the Longhorns are poised to stumble. Think of 2025 as a skillet: the heat is on, and hype alone won’t keep your bread from burning.
So, go ahead and order that commemorative jersey. Just leave room in your closet for a Jeremiah Smith or Jeremiyah Love jersey when December rolls around.