Sarkisian: Texas has 'a championship roster'

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is embracing the high expectations around the Longhorns ahead of the 2025 season.

"This is a championship roster," Sarkisian said Tuesday at SEC media days, according to Dawgs Central's Graham Coffey.

Texas is entering its second season in the SEC. The team stepped up in its first year in the conference, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinal and finishing the campaign 13-3.

Sarkisian's outfit is now turning to Arch Manning as its starting quarterback. The promising former five-star recruit mostly served as the backup in his first two seasons in college football.

"He learned a lot over time," the sideline boss said of Manning, according to On3's Brett McMurphy. "He watched Quinn (Ewers) navigate the ups and downs."

Manning echoed his coach's words, adding that he's very familiar with Texas' offensive system.

"It was tough in the moment sitting, but I think I've learned a lot about myself growing as a player and a person," the passer said, per ESPN's Chris Low. "Any time you can be in the same system for three years is a huge benefit."

Sarkisian didn't elaborate on whether he expects Manning, who could enter the 2026 NFL Draft, to remain at Texas after the upcoming campaign.

"I just want the guy to have a really good season this year, and we'll cross that bridge when he comes to it," Sarkisian said, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "I hope he has a really hard decision to make, because that means he played really good."

We won't have to wait long to find out if Sarkisian is right about Texas boasting a championship-caliber roster: The Longhorns kick off their 2025 campaign Aug. 30 in a highly anticipated matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning national champions who eliminated Texas in the CFP this past season.