ESPN’s Booger McFarland explains how Texas can be even better in 2025
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The anticipation is building around Texas and its season opener against No. 3 Ohio State. With just a week to go before kickoff, all eyes will indeed be on Steve Sarkisian and his revamped Longhorns squad. After a period of significant changes, including the emergence of Arch Manning as the starting quarterback, fans are left wondering: Is Texas finally BACK?
ESPN analyst Booger McFarland believes that with Manning at the helm, the Longhorns could be poised for a breakthrough season.
“Arch Manning is the biggest wild card in college football,” McFarland wrote in a post on social media. “If he is as advertised, Texas will be better than they were last year just by the fact that he can make more plays (with his) legs than Quinn (Ewers) ever did.”
Last season, Manning showcased his potential in limited action, completing 61 of his 90 passes for 939 yards and 9 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions. Additionally, he demonstrated his dual-threat capability by rushing for 108 yards and 4 scores.
Ewers led Texas to consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals, but no further. Given the hype and the pedigree, Manning is expected to push Texas over that final hump.
The Longhorns will face off against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium, where they look to defy expectations as underdogs. Currently, the Buckeyes are favored by 2.5 points at BetMGM. Kickoff is set for noon ET from Columbus.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
