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Arguably the most popular national championship pick resides in Austin, TX. Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are one of the favorites to eventually hoist the College Football Playoff trophy. All eyes will be on them Week 2 vs. Ohio State before playing a tough SEC schedule. But by the time the calendar reads Jan. 26, 2027, many expect Texas to wake up champions.
Before getting there, a few things need to happen. ESPN decided to highlight three specific ones, calling them “ifs.” Let’s check out the trio from the Worldwide Leader, beginning with a skill they would like to see Arch Manning develop.
“If … Arch Manning learns this one neat trick”
“Manning’s inability to throw on the run was still a major hindrance: He was 82nd in completion percentage outside the pocket (49.2%) and 94th in completion rate on the move (48.6%),” ESPN said. They admitted these are “confusing stats,” considering how good of an athlete Manning is. Just not something you would expect from him.
If Texas can get a little more consistency from Manning outside of the pocket, the offense might take another step forward. And with the weapons surrounding Manning, it’s scary to think what the unit’s ceiling might be.
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“If … offensive depth isn’t an issue”
Well, speaking of those weapons. Cam Coleman leads the way at wide receiver, while Texas got Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown to replenish the running back cupboard. Those three guys will give offensive coordinators headaches across the SEC.
It’s what’s behind them that potentially gives ESPN some pause. “It’s at least a little scary that, while those three guys came in, last season’s top four running backs and five of last season’s top seven pass targets left.”
This even goes down to the offensive line. Texas struggled up front in 2025, making changes in three different starting spots. If any injuries take place and the Longhorns have to dip into the depth, a lot of inexperience will be out there.
“If … Will Muschamp can still craft an elite D”
Maybe the most shocking news of the offseason on the 40 Acres was Sarkisian making a change at defensive coordinator. Pete Kwiatkowski was out, despite having a ton of success. In came a familiar name across SEC circles — Will Muschamp.
Muschamp was most recently at Georgia as a defensive analyst. Of course, he was the head coach at both Florida and South Carolina. But to find the last time he was in charge of a defense by himself was Auburn in 2015.
“Does Muschamp have more defensive knowledge in a single toenail than most of us have in our entire bodies? Yes. Has it been 12 years since Muschamp actually oversaw (as head coach or coordinator) an elite defense? Also yes.”
There is a chance Muschamp winds up being the difference maker for Texas. One of the more interesting storylines to follow in 2026.
