Texas Longhorns Football

If people were upset about Ohio State's $20 million NIL budget helping it win a national title last season, they're going to scream when they see how much Texas is spending on its football team for the 2025 season.

Per Kirk Bohls of the Houston Chronicle, the Longhorns roster currently costs somewhere "between $35 million and $40 million" that includes money from the revenue-sharing allotment that is expected to be around $20.5 million plus payouts from the school's official NIL collective, the Texas One Fund.

Bohls added that Arch Manning is "by far the highest-paid Texas player," but none of his money comes from the school because "he and his family acquired all his deals on their own 'with no help from the school.'"

It's unclear exactly how much money individual players, including Manning, are making.

One person told Bohls they didn't want to reveal how many players will earn at least $1 million "because such transparency foments comparative discussions and locker-room chaos."

University spending on athletics has been a huge topic since the NCAA adopted a name, image and likeness policy in 2021.

Sportico's Ebon Novy-Williams wrote in January, after Ohio State's victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Championship Game, that the Buckeyes spent $274.9 million on athletics during the 2022-23 academic year and that figure could end up being more than $300 million when the 2023-24 figures are released.

Ohio State's spending was, by far, the most for any university. Texas was second at $232.3 million, followed by Michigan at $225.6 million. The Buckeyes' $20 million NIL budget last year was believed to be the highest in the nation.

As part of the House vs. NCAA settlement that is still awaiting approval from a federal judge, the business of college athletics could change from one with an NIL collective to a revenue-sharing model that would allow schools to directly pay athletes.

According to Bohls, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte anticipates the spike in NIL budget for this season will likely "one-time exorbitant expense" as they plan to phase out the NIL collective for the revenue-sharing model if it gets approved.

Per On3.com, Manning has a $6.6 million NIL valuation from marketing deals with five different companies.

Texas has the nation's No. 1 recruiting class for 2025 with 25 total commitments, per 247Sports' composite rankings. The program also landed 10 commitments in the transfer portal.

The Longhorns made the College Football Playoff as the No. 5 seed and advanced to the semifinals before losing to Ohio State.

With the 2025 NFL draft in the books, the focus now shifts to the 2026 draft, where Texas quarterback Arch Manning is expected to be one of the premier names.

But Manning may not be as set on the draft as many think. According to ESPN's Field Yates, he is expected to stay with the Longhorns for two more seasons.

"The word from people that have been down there visiting Texas for scouting visits has been that they expect Arch to be there for two more seasons," Yates said on The Adam Schefter Podcast (30:40 mark). "Will that prevail? We'll see, but that has been the sentiment that scouts have been gathering when they spend time around the Texas program this past season."

Manning, the top-rated recruit in the class of 2023 by 247Sports' composite, spent his first two seasons with Texas backing up Quinn Ewers, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round.

After barely seeing any action as a freshman, Manning got the ball a bit more in 2024.

He came in for Ewers in a matchup against UTSA in September and completed nine passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns, adding 53 yards and a score on the ground. He started for an injured Ewers the following week against ULM and had 258 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns. He was once again the starter against Mississippi State and completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and three total touchdowns.

So while Manning still has very little starting experience, he's shown in his few outings why scouts are already so high on him ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department's way-too-early predictions feature Manning getting drafted second overall to the Cleveland Browns.

As much as teams might be ready to draft Manning next spring, they might have to wait until 2027.

Staying in college as a projected top pick was unheard of years ago, but in the age of NIL, it can be more lucrative than taking a rookie deal. Especially for a player like Manning, who has a $6.6 NIL valuation by On3, an additional year of college could be the more lucrative route.

Ultimately, Manning will likely see how things shake out this year before he makes his decision for the 2026 season.

High-profile recruits deciding to transfer somewhere they can start early in their careers is a regular occurrence in today's college football world, but one of the most notable recruits in recent years decided to wait until his junior season to start.

And he is ready to take over the Texas offense in 2025.

"I wanted to be the quarterback at the University of Texas," quarterback Arch Manning told reporters Thursday when discussing why he didn't transfer when he was behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart.

"Sometimes things are worth the wait."

Manning also said Ewers has helped him prepare for the starting role, which he appreciates even more since "it's probably pretty annoying having me as a backup with all the media stuff."

He was always going to generate more headlines than a typical backup seeing how he is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. What's more, he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Yet he patiently waited his turn as Ewers took the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals in each of the last two seasons.

Manning got some run during the 2024 campaign against UTSA, UL Monroe and Mississippi State when Ewers was injured. He led Texas to victories in all three games with a combined eight touchdown passes to two interceptions while also running for two scores.

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT A CAREER LONG 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 😱

(via @TexasFootball)
pic.twitter.com/Critoviw3Y

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

That running ability stands in stark contrast to the play of his uncles and allowed him to remain a part of the offense at times when Texas used him in special packages.

But he will be the starter for a team with national championship aspirations in 2025. And what is expected to be a bright spotlight all season will be particularly bright right out of the gates, as the Longhorns start the campaign with a road game against the reigning national champions at Ohio State.

Winning that game against the team that eliminated Texas in last season's CFP would be quite the opening statement as the full-time starter.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian named Arch Manning as the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but Longhorns fans won't get a chance to see him participate in a spring game.

"I think he's ready for it, and I think he's ready for the moment," Sarkisian said during an appearance on Up & Adams.

.@CoachSark officially names Arch Manning as the starting QB for the 2025 season 🤘@ArchManning @heykayadams @TexasFootball | #HookEm pic.twitter.com/dF0Z4SPPza

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 20, 2025

"We're in a good spot to have a pretty good football team, and it's gonna be even better knowing he's gonna be the guy for us," he added.

The Longhorns coach confirmed that his team is the latest to cancel a spring game, though.

“No, we’re not going to have a spring game," Sarkisian said.

.@CoachSark announces that @TexasFootball won't be having a Spring game this year 🚨@heykayadams | #HookEm pic.twitter.com/KzONTjxYiQ

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 20, 2025

He also detailed the new format that Texas will use to replace the spring game.

"Our approach is going to be a little bit more NFL-driven, kind of more of an OTA style early on, and as we grow into more of the scrimmage formats in the second half of spring ball," Sarkisian explained. "I just don’t know if rolling the ball out and playing the game when we only get 15 practices is the best for us to maximize the opportunities that we get." 

The Longhorns are the latest team to cancel their spring game. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule revealed on Feb. 1 that his team's spring game would also likely come to an end due to transfer portal tampering.

While Manning wasn't officially named the Longhorns' starter prior to Thursday, he appeared to be in line for the role once 2024 starting quarterback Quinn Ewers declared for the 2025 NFL draft.

Manning made nine appearances as a replacement for Ewers in 2024. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while getting picked off twice.

Expectations are high for the 19-year-old, as he was considered the No. 1 player in the country as part of the 2023 recruiting class (via 247Sports' composite rankings).

Manning won't have the opportunity to compete in a traditional spring game entering the 2025 season, but he'll still be preparing to start the regular season atop Texas' depth chart.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 180

---

POSITIVES

— Dynamic athlete with an explosive burst and acceleration to blow past pursuing defenders.

— Fluid and easy mover; clean route transitions for good separation.

— Dangerous after the catch, suddenness to transition from receiver to runner.

— Vertical threat with elite top-end speed.

---

NEGATIVES

— Underwhelming play strength to fend off physical coverage defenders.

— Catch radius is limited and cannot be relied upon in contested catch situations.

— An undersized frame limits his upside as a play-side run blocker.

---

NOTES

— Born Mar. 15, 2004

— 4-star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— Georgia 6A state champion in 100-meter (10.51) and 200-meter (21.19)

---

OVERALL

Isaiah Bond is an undersized pass-catcher who exemplifies elite speed.

Bond is an explosive and electric playmaker with the speed to strike fear in the hearts of defenses. He is equipped with pursuit angle-beating burst, acceleration, and top-end speed. He is a twitchy and sudden mover who can change directions at the drop of a hat. This aids his separation creation abilities as a route runner. His route tree has more variety and depth than most college wide receivers. He can drive upfield and sink his hips at the top of the route.

Bond handles manufactured touches to provide easy access to space, where he can be dangerous after the catch. Feeding him underneath targets creates clear paths for Bond to maintain his stride and speed and gain as many yards after the catch as possible. He is adept at finding soft spots in defensive coverages. He quickly sits in the void of zone concepts while using speed to push defensive backs upfield against man coverage.

Bond is undersized, and this shows up as a perimeter play side blocker. He cannot sustain blocks on the outside to spring his running back. Bond will be better suited as a backside blocker, operating as a decoy or walling off his defender from entering the backfield. Bond's a fantastic talent, but maximizing and refining his release package can dictate his effectiveness on Sundays. He will face great athletes with better strength and wingspans at the next level. Quickly winning to enter his route phase and get open for his QB will be an essential development in his game. His catch radius is less than ideal, limiting his effectiveness in contested catch situations.

Overall, Isaiah Bond's combination of route running and elite speed are game-changing qualities to have as a wide receiver prospect. Placing him in a timing-based passing attack with an offensive coordinator open to being creative is the best for Bond's NFL future. An accurate and well-timed quarterback will appreciate what he brings to the offense. He plays mainly as an outside receiver but can create havoc defensively working out of the slot.

---

GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter—Third Round)

OVERALL RANK: 61

POSITION RANK: WR9

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Jaylen Waddle

---

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

---

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Arch Manning is no stranger to comments about his football lineage as the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, but he continues to take them in stride.

"Yeah, I mean, that's fair," he said after reading a comment calling him a "nepo baby" during an "I Got Time Today" segment for Complex (h/t On3). "I do have a lot of football in my family, so it's a fair comment. Freedom of speech."

TRENDING: Texas QB Arch Manning reacts to being called a 'nepo baby,' Bronny James comparisons, and more🤣⬇️

(via @ComplexSports) https://t.co/L2Hn1g4EwW pic.twitter.com/ZwgMGWJWuj

— On3 (@On3sports) February 6, 2025

He also responded to a Bronny James comparison.

"I don't know Bronny; DM'd him once," he said. "Seems like a great guy, so maybe that's a compliment."

The Bronny comparison is more likely in the same vein as the "nepo baby" comment, i.e. a suggestion that Manning's place on Texas has more to do with his famous uncles than his own ability, much as it has been suggested that the younger James was only drafted because his father, LeBron James, wanted to play with him on the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Arch Manning—who served as Quinn Ewers' backup for the past two seasons after being the top overall prospect in the class of 2023—more than proved his merit when called upon this past season.

In a trio of starts for the Longhorns after Ewers suffered an abdominal injury, Manning threw for 806 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 82 yards and an additional two scores.

Yes, the competition wasn't exactly top tier, as Manning lit up UTSA, Louisiana-Monroe and a Mississippi State team that went just 2-10. But he hardly looked like a player who was only on the field because of his last name.

With Ewers headed to the draft, Manning is now the starter for the Longhorns, and expectations are high.

"Arch is a dog, man," Manning's former teammate at Texas, Kansas City Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy, told reporters this week. "I expect nothing less than a Heisman. Nothing less than a Heisman."

But Manning has acknowledged that his last name has garnered him a "lot of underserved attention," as he told ESPN's Marty Smith last week.

"I kinda wanted to bring Texas back."

Arch Manning sat down with @MartySmithESPN to talk @TexasFootball, which family member his game is most like and his college experience so far 🤘 pic.twitter.com/KxuDhb7uPi

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 30, 2025

"But hopefully it gets more deserving in the next few months," he added. "I don't think I've done enough yet to be taking a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs. But maybe that will come eventually."

Texas quarterback Arch Manning isn't letting the success of his relatives affect his mindset and approach heading into the 2025 season.

In an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith, Manning was asked what comes with his last name that others aren't able to understand.

"I think a lot of underserved attention, but hopefully it gets more deserving in the next few months," Manning said (4:34 mark).

"I don't think I've done enough yet to be taking a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs," he added. "But maybe that'll come eventually."

The Longhorns signal-caller is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, who combined to make 18 Pro Bowl appearances and win four Super Bowl titles throughout their careers.

He's also the grandson of Archie Manning, who spent 13 years in the NFL and earned two Pro Bowl nods.

When asked to compare his playing style to one member from the rest of his family, the 19-year-old chose his grandfather.

"I think probably my grandfather," Arch explained (5:11 mark). "He could run around a little bit, make plays, use a little more of his athleticism. But I like to take bits and pieces of everyone."

He also revealed advice that he's received from Eli and Peyton.

"Just have fun, be a good guy and be all about the team," Arch said (11:49 mark).

The youngest Manning isn't only surrounded by hype due to the rest of his family, as he was considered the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class (via 247Sports' composite rankings).

He played sparingly during his first year with the Longhorns, but he received extended time on the field in 2024 once starter Quinn Ewers suffered an oblique strain during a clash with UTSA on Sept. 14.

Manning seemed comfortable while replacing Ewers against UTSA and also looked sharp in two consecutive starts afterwards, completing 69.4 percent of his throws for 806 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with a pair of interceptions over that span.

With Ewers declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, Manning is set to start for the Longhorns next season as they look to build upon a 13-3 record in 2024.

While he doesn't believe that he's done enough to warrant the attention he's received just yet, Manning is hoping to change that soon.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is already expected to be the team's starter for the 2025 season, and he scored another win off the field.

Manning announced on Thursday that he has secured an NIL deal with Red Bull. According to Dan Morrison of On3.com, the 19-year-old now has an NIL valuation of $6.6 million, the highest of any college or high school sports athlete.

Arch Manning officially announces his new NIL deal with Red Bull. Would expect first of many for Texas’ QB1. pic.twitter.com/HSvDqMSBWm

— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) January 30, 2025

Manning addressed his NIL deal with Red Bull in an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith.

"I really like this partnership. Everyone at Red Bull has been super nice to me and my family and I can't wait to get it going," Manning said. "Plus, I like a Red Bull in the morning... We got early meetings, need a little energy."

After redshirting his freshman year in 2023, Manning spent the 2024 season as the primary backup to Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. He appeared in 10 games and made two starts, showing a glimpse of his famous family lineage as the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning.

In his 10 appearances, the youngster threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 67.8 percent of his passes. He also added 108 rushing yards and four more scores, and Texas won both of the games he started.

The 2025 season will be Manning's opportunity to establish himself as the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL draft, and he's already on the right track.

Arch Manning is gearing up for his first season as Texas' starting quarterback, and he already has high expectations.

The nephew of legendary quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning is the Heisman Trophy favorite at +700 odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook. Just behind him sits LSU's Garrett Nussmeier (+900), Penn State's Drew Allar (+1000) and Clemson's Cade Clubnik (+1400).

Heisman odds have arrived. Many thoughts. We'll break this down in detail in the weeks ahead, but there is value all over the place. pic.twitter.com/yVLjKqOlca

— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) January 28, 2025

Despite Manning being one of the more inexperienced names among players with the best odds, it's not that surprising to see him top the list. The former No. 1 player in the Class of 2023 has garnered immense hype over the last few years and only added to it with some impressive showings in his limited action in 2024.

Manning appeared in 10 games for the Longhorns last season but only started two of those contests. He played most of Texas' game against UTSA in September, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 53 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The following week, he made his first start for Texas with usual start Quinn Ewers dealing with an injury. In that game against ULM, he threw for 258 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. His best game of the season came in his second start when he collected 325 passing yards and three total touchdowns against Mississippi State.

ARCH MANNING WITH AN ABSOLUTE DOT FOR THE TD 🔥 🎯

(via @TexasFootball)
pic.twitter.com/NsqFsYGTTK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 28, 2024

Texas will now hand the reigns over to Manning with Ewers departing for the NFL draft, and all signs point to him having a big year.

Nussmeier debuted as the starter for LSU in 2024 and had a great season with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His passing yards total was the second-best in the SEC and he was also tied for the second-most touchdowns.

Allar is also coming off a career season, picking up 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 302 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground as he led Penn State to the CFP semifinals.

Klubkik was one of the best quarterbacks in football last year, leading the ACC in passing touchdowns (39) and racking up the second-most passing yards (4,313).

While the players with the best odds are mostly quarterbacks, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith emerge as a favorite at some point this season. He's coming off a true freshman season in which he had 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, and those numbers should only improve in 2025.

Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian has agreed to a contract extension to remain with the Longhorns, per Brett McMurphy of Action Network, who noted that the 50-year-old previously declined interviews with two NFL teams.

Steve Sarkisian agrees to contract extension w/Texas after declining interviews w/2 NFL teams, sources said. UT Board of Regents chairman Kevin Eltife & AD Chris Del Conte were key figures in getting the deal done, source said. Sarkisian has led UT to consecutive @CFBPlayoff…

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 18, 2025

ESPN's Pete Thamel provided more details.

Texas has agreed to a new seven-year deal for Steve Sarkisian, which adds a year to his deal and includes a significant raise, per a source. He remains one of the highest paid coaches in the sport, as he’d ranked No. 3 at $10.6 million. Action Network first reported new deal. pic.twitter.com/8J38LI2JHu

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 18, 2025

Sarkisian has been Texas' head coach since 2021. He's led the Longhorns to a 38-17 mark, including 25-5 over the last two seasons. The Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff in 2023 and 2024, falling in the semifinal round both times.

Last year's Texas team won the Big 12 title before earning the CFP's No. 3 seed. This year's team reached the SEC Championship Game and earned the No. 5 seed, defeating Clemson and Arizona State before losing to Ohio State. The Longhorns are also the only team to make the CFP each of the past two years.

It's no surprise that Sarkisian had interest from NFL teams given how well Texas has done the past two years. He has a lengthy two-decade resume that also includes stops in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (2004, quarterbacks coach) and the Atlanta Falcons (2017-2018, offensive coordinator).

However, it's clear that Sarkisian is committed to Texas. This X post from Thursday also seemed to indicate Sarkisian's loyalty to the school.

🤘🏽 https://t.co/619kBuqMLY

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) January 17, 2025

The contract extension seals it, of course. Ultimately, it's easy to see why Sarkisian is sticking around given how much success he's found in Austin. And Texas obviously wanted him back given how well the Longhorns have performed under his stewardship.

Now Sarkisian is around long term as he strives to give Texas its first national title since 2005.