The Texas Longhorns find themselves in a peculiar position: a team heralded for its championship aspirations, boasting a defense that ranks among the nation’s elite, yet often struggling offensively to find its rhythm and consistent scoring punch. While the 2024 season saw them achieve significant success, including a 13-3 record and a No. 4 final AP poll ranking, the narrative surrounding the Texas offense in recent times, particularly as the 2025 season progresses, points to a critical disconnect. This news analysis delves into the core issues plaguing the Texas offense, exploring how quarterback Arch Manning’s development, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling, and persistent statistical shortcomings are creating a concerning dichotomy.
The Dominant Defense: A Shield Against Offensive Stumbles
There is little debate that the Texas defense has been the bedrock of the team’s success. Leading the SEC in scoring defense, allowing a mere 15.3 points per game in 2024, and consistently lauded for its physicality and playmaking ability, the defense has often been tasked with carrying the team. PFF grades consistently place the Longhorns’ defense among the nation’s best, a stark contrast to the offensive unit’s struggles. This defensive prowess has allowed Texas to secure victories even when the offense sputters, but it raises questions about the sustainability of such reliance for true championship contenders.
Chronic Offensive Ailments: Third Down, Red Zone, and Consistency
Several statistical categories highlight the offensive inefficiencies that have plagued the Texas Longhorns. Converting on third downs has been a persistent challenge. While the team showed flashes of success in certain periods, broader statistics reveal a more troubling picture. In 2025, conversion rates have dipped significantly, with one report placing Texas at 119th nationally in third-down conversion percentage at 26.9% early in the season. Failures on third downs often lead to stalled drives and increased opportunities for opponents against the vaunted defense.
The red zone, a critical area for scoring, has also been an Achilles’ heel. Historical data from 2023 showed Texas ranked 120th in FBS in red zone touchdown efficiency. While there were indications of improvement in 2024, some reports in early 2025 suggest the offense is still tied for 128th in overall red zone scoring percentage at 50%, underscoring a persistent inability to convert scoring opportunities into touchdowns. Furthermore, penalties, particularly from the offensive side, have frequently derailed promising drives and contributed to conversion struggles. The lack of consistent explosive plays, a hallmark of previous successful Sarkisian offenses, has also been noted as a step backward.
Arch Manning Under the Microscope
Highly touted sophomore quarterback Arch Manning has been at the center of the offensive conversation. His early performances in 2024 showed promise, with highlight-reel plays and efficient outings in games like his debut against Colorado State and a strong showing against UL Monroe. However, as the 2025 season has unfolded, his play has drawn criticism for inconsistency, missed throws, and decision-making errors. Reports indicate that Manning has appeared “lost” and that his current play is “not good enough” to secure wins in the competitive SEC. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has admitted frustration with Manning’s performance and has spoken with him directly, highlighting concerns about a reliance on “athlete football” rather than schematic execution. The discrepancy between Manning’s pedigree and his on-field results is a significant storyline.
Sarkisian’s Offensive Blueprint Under Scrutiny
Steve Sarkisian, widely regarded as an offensive innovator, has been instrumental in rebuilding the Texas program into a national contender. His reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” and a skilled play designer is well-established. However, questions have arisen regarding his ability to make crucial in-game adjustments, particularly in the second half and third quarters, areas where the offense has reportedly struggled.
Analyst commentary suggests that while Sarkisian excels at game planning, the “battle of adjustments” has been a point of growing pains for the Longhorns. The offensive SP+ rankings have seen a decline under his continued play-calling stewardship, slipping from elite status to outside the top 40 in 2025. This has fueled discussions about whether Sarkisian should consider relinquishing primary play-calling duties to a dedicated offensive coordinator to inject new life into the unit and ensure the team’s vast talent can be fully harnessed.
The Urgency for Offensive Synchronization
The Texas Longhorns are undeniably a talented team, powered by an elite defense and a wealth of resources. However, the persistent offensive struggles, particularly in critical situations, pose a significant threat to their championship aspirations. While the team has managed to secure victories, often leaning heavily on its defensive unit, this formula is unlikely to suffice against the nation’s top competition. The upcoming news cycle will undoubtedly focus on whether Arch Manning can elevate his game and if Steve Sarkisian can reignite the offensive spark needed for Texas to truly contend at the highest level, transforming their potential from merely “not broken” to undeniably dominant. The Texas offense must find its identity and synchronize its execution before these persistent issues derail their season.
