The proof is in the numbers when it comes to the Texas Longhorns mediocre start in 2025
The Texas Longhorns are in big-time trouble. And it isn’t getting any easier moving forward.
Texas looked lost and confused on Saturday in an embarrassing 29-21 loss to Florida in the Swamp. Arch Manning damn near had to do everything himself on offense with zero run game and an offensive line which continues to be average to bad.
Florida took advantage of some early turnovers and field position wins to jump out to an early lead. The Gators never relinquished it and held off a late flurry from Manning and the Longhorn receivers.
Steve Sarkisian was visibly upset after the game and Manning criticized himself for taking a sack to end the game. But just how bad has it been? Let’s take a look and go inside the numbers.
Texas is tied for 9th in the SEC in sacks allowed.
The offensive line was always going to be a work in progress this season. Four starters were gone from a year ago when Texas’ front was a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. But, injuries and some shuffling has left Kyle Flood’s group in search of answers.
Florida got after Manning Saturday. In fact, it was the highest single-game pressure rate anyone has faced in the Power 4 thus far in 2025. At a 59.5 percent clip, the Gators were essentially in the backfield every dropback.
If Texas is going to make a move in the SEC, it desperately needs to get things squared away up front. Last year, the Longhorns lost early to Georgia and still made it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. Can it do it again?
Texas Longhorns News
Texas HC Steve Sarkisian made it clear what the Longhorns focus is this week heading into Oklahoma game
It’s not all over just yet. But the curtain could be closing if things aren’t fixed for Texas.
Texas has been just average on offense through five games.
Sarkisian’s unit is 9th in the SEC in total offense and rushing offense as well as 10th in the SEC in passing offense. This is not nearly good enough to win games in the best conference in America. Manning needs more time to throw, the run game has to be in the picture, and the wideouts need to be more consistent.
Manning also needs to know when to tuck it and go. He can’t expect to sit back there for 5-to-6 seconds every drop back without having someone in his face.
The red zone conversion rate is 15th in the conference as well as third-down conversions. A lot of this stems from no run game, getting behind the sticks on first and second down, and having to bank on chunk plays (11th in long scrimmage plays) to extend drives.
There’s a path to getting back on track, but it’s narrow.
On top of all the issues offensively, the Texas Longhorns are averaging 8.8 penalties a game which is tied for 14th in the SEC. This is not going to beat a lot of people, much less conference opponents competing for a spot in the CFP.
If Sarkisian wants to keep this team in contention, it will need to go back to the basics. Focus on the little things, scheme up some ball plays, and keep your quarterback upright. There’s no doubt Texas has all the talent to stack wins. And it certainly has the defense to win big.
But, this is danger zone time. Texas better move quickly and it starts this weekend versus Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.
