As the proud parent of a student at the University of Texas, I can confidently say there’s something magical about this time of year. The excitement in Austin is palpable, especially when it comes to football. With every game, the Texas Longhorns are showing the world that they’re not just back – they’re here to dominate. They’re the top-ranked team in the country! As a sports fan, there’s no greater thrill than watching the resurgence of a program that has always been a symbol of pride and tradition.
Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, there is a swagger to this team. Sarkisian has done more than win games – he’s rebuilt the culture of the program, turning it into a powerhouse. With every touchdown and every defensive stand, the team is sending a message: Texas football is back where it belongs.
One of the most exciting elements of the season is the impact of Arch Manning, the star freshman quarterback who is already making waves. His talent is undeniable, and even in his first games, it’s clear that he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and watching him on the field feels like we are seeing history unfold. The Manning legacy is alive and well in Austin.
And by the way, I do not mean my Manning excitement to overlook or minimize the star-power of Quinn Ewers, an unbelievable quarterback currently recovering from an abdominal strain. He led the Longhorns to the Sugar Bowl last year as the third-ranked team in the country, a game they lost in a hard-fought battle to the University of Washington.
But it’s not just about the individual players – it’s the whole team. Sarkisian has instilled a sense of discipline and purpose that resonates throughout the program. The team is playing with confidence, and their preparation shows in every game. Whether they’re facing longtime rivals or newcomers to the schedule, the Longhorns are ready for any challenge.
As a longtime powerhouse in the Big 12, the move to the SEC is a game-changer for the program. Texas is joining the elite ranks of college football, and the excitement is through the roof.
This coming week, the Longhorns will face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in their first SEC matchup. Looking ahead to the schedule, they are playing archrivals Oklahoma (also newcomers to the SEC) in the Red River Rivalry, #2 Georgia at home, and, further down the line, Kentucky and Texas A&M, both of whom are tough teams. A couple of weeks ago, Kentucky sorely tested Georgia, with Georgia just hanging onto victory 13-12. So it will be definitely be a gauntlet.
But I have no doubt the Longhorns are up to it.
With my son now part of the University of Texas family, we have skin in the game. Being part of the Texas Longhorns football experience is something we’ll cherish forever, and I can’t wait to see where this season takes us.
Hook ‘em Horns!