AUSTIN, Texas — Cooper Manning, father of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, said the team’s late-season revival in 2025 was driven by a combination of confidence, experience, and growing cohesion among the roster. After a slow start that included losses to top-ranked teams, Texas won six of its final seven games, demonstrating resilience and securing a stronger position in college football standing
KEY POINT
- Cooper Manning credited the Longhorns’ strong finish to the development of young players and increasing team confidence.
- Arch Manning’s improvement in decision-making and on-field execution was central to the team’s late-season turnaround.
- A crucial midseason victory provided momentum that reinforced team chemistry and belief.
The Texas Longhorns entered the 2025 season with high expectations, led by Arch Manning, a redshirt sophomore from one of college football’s most notable quarterback families.
Early-season losses to Ohio State and Florida raised questions about readiness and consistency.
However, the team’s strong finish, marked by improved offensive execution and defensive stability, became the defining storyline of the season. Cooper Manning recently discussed the underlying reasons for this shift.
Texas began the season with a roster featuring many young starters with limited collegiate experience. Early inconsistencies on both offense and defense highlighted the challenges of integrating inexperienced players into high-pressure games.
Arch Manning, in only his first full season as a starter, faced significant expectations, including potential Heisman Trophy consideration, which amplified the pressure on the team.
As the season progressed, the Longhorns began to stabilize their performance. A key midseason victory against Oklahoma marked a turning point, fostering confidence and allowing the team to capitalize on late-season opportunities.
Cooper Manning emphasized that growth came through game experience and navigating high-pressure situations. “You saw them win some tough games, some fourth-quarter drama, some road victories that really tested their resilience,” he said, highlighting how critical moments built confidence and team cohesion.
Experts in collegiate football note that young quarterbacks often show significant improvement after gaining consistent playing experience. Manning’s late-season efficiency, reflected in a higher touchdown-to-interception ratio and improved pre-snap decision-making, is consistent with the development patterns observed in other emerging quarterbacks at the collegiate level.
The Longhorns are poised to build on their late-season momentum in 2026. Arch Manning is confirmed to return for his senior season, providing continuity at quarterback and a foundation for further offensive refinement.
Texas also strengthened its roster through transfer portal additions, including key skill position players, which could enhance offensive balance and support Manning’s continued growth. Coaches note that further development along the offensive line and in the run game will be essential to sustaining success.
Cooper Manning’s insights illustrate how youth, confidence, and in-game experience contributed to Texas’ late-season revival in 2025. The Longhorns’ trajectory demonstrates the impact of leadership, preparation, and team cohesion on achieving competitive results, providing a strong foundation for the program as it moves into future seasons.