Fox and CBS Sports multi-sport analyst Tim Brando currently has the Longhorns ranked fairly low on his preseason list in comparison to much of the national media. In his top-15 rankings that were released on Thursday night, he has Texas at No.5, which is three to four spots lower than most preseason polls.
Today I dropped some CFB bombs 💣 My annual preseason rankings. This is NOT a starting grid. Let the Anger, Angst, and Bitterness take over the anticipation of CFB! Woohoo 🥳 🎙️🎧 pic.twitter.com/KaCCoH9wvs
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) July 31, 2025
Brando explained his reasoning for the Longhorns being fifth on an episode of Crain & Company on Youtube.
"Manning is going to have a remarkable year, no doubt about it. But, here's the issue, they're going to lose some games. When I say games, that's plural, I mean more than two at least. Now if there is a team that can get there with three losses and skirt in, it's definitely Texas."
He goes on to discuss his main issue with Texas' title hopes in 2025, regarding Arch Manning:
"Is he good enough? Yes. Can be an unbeaten Heisman trophy winner in his first year? No question in my mind. I just don't think the schedule will allow for that quite to happen this year for him at Texas. Again, the chances of him getting hurt are immense because of the way Texas plays and because of the strengths of his game as a quarterback."
I'm assuming that Brando is referring to Arch's ability to run the football. Though this is a fair point, Steve Sarkisian has said that he doesn't want Manning to run as much as he did in 2025. I'm sure we'll still see our fair share of zone/power-read plays this year, but the focal point of the run game is undoubtedly going to be centered around Tre Wisner, C.J. Baxter, and Christian Clark.
No offensive play caller on the planet would purposely use a quarterback with the pedigree and talent of Arch Manning in a way that would consistently put them at risk for injury.