Texas' offense ignites as Arch Manning’s pass-catchers step into the spotlight

The talk of the town this fall has been primarily centered around Arch Manning’s growth as the starting quarterback for No. 7-ranked Texas. But what’s equally important is who he’s throwing to. Veteran guys like Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden have moved on to the NFL and the Longhorns offense needed fresh faces to step up. Thankfully, a few young receivers have chosen to step up and fill that void. 

Emerging Weapons for Texas

 Parker Livingstone has been the breakout name of September. Against San Jose State, he compiled 128 yards and two touchdowns on four catches, including an 83-yard score that showed off his top-end speed and smooth route running. His ability to stretch the field has added an explosive layer to Steve Sarkisian’s offense, earning him SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Livingstone is quickly proving he’s a future present-day playmaker.

Things I like about his game:

YAC (Yards After Catch): He understands the assignment. After he catches the ball, Livingstone looks to attack downfield, while finding green grass. That’s a special gift for a young receiver. 

Blocking: A receiver who doesn’t block doesn’t get the ball. That has always been the motto of great offensive minds, and it continues to hold true. Livingstone is an excellent blocker and this highlights his team-first mentality. 

Hands: Livingstone's hands are a good balance of aggressiveness and softness, inviting the ball in. Some guys play the ball like a defensive back instead of a receiver, but Livingstone is pretty solid in this area. He’s a security blanket for Manning. 

Route running: A strong runner who doesn’t allow the corner to change his stem. Livingstone is adept at winning the hand battle and establishing his position to make a play.

Locating the ball: The uncanny ability to spot the ball before the defender can, and the whereabouts to meet the ball in the air is second to none. 

Ryan Wingo entered the year as the guy for Texas, and while he’s had a low start, the potential remains undeniable. As a freshman, Wingo posted 472 receiving yards with a knack for making plays. This fall, drops and timing issues with Manning have limited his production, but the staff continues to believe in his development. 

What I like about Wingo:

Versatility: He can play any position on the field. You put him at the X or Z, and he’ll punish the corners. In the slot, he can put stress on the secondary altogether. 

Speed: Homerun, house call-type of speed. The rhythm has to be there. Once he sees green grass, Wingo goes up the sideline. 

Size: Wingo's 6’2”, 210-pound frame gives him multiple advantages. He is physically imposing on defenders and will get the tough yards. 

Jack Endries is another guy who will have a major role in the offense moving forward. It’s a new wrinkle for Steve Sarkisian as a play-caller because having a tight end who can make plays puts pressure on the defense. 

What I like about Endries:

Hands: One of the most complete hands in the college game today. Manning can put the ball anywhere in his area, and he’ll catch it. 

Awareness: He always knows where the first down marker is and gets there, which is enormous for Texas. He also works the middle of the field like no other. He's basically a midrange guru.

Athleticism: Endries has the speed to take it to the house. His role in the offense often underestimates his speed, but this will be the key to unlocking the offense. He’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers and smaller defensive backs. 

Toughness: This young man isn’t afraid to go across the middle of the field either. He can take a hit and move the chains with the best of them. This is evident in his California film, before transferring to Texas. 

Why It Matters for Texas’s Offense

For Manning, having multiple options beyond the veteran core changes everything. Livingstone’s vertical threat forces safeties to respect the deep ball, while Wingo’s physicality and athleticism make him a tough cover in the intermediate game. Endries is like a Travis Kelce for Texas who manipulates the middle. Together, they help balance the passing attack and prevent defenses from keying in on a single receiver. This allows Sarkisian to open up the playbook even more. 

Essentially, it all comes down to timing. Manning is still developing, and establishing chemistry with his receivers builds confidence that will pay huge dividends once Texas gets into SEC play. 

Final thoughts

As the Longhorns push deeper into the season, these receivers will end up being the ones who will carry this offense. Livingstone’s early surge suggests he can deliver every week, while Wingo’s upside looms large if he can settle into a rhythm. Then Endries is all-world.

Please make no mistake; Manning being developed will be the topic of conversation as long as he’s a Longhorn, but his receiver corps will have to carry the bulk of the burden. The receiver will make the quarterback look good nine times out of ten. Every great player who’s played that position in the NFL will tell you that.