Three weeks into the 2025 season, No. 8 Texas is 2–1, with wins over San Jose State and UTEP and a road loss to Ohio State. The Longhorns’ defense is a championship-caliber unit, but the offense? That’s a work in progress. A closer look at the numbers tells the story of a group still searching for identity and consistency.
Scoring and Efficiency
Texas averages 24 points per game, a significant drop from last year’s 46 through the same three-game stretch. Red zone trips aren’t turning into touchdowns at a high enough rate, and too many drives stall into field goals or punts. This isn’t the same high-powered Texas offense that fans saw in 2024.
2024 after three games: 47 points per game, 516 total yards per game, 48% on third down
2025 after three games: 24 points per game, 383 total yards per game, 28% on third down
The contrast is sharp — Texas is moving the ball less, scoring less, and converting fewer key downs.
Passing Game
Arch Manning’s numbers show both flashes and flaws. He’s completing 55.3% of his passes for 193 yards per game with six touchdowns and three interceptions. The yards per attempt (6.8) indicate a conservative passing attack with limited vertical threat.
Defenses haven’t had to respect the deep ball yet, with only a handful of completions over 25 yards. Manning looks more comfortable in the second half, but his early-game struggles put the offense behind the sticks.
Rushing Game
On the ground, Texas averages 182 rushing yards per game on 4.4 yards per carry. The run game has been steady, especially after halftime, but hasn’t completely taken over games. Short-yardage runs and red zone carries have been inconsistent — an area that must improve if Texas wants to finish drives.
Situational Splits
The most glaring 2025 trend? Texas starts slow.
First half averages: 14 points, 32% third-down rate
Second half averages: 10 points, 42% third-down rate
That’s a night-and-day difference. The Longhorns settle in as games go on, but the sluggish openings pressure the defense to hold the line until the offense finds its footing.
What Needs Fixing
Faster starts: Establish the run game and mix sprinkles of quick game to get Manning in rhythm.
Vertical shots: Steve Sarkisian has to open up the playbook, and Manning has to know what he’s reading- you can’t throw what you don’t understand.
Third downs: More creativity is needed during medium-to-long situations—quick games and high-percentage throws will boost conversion rates.
Red zone execution: Anywhere inside the 20-yard line should be where the bread and butter plays get put into action. I understand trying to figure out what certain personnel does best, but there comes a time when you have to go with what’s been effective.
Final Thoughts
The defense is carrying this team right now, and that’s fine in September- it gives that unit more reps to perfect their craft. However, if Texas wants to have a legitimate run at an SEC title and playoff spot, the offense must become effective almost overnight. For Manning, it’s about stacking consistent days.
The numbers don’t lie: the Longhorns need to flip the switch on offense before they run into conference play- and quickly because it’s right around the corner, where slow starts and missed opportunities will turn ugly, fast. The SEC isn’t a conference to try things out; it’s either you have it or you don’t.