Everybody knows who Dan Orlovsky is, and everybody has their own varying opinions about him, but he might be right in his most recent X/twitter post. He points out multiple underwhelming areas of this year's Longhorns team, such as the offensive line, the pass catchers, and the surprising lack of pass rush ability in 2025
Yes, Arch Manning has definitely had his fair share of disappointing performances so far, but Orlovsky does an excellent job of pointing out the other downfalls of this 2025 Texas football squad as well.
It's a vicious cycle and everything is a domino effect on the offensive side of the ball.
Texas has plenty of issues aside from Arch's erraticism...
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 9, 2025
O-LINE⁰Allow the highest pressure rate in the SEC (41% of dropbacks)
RUN GAME⁰RBs rank 13th in SEC in rushing average (4.3 yards)
Best WR is a RSFR
DEFENSE⁰Didn't record a sack against Ohio State or Florida (49…
The offensive line was projected to be underwhelming this season compared to 2024, but this is more than just "underwhelming"; they've been borderline invisible in pass protection. Manning has had to run around and live with pressure in his face 24/7 this year, and something has to change going forward. Whether it's the actual protection calls in general or another schematic change, it's only going to be magnified as the season goes along.
In line with the overall offensive line performance is the run game struggles. The team hasn't been able to generate any movement or displacement up front in the zone run game, which is Steve Sarkisian's go-to scheme. They've been able to find some success in the power game due to Connor Stroh and D.J. Campbell's pulling ability, but that's about it so far.
Though their top playmaker on offense is young, I'm not sure if that's really more of an issue than the simple fact that the Longhorns' pass-catchers have been dropping balls left and right this year. Ryan Wingo has been doing a better job lately, but he's dropped multiple, game-changing passes over the first 4-5 games of the year.
Last but not least, the complete lack of pass-rushing ability by the Longhorns' defense in 2025 is one of the great mysteries of the world. Colin Simmons, Trey Moore, Colton Vasek, and Anthony Hill Jr. haven't been able to get to opposing quarterbacks in any shape or form this season.
They're going to need to step up big time against Oklahoma this weekend if Texas is going to have any chance at upsetting the Sooners in the Red River Rivalry.