Picks and Predictions for the Longhorns

You might already know all there is to know about the Texas Longhorns (as many superfans do), and you might just need some picks! Well, our team of handicappers have a great selection for you to use today:

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Texas Longhorns History

Established in 1893, the Texas Longhorns football program has become one of the most storied in college football. With multiple national championships and a legacy of producing NFL talent, the Longhorns have cemented their place in the sport’s history.​

The team has seen various eras of success, with notable coaches like Darrell Royal leading them to prominence. The Longhorns’ rivalry games, especially against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, are some of the most anticipated matchups each season.​

In recent years, under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has aimed to return to national prominence, focusing on strong recruiting classes and competitive play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).​

Texas Longhorns Timeline

• 1893: Texas Longhorns football program is established.
• 1963: Wins first national championship under coach Darrell Royal.
• 1969: Secures second national championship.
• 1970: Claims third national championship.
• 1996: Becomes a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
• 2005: Wins fourth national championship under coach Mack Brown.
• 2009: Reaches BCS National Championship Game but falls to Alabama.
• 2014: Charlie Strong becomes head coach.
• 2017: Tom Herman takes over as head coach.
• 2021: Steve Sarkisian is hired as head coach.
• 2024: Joins the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
• 2025: Continues to build a competitive program under Sarkisian’s leadership.​

Texas Longhorns Stats

The Texas Longhorns delivered a well-balanced performance in the 2024 season, showing strength on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they averaged 33.0 points per game, placing them 24th in the nation, while racking up 437.6 total yards per game—good for 17th overall. Their passing attack was especially potent, averaging 278.7 yards per game, which ranked 13th nationally. The ground game contributed with 158.9 rushing yards per contest, a solid output, though slightly less dominant than their aerial assault.

Defensively, Texas stood out as one of the nation’s elite units. They allowed just 15.3 points per game, ranking 3rd in the country, and gave up only 283.7 yards per game, making them the 4th-best defense overall. The Longhorns were particularly effective at limiting opposing quarterbacks, holding teams to only 173.8 passing yards per game—a mark that landed them 7th nationally. This combination of a high-powered offense and a suffocating defense made Texas one of the most complete teams in the country last season and sets a strong foundation heading into 2025.

Texas Longhorns Roster for 2025

The 2025 Texas Longhorns roster is stacked with talent and headlined by quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to take over the starting role. Manning brings elite pedigree and poise to the offense and will be closely watched by fans and bettors alike. Quinn Ewers, who has previously started for the team, offers veteran depth and a reliable backup option. In the backfield, CJ Baxter has emerged as a dynamic playmaker capable of breaking off explosive runs, while Jaydon Blue adds versatility as both a rusher and receiving threat out of the backfield. Visit our NCAAF team hub for stats, depth charts, and insider intel.

At wide receiver, the Longhorns boast a dangerous duo with Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond. Golden’s speed and ability to stretch the field complement Bond’s reliable hands and route-running precision, giving Manning a strong set of targets. Defensively, Texas remains just as intimidating. Safety Jahdae Barron returns as a key leader in the secondary, known for his instinctual play and tackling ability, while Andrew Mukuba adds range and veteran presence to the defensive backfield. Altogether, this roster has the tools to challenge for an SEC title and give bettors plenty of angles for prop bets and game lines alike.

Texas Longhorns Injury Report

As of the latest updates, the Longhorns have a relatively clean bill of health. Key players like Arch Manning and CJ Baxter are expected to be at full strength for the upcoming season, providing optimism for a strong start.

Before you start placing props wagers on these players, though, make sure you check the updated injury report:

Texas Longhorns Betting Outlook and Trends

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 season with a team that’s primed to compete at a national level. For bettors, this creates several potential profit opportunities throughout the year. Texas boasts one of the more balanced rosters in the country, with an explosive offense, a shutdown defense, and a quarterback transition that could affect early-season lines. Here are some of the top betting trends to monitor as the new season unfolds:

Strong Defense – A Lean Toward the Under

The Longhorns were one of the top defensive units in the nation in 2024, allowing just 15.3 points per game and fewer than 300 total yards on average. That level of consistency—particularly in a tough SEC schedule—made the under a profitable play in many of their matchups. Texas consistently shut down both the run and the pass, which made life difficult for opposing offenses. 

In 2025, with key defenders returning and another year under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, expect Texas games—especially against middle- and lower-tier SEC teams—to remain low-scoring affairs. Betting the under, particularly when the total is set in the mid-to-high 50s, could offer long-term value.

Aerial Attack Drives Overs and Player Props

With Arch Manning likely taking over at quarterback and a talented group of receivers, Texas should continue leaning heavily on its passing game. In 2024, they averaged nearly 280 passing yards per contest, and there’s every reason to believe that number could climb in 2025. 

Manning has a strong arm and a deep arsenal of weapons, including playmakers like Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, which could lead to frequent explosive plays through the air. This not only makes the over an enticing play in matchups against weaker pass defenses, but it also opens up value in player props—look for betting angles on Manning’s passing yards, touchdowns, or specific receiver yardage totals when facing less aggressive secondaries.

Public Attention May Inflate Lines – Watch for Value on Opponents

With a blue-chip quarterback like Arch Manning and a program as prominent as Texas, public money tends to flood in on the Longhorns, especially in primetime or nationally televised games. This can result in inflated point spreads that don’t necessarily reflect the true matchup.

Bettors looking to fade the hype should watch for spots where Texas is favored by more than a touchdown against respectable opponents—particularly on the road or following a big win. These situations can offer sneaky value on the underdog, especially early in the season when public perception outpaces actual performance.

Betting Trends from Last Season

Last season was a wild ride for the Longhorns, but there were a few trends that really showcased the team’s performance. Here’s what we saw last season:

• Texas Was a 1H Cover Machine: The Longhorns covered the first-half spread in 10 of their 13 games, often jumping out to fast starts behind scripted drives and defensive stops. Bettors who played Texas -1H spreads consistently saw strong returns, especially in conference games.
• Dominated as Road Favorites: Texas went 5-0 ATS when favored on the road in 2024, showing discipline and focus in hostile environments. Their ability to travel well made them a sharp pick in SEC away matchups, where lines were often tighter due to location.
• Unders Hit in High-Profile Matchups: In games against ranked opponents like Alabama and Georgia, the under cashed consistently due to elite defensive play and more conservative game scripts. Despite their explosive offense, Texas played tighter, lower-scoring football in these marquee contests.

Key Players for Betting on the Texas Longhorns

As one of the best Big 12 teams, the Longhorns have good roster depth, with plenty of key performers. One of the best ways to make money betting on the Longhorns is with player props, and these 5 players are looking good in 2025. Stay one step ahead of the bookies—check out our latest college football picks and ride the winners.

Arch Manning – Quarterback

The spotlight is firmly on Arch Manning as he takes over as Texas’s starting quarterback in 2025. With elite pedigree and a strong supporting cast, he’s expected to put up impressive passing numbers early in his career. Bettors should look closely at his passing yards and touchdown props, especially against weaker secondaries. He also adds mobility, which could make rushing prop bets and first touchdown scorer wagers intriguing when Texas is near the goal line.

CJ Baxter – Running Back

CJ Baxter emerged as Texas’s primary backfield threat last season, showcasing both power and burst. He’s expected to carry a heavier workload this year, particularly in red zone situations. Bettors should monitor rushing attempt props and touchdown markets, especially in games where Texas is heavily favored and likely to lean on the ground game late. Baxter could also be a key figure in game scripts that favor Texas controlling time of possession.

Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver

Golden brings big-play ability to the Longhorns offense, and his chemistry with Manning could elevate his receiving props significantly. He’s the type of player who can beat coverage deep, making him a frequent target on long-yardage downs and in red zone fade routes. Overs on his receiving yards or longest reception prop bets may offer value in matchups against teams that struggle with explosive plays.

Isaiah Bond – Wide Receiver

Transferred from Alabama, Isaiah Bond adds elite speed and quickness to Texas’s offensive attack. He’s a reliable slot option with yards-after-catch potential, which could lead to inflated reception totals in high-tempo games. His presence opens up overs on short-yardage receptions, and bettors might also find value on anytime touchdown props in games expected to be high scoring.

Jahdae Barron – Safety

Barron is the anchor of Texas’s secondary and a difference-maker on defense. While not a typical player for prop bets, his impact on opposing quarterbacks and receivers can shape the betting landscape. When Barron is in the lineup, unders on opposing team passing yards or completions could be worth exploring. His presence also bolsters the case for betting unders in games against pass-heavy teams.

Texas Longhorns Summary

The 2025 Texas Longhorns are a team with legitimate championship aspirations and serious potential for sports bettors. Backed by an elite defense, a dynamic quarterback in Arch Manning, and explosive weapons on both sides of the ball, Texas presents multiple angles for betting—whether you’re eyeing totals, player props, or game lines. Trends from 2024, such as first-half dominance and a stingy defense, remain relevant moving forward.

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