The Texas Longhorns will need the future starter to step up in big ways in order to have another historical season.

Manning, the highly touted quarterback from the famed Manning family, said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian played a key role in his decision. “Coach Sark just told me to be myself and be a leader and work hard, and it’ll all work out,” Manning said.

The 11 programs that tasted the College Football Playoff but came up short in 2024 are already yearning for a return trip. For some -- such as Oregon and Georgia-- merely getting to the CFP won't be enough to satisfy championship-thirsty fan bases.