Texas Longhorns is on the cusp of making a crucial transition from Quinn Ewers to Arch Manning in the upcoming season. And if sources are to be believed, the team’s HC Steve Sarkisian is building quite the depth chart to back his new QB…

Let’s not forget that Ewers has done a great job at Austin for the past six years. Despite having some stumbling blocks in the season—mostly due to injuries—he managed to lead his team to semis with a 13-3 record and a 7-1 mark in SEC play. During the 2024 college football season, Ewers posted 31 touchdowns and 3,472 yards with a 65.8 completion percentage. However, he couldn’t have done it without the proper depth chart backing him up all along. Now, as the prodigy reportedly leaves for the NFL after foregoing his remaining eligibility, the Longhorns have decided to take a different route with Manning sitting atop.

There have been plenty of comparisons between Manning and Ewers’ backbones in the team and how it could make a difference between the past and the approaching year. No need to mention that the roster will go through a massive change, whether for good or bad. Well, as per the recent intel, we can dub it for good for now, at least.

Pleasant Grove’s Lance Jackson is a five-star recruit at Austin, heading into the Manning era. The edge rusher is much more than a talent. Amidst a chaotically good season, Jackson led the team in tackles and sacks in most of the games. But as we see, he is not just a superlative figure possessing numbers under his belt. The kid brought a lot of intangibles to the table. His work ethic, calm demeanor, and humble approach shine above and beyond the scoreboard. With a five-star tag added to his name, we can expect nothing but more brilliance down the stretch.

”Texas has needs inside Lance Jackson between now and August. Who knows that kid might be 30 lbs in August with a full College offseason weight program and he’s just…the sky is the limit for him and I can’t wait to see him play again. I’m excited to see that Rivals gave him a five-star, so Lance Jackson in the 25 class, ends up with his fifth-star, which is expected,” said Texas insider Geoff Ketchum. The standout defensive guy is quite hopeful that the program will lead him to his best potential with the updated role. He showcases immense confidence in coach Pete Kwiatkowski and coach Steve Sarkisian’s precision as well.“I just know they will get me to my full potential. I love the way coach PK and coach Sark coach. Also,  I think PK is just a good dude. When my brother was getting recruited by him when he was at Washington it was one of his favorite recruiters as well. I love the town of Austin and just know it’s where I want to be,” the prodigy said after he committed to Texas football.

And, of course, with the likes of heavy praises he’s been receiving, it’s justifiable to expect a lot. Take On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, for instance. Talking about the prodigy, he mentioned,

“‘First off the bus’ prospect who pairs outstanding size, athleticism and effort level to be one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2025 cycle. Measured in at 6-foot-5.25, 270 pounds at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Has plus length with 34-inch arms to go with 10-inch hands. Excellent weight distribution throughout his frame and looks to be a lean 270.”“Shows high level initial quickness. Continued to add flexibility as a senior. Dips his shoulder and bends the edge very well for such a big defensive end. Runs the hoop and finishes behind the line of scrimmage at a high rate. Length shows up in implementing a straight arm move. Has the capability to walk offensive tackles back to the quarterback with speed-to-power…Physical traits and play personality translate to all levels and point to a high upside as a potential early NFL Draft pick.”

The youngster was even compared to current Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman (picked first overall by the team in the 2022 NFL Draft) and former Georgia Bulldogs player Travon Walker.

“Lance Jackson’s rare size and large frame combined with power and athleticism as a big EDGE prospect reminds us of Travon Walker. Like Walker, Jackson is a two-way playmaker at the high school level. Jackson has more pass rush polish at the same stage.”

Manning gets another bonus in the five-star recruit class. Kaliq Lockett, the standout receiver, capped off his high school career with a banger and is now ready to grace the crucial Arch Manning era in Texas. ‘

‘Lockett was a highly ranked and highly respected receiver in the 2025 class, but he was not an F-star heading into the All-Star events after his performance last week in San Antonio at the Navy All-American Bowl. He made it rather, he made it a rather easy decision to move Texas up to five-star status. Lockett is a smooth glide through the routes,” Geoff Ketchum pitched in. Lockett’s run after the catch and intensity in pads made him a serious asset to watch for.

However, all these roster extensions wouldn’t have been possible if Sarkisian had not received a financial boost in his new contract.

Steve Sarkisian has added interest in gracing the 2025 roster in Austin

The current era of college football is disturbing as per many. The way players have been floating from one school to another with the NFL money lure, it is heading into a dangerous landscape as Nick Saban already has predicted. Sarkisian, as well, has dealt with all the post-season portal losses, player tampering, and missed targets lately. Although Texas comes under the top five schools assigned the highest paychecks for roster development, he needed a clear contract that could stick him to Austin and focus on swooping more inside and outside stars.

A second appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals handed Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian a second contract extension in the last year as Sarkisian turned down interviews with two NFL teams, as spilled by Brett McMurphy of the Action Network.

Texas gave the nod to a new seven-year deal for Steve Sarkisian, which added a year to his deal and includes a prominent raise, per a source. He remains one of the top-paid coaches in the mix, being placed at No. 3 at $10.6 million.

 NFL seemed to be more appealing to the coaches for a greater chance of roster building. But despite all the bumps in the road, Sarkisian bagged more job security after leading the Longhorns to consecutive College Football Playoff berths and two straight conference title games, including the Big 12 win in 2023.

Now, it would be a treat to watch how all the money and a rebounded tempo pan out in the next year.