Under Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns are making inroads on the gridiron. The program has a cumulative 25-5 record in the last two seasons, with one conference championship win (2023) in two appearances and two College Football Playoff Semifinal appearances. Moreover, last year they had a historic draft class in the 2024 NFL draft, with 11 players getting picked. This season, they are also brimming with optimism due to Arch Manning taking over the QB1 spot. But it’s not just about football—Sarkisian’s Texas is winning off the field, too, achieving a historic GPA feat that proves the program is thriving in every aspect.

The UTRGV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is setting the bar high. On Wednesday evening during Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte’s annual Town Hall at the Touchdown Club, the program announced an impressive 3.34 all sport GPA, with a record-breaking 234 earning spots on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. UTRGV is proving that excellence isn’t just on the field—it’s in the classroom, too.

82% of student-athletes have a 3.0 or better and over 30% of student-athletes have a 4.0 GPA, according to a tweet from Inside Texas. Texas football? They’re setting the standard. According to Chris Del Conte, every player on the team holds a GPA above 3.0.

While it’s dominating in the classroom, a Texas football department-high 42 players earned AD Honor Roll recognition, and 29 landed on the Dean’s List, the most of any team. This achievement follows their record-breaking performance which was revealed last month.

Texas football team hit a program-high GPA of 3.27 during the fall semester. This meant that they surpassed the previous program record of 2.89, which was set in 2023. This achievement was significant given how they are one of the top football programs in the country and had a run to the CFB semi-finals this year.

Texas student-athletes are raising the academic bar like never before. 197 students made the Dean’s List (minimum GPA 3.5), a record, with an impressive 80 boasting a 4.0 GPA. That’s not all—52.96% made the Dean’s List, 62.9% landed on the AD Honor Roll, and 21.51% achieved a flawless 4.0.

With the program competing at the top end of the college football landscape and landing top recruits, their high GPA further underlines their status as a top institution across the nation. Next, they would be hoping to surpass last year’s number of 11 drafted players in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Arch Manning continues to be the biggest story of the offseason. You know, from high-profile media appearances to bold predictions, the hype is real. Several publications have already predicted that Manning will lead Texas as a 2025 contender for the national championship.

Manning is stepping further into the spotlight. Right now, he’s making waves with major NIL deals and landing features with GQ and ESPN, and he might just be the new face of Longhorns football. Because a fresh hype video cements his status, fueling excitement for what’s coming.

Texas’ Arch Manning takes on the role as the official face

In perfect timing with a town hall hosted by Texas AD Conte, Texas Football dropped a must-see hype video—narrated by none other than Arch Manning. Most importantly, the one-minute clip is packed with energy, featuring shots of the young QB, roaring fans, DKR under the lights, and the electric atmosphere of Bevo Boulevard. But the highlight? A throwback to a young Manning in a Longhorns t-shirt, confidently saying, “I want to go to Texas.” And now, that dream is a reality.

However, Manning’s words lit a fire in Longhorn Nation. And his passion was undeniable as he declared, “Playing for Texas was always the goal. There’s something about this place. This city, the Forty Acres, we’ve got a lotta fight in us. And you can feel it everywhere and in everything we do. Because at this place, the standard is the standard. We’ve got a (mess) around and find out mentality, because this is Texas. And we were born with Texas fight. Hook ’em.”

But why Manning? Arch Manning isn’t just a name—he’s a brand. Arguably the most famous recruit and backup QB in CFB history, his star power only grows as the 2025 season nears. On top of that, a Heisman frontrunner before even taking full command, he carries a legendary pedigree as the grandson of Archie and the nephew of Peyton and Eli.

As of now, Texas has a golden opportunity to capitalize on his transcendent status, not just on the field but as a cultural icon. As the Longhorns step onto the national stage once again, Manning is the face that can take them beyond football and into superstardom.