3 Changes Texas Must Make to Win the 2026 National Championship

Texas football stared into the end zone with less than two minutes left inside the 10-yard line. The Longhorns had Ohio State on their mind with another chance to tie the game. But Quinn Evers he took a huge hit and fumbled, turning into seven points and sealing the Cotton Bowl loss.

While Ohio State was celebrating a 28-14 victory on FridayTexas didn’t just walk into its loss in the locker room. The Horns now enter an offseason filled with necessary changes. All in the name of finishing the job of national champion in 2026.

The Longhorns must change these three things next season to have a chance to end their now two-decade national title drought. What are the changes that need to be made? All three are on the offensive side of the football.

Time for Arch Manning, after Quinn Evers

Evers delivered his future plans To ESPN College Football Insider Pete Thamel before the game: He doesn’t see himself playing in another College Football Playoff game.

Now it’s time for the Arch Manning era in Austin. Texas fans got an early glimpse of the potential on Oct. 19. Manning replaced Evers off the bench at Darnell K Stadium that night. Royal in a 30-15 victory over Georgia.

Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian still need to add depth to the KB room. But that will mean finding a quality backup for Manning in goal. Or even agreeing with the KB to ensure that Manning is not a threat to his pending KB1 status.

However, the list of portal options for backing up Manning is shrinking. Texas 247Sports insider Hank South he once suggested that the school should make a NIL deal for Cameron Rising, who left Utah. Rise ironically committed to Texas and roamed campus from 2018 to 2019. However, he had an injury-plagued career with the Utes.

Sark has the option to ride with the other QBs he is expected to throw during spring training. He is joined by 2024 high school All-American Trey Owens and four-star freshman KJ Lacy. Regardless, this is officially Manning’s team moving forward. And he’s going to need a lot of help with this next area that we’re bringing up.

Texas needs to adjust the offensive line

That Evers fumble will happen again for the wrong reasons. And the sack fires the signal that it’s time to adjust the offensive trenches moving forward.

The Horns are already expected to lose Kelvin Banks, Hayden Conner and Jake Majors. However, a critical offseason awaits Cam Williams’ true shot. He endured a brutal night in Arlington and unfortunately, it was the OL who surrendered that final sack and fumbled. It looks like Williams will be tested this spring.

Texas’ offensive line for ’25 looks young and promising. Trevor Gooseby filled in nicely when injuries hit the field late in the season. The Horns even signed four OLs for the class of 2025. Sarkisian and OL coach Kyle Flood, however, likely don’t want to throw in freshmen right away, and Manning is projected behind center.

The horns look better if they add a portal or two to the trenches. Former USC offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon is one name still available. Sarkisian, Flood and the entire Longhorns staff must ensure that Manning receives consistent protection up front. Evers totaled 15 sacks over the last four games — including six during the Southeastern Conference title game and four against the Buckeyes.

Texas needs a new VR1 to move forward

Austin is a hotbed for future NFL wide receiver talent. Just look at Xavier Worthy, Jordan Withington and Adonai Mitchell — they all entered the 2024 draft together.

Matthew Golden seems to be beside the league. Although he can return for his senior season. But Texas may additionally lose Isaiah Bond to the league.

Ryan Wingo is fueling intrigue for the future after averaging 16.3 yards per catch as a freshman. De’Andre Moore is another one to get energized about if you’re a Longhorns fan — after scoring seven touchdowns as a sophomore.

Texas continued to pursue some high-profile portal names available in the VR space. Names like Micah Hudson and Kevin “KC” Concepcion turned heads for rival Texas A&M. But Sarkisian welcomes a powerful class of ’25 playmakers. Kaliq Lockett and Jamie French get five stars. Four-star running back Dylan McCutcheon provides an additional future weapon.

But Texas needs to start thinking about its next VR1, where Golden will likely join Evers in the league. Maybe Bond too.