Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas open against Texas State as Longhorns eye return to playoffs

Austin, Texas (AP) — Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas open the season against Texas State, with the Longhorns aiming to return to the playoffs. The matchup against Pac-12 newcomer Texas State is the first game of the Longhorns' season, and Manning and his teammates are focused on the Bobcats. Texas has high hopes of making a return to the postseason after missing out last season.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian brought in transfers to strengthen the offense and bolster the defense, led by preseason-All American edge rusher Colin Simmons. Texas State, on the other hand, is excited to start their season in the Pac-12, a change from their previous conference in the Sun Belt. The Bobcats have a significant talent gap compared to Texas, who boast four players on the preseason All-America team.

Texas has several transfer playmakers, including preseason All-Americans Cam Coleman and Rasheem Biles, as well as running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers. Texas State has two returning 1,000-yard receivers, Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr., who have a strong connection with quarterback Brad Jackson. Freshman receiver Lakeyleon Groves is the program's first four-star recruit.

The Longhorns have replaced cover corner Malik Muhammad and All-American safety Michael Taaffe, who were both drafted in the NFL. With Jackson rushing for 744 yards last season, he will put pressure on the rebuilt Texas secondary, which includes freshman receiver Lakeyleon Groves.