Steve Sarkisian said Texas faces even higher expectations internally than outside the program, openly framing the Longhorns as a national-title contender at SEC Media Days.
Arch Manning, after what Sarkisian said would have "melted 99%" of players amid last year's hype, arrived more confident and more established as a leader following his late-2025 progression.
Manning said last season's "bust" talk added motivation but that he is focused on "control the controllables," while Sarkisian pointed to transfer additions led by receiver Cam Coleman around him.
Georgia remains the clearest benchmark: Sarkisian noted Texas has lost to the Bulldogs 3 times and said winning a championship likely means beating the reigning SEC champion first.