The Texas Longhorns have made a significant move in bolstering their quarterback depth as they gear up for their 2025 campaign. After a promising season that saw them reach the College Football Playoff with Quinn Ewers at the helm, head coach Steve Sarkisian is preparing to hand the reins over to Arch Manning—assuming no unexpected challengers emerge during summer practices.
In a notable development, quarterback Matthew Caldwell will be making his way from Troy to Texas. This marks Caldwell’s fourth stop in his collegiate journey, which kicked off at Jacksonville State before he spent two seasons contributing in a more limited capacity at Gardner-Webb.
The 6-foot-4 junior truly stepped into the spotlight during the 2024 season when he seized the starting role at Troy. In that season, Caldwell showcased his potential by throwing for 1,608 yards, notching 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions, even as the Trojans struggled to a 4-8 finish. However, his late-season performance was a silver lining—Caldwell rallied his team after a rocky start, notching nine touchdown passes and adding four more on the ground over the last four games. This impressive finish certainly piqued the interest of bigger programs.
While Auburn was considered a potential landing spot for Caldwell, he ultimately chose to join a Texas program keen on making a serious push for a national championship in 2025. It’s likely Caldwell will not be vying for the starting position against Manning, who impressed in his debut last season with ten touchdowns in just three games while stepping in for an injured Ewers. Manning, a five-star recruit and part of the illustrious Manning family, averaged an eye-catching 10.4 yards per pass attempt as a sophomore.
Nonetheless, Caldwell’s arrival offers Sarkisian a seasoned backup option, which is always a valuable asset in the unpredictable world of college football. He’ll compete for the backup role alongside redshirt freshman Trey Owens, who previously completed two passes in a dominant 56-7 victory over UTSA. Additionally, Texas has added another promising arm to their roster in four-star recruit KJ Lacey as part of the 2025 recruiting class.
As the Longhorns pore over their quarterback situation, Caldwell’s experience could be key in providing stability and depth as they navigate their championship aspirations. Coach Sarkisian has options now, and with Caldwell in the mix, the Longhorns’ future at quarterback is looking increasingly bright.
