In its first season, No. 1 Texas secures a portion of the SEC regular season championship.

The 2025 college football season saw one of the most exhilarating and unexpected developments in the sport’s history: the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, in their inaugural season as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), secured a portion of the SEC regular season championship. This remarkable accomplishment not only defied expectations but also set the stage for the Longhorns’ potential dominance in one of college football’s toughest conferences. The story of how Texas reached this historic milestone is one of resilience, strategy, and a determination to prove itself against some of the nation’s best teams.

A New Era for Texas Football

The 2025 season marked a monumental shift in the landscape of college football. After years of being part of the Big 12 Conference, the University of Texas made the move to the SEC, joining the ranks of some of the sport’s most storied and powerful programs. Texas’ transition into the SEC was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. The SEC had long been the most competitive conference in college football, with perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU dominating the scene. Texas, with its rich football tradition, knew the move would not be easy, but the program was determined to prove its worth.

The SEC, known for its grueling schedule, physical play, and deep talent pool, presented a steep learning curve for Texas. For years, the Longhorns had been the big fish in the Big 12 pond, but the SEC represented an entirely different level of competition. Texas had to navigate an unfamiliar landscape, adjusting to new rivalries, a more intense style of play, and the lofty expectations that came with playing in a conference where nearly every team had championship aspirations.

The Road to Championship Contention

Despite the challenges, the Longhorns were not deterred. Texas entered the season with a roster full of talent, led by a combination of seasoned upperclassmen and exciting young players who were eager to make their mark. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, in his third season at the helm, was tasked with leading the team through this transition. Sarkisian, who had previously experienced success at Washington and Alabama, was well aware of the stakes and the difficulties that lay ahead.

One of the key factors that propelled Texas toward the SEC regular season title was the team’s powerful offense. The Longhorns boasted one of the most dynamic and explosive offenses in college football, anchored by a stellar quarterback and an impressive supporting cast. Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers, a former 5-star recruit, was poised to take the next step in his development and become one of the conference’s top signal-callers. Ewers had the arm strength, poise, and playmaking ability to take over games, and his growth throughout the season was one of the most exciting storylines of the year.

Ewers’ connection with his wide receivers, notably Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, became one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the nation. The Longhorns also featured a potent running game, led by sophomore running back Bijan Robinson, who was widely regarded as one of the top players in college football. Robinson’s ability to break tackles, make defenders miss, and accelerate through holes made him a constant threat on the ground, keeping opposing defenses on their heels and opening up the passing game for Ewers and the rest of the offense.

Defensively, Texas was not without its strengths. While the Longhorns did not have the same level of dominance on defense as some of the top SEC programs, they possessed a disciplined and athletic group that could compete at a high level. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who had previously coached at Washington, implemented a defense that focused on creating pressure up front and forcing turnovers. The Longhorns were able to disrupt opposing offenses with a talented front seven, including linebacker Jalen Ford and defensive linemen T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy. These players were instrumental in slowing down some of the SEC’s most potent offenses.

As the season progressed, Texas proved that it was more than capable of competing with the best of the best in the SEC. The Longhorns entered the conference play with a perfect record, having dispatched their non-conference opponents with relative ease. However, it was the SEC slate that would truly test their mettle.

Signature Wins and Key Moments

Texas’ road to the SEC title was paved with significant victories, many of which came against some of the toughest competition in college football. The Longhorns’ first major test came in Week 5, when they faced off against the defending SEC champion, the Alabama Crimson Tide, in a highly anticipated matchup. The game was a thriller from start to finish, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest.

In a game that showcased the potential of the Longhorns’ offense, Texas emerged victorious with a 38-35 win. Ewers threw for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Robinson ran for over 150 yards, providing the spark that Texas needed to secure one of its most important victories of the season. The win over Alabama not only gave the Longhorns confidence but also sent a strong message to the rest of the SEC that Texas was a legitimate contender.

Texas’ next big challenge came on the road against the LSU Tigers, another perennial powerhouse in the SEC. The game was an intense, physical battle, with both teams relying on their defenses to make key stops. The Longhorns’ defense rose to the occasion, intercepting LSU’s quarterback twice and forcing a critical turnover in the fourth quarter. The offense, led by Ewers and Robinson, made the necessary plays down the stretch to secure a 24-21 victory, further solidifying Texas’ place among the conference’s elite.

Perhaps the most defining moment of the season came in a showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs. The game was hyped as a battle for the SEC title, with both teams sitting at the top of the standings heading into the matchup. In front of a raucous crowd in Austin, Texas, the Longhorns delivered an emphatic 41-24 win. Ewers threw for over 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Robinson added another stellar performance on the ground. The victory gave Texas control of the SEC West and propelled them into the driver’s seat for the conference championship.

As the season drew to a close, Texas had earned a share of the SEC regular season championship. With a record of 11-1 in conference play, the Longhorns finished tied atop the standings with Georgia, both teams having dominated their respective divisions. Although Texas had not yet secured a spot in the SEC Championship Game, the team had already achieved one of its most significant milestones in its first season in the conference.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While Texas’ success in its first season in the SEC was undeniably impressive, the Longhorns also faced their fair share of challenges. One of the most notable came in a midseason road loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks, a game in which the Texas offense struggled to find its rhythm. The Razorbacks’ physical defense stymied the Longhorns’ high-powered attack, and Texas was unable to make the necessary adjustments to pull off a victory. The loss served as a wake-up call for Texas, reminding them that in the SEC, every game is a battle, and nothing should be taken for granted.

Additionally, Texas had to deal with the pressure that came with playing in such a high-stakes conference. The Longhorns were constantly under the microscope, with the media and fans scrutinizing every move. While the team’s success on the field was undeniable, Texas’ ability to manage expectations and pressure would be key to its long-term success in the SEC.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas in the SEC

Securing a share of the SEC regular season championship in its first season was a remarkable achievement for Texas, but it is just the beginning. The Longhorns have proven that they are capable of competing with the best teams in college football, and with continued development, they could soon become a dominant force in the SEC.

For Texas, the key to sustaining success in the SEC will be recruiting. The Longhorns have always had access to a wealth of talent in the state of Texas, but the SEC offers an entirely new level of competition. Securing top-tier recruits from across the nation will be critical for Texas to maintain its standing in the conference. Sarkisian and his coaching staff will need to continue to develop young players and ensure that the team’s depth is on par with other SEC programs.

Texas’ success in 2025 also opens the door for future conference championships and playoff berths. The Longhorns have now firmly established themselves as contenders in the SEC, and their rise to prominence has many in the college football world believing that Texas will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

The 2025 season will go down in history as one of the most memorable in college football, with No. 1 Texas securing a portion of the SEC regular season championship in its first year as a member of the conference. The Longhorns’ remarkable achievement highlighted their resilience, talent, and ability to compete with the best teams in the country. While this victory is a major milestone, it is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting era for Texas football in the SEC. With a combination of high-powered offense, solid defense, and elite coaching, the Longhorns are poised to be one of the dominant programs in college football for years to come.