The Texas Longhorns have officially claimed the No. 1 spot in both the Associated Press (AP) Preseason Top 25 and the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, marking a historic moment for the program as they enter the 2025 season as the nation’s top-ranked team. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the college football world, solidifying Texas as the team to beat and reigniting hopes of a national championship in Austin.
For the Longhorns, this preseason recognition is the culmination of years of rebuilding, strategic recruiting, and on-field dominance under head coach Steve Sarkisian. After a stellar 2024 campaign that saw Texas secure a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth, the Longhorns return a loaded roster brimming with elite talent, experience, and depth. Quarterback Arch Manning, now entering his second year as the full-time starter, headlines an explosive offense that also features star wide receiver Isaiah Bond and a veteran offensive line. Defensively, Texas boasts one of the most formidable units in the country, anchored by All-American candidates at every level.
The Longhorns’ rise to the top of the preseason polls is no accident. Sarkisian and his staff have meticulously constructed a roster capable of competing at the highest level, leveraging the transfer portal and high school recruiting to fill key positions. The addition of impact transfers on defense and the continued development of homegrown talent have transformed Texas into a complete team with few weaknesses. The coaching staff’s ability to develop players—particularly Manning, who is widely regarded as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner—has been a critical factor in the program’s resurgence.
Earning the No. 1 ranking in both major polls is a significant achievement, but it also comes with immense pressure. Texas has not entered a season as the preseason No. 1 since 2008, a year that ultimately fell short of expectations. The Longhorns are well aware that preseason accolades mean little if they don’t translate into postseason success. The target on their back will be enormous, with every opponent looking to knock off the top-ranked team in the nation. The schedule is far from forgiving, featuring marquee matchups against SEC powerhouses like Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alabama—games that will test Texas’ championship mettle early and often.
The SEC’s brutal gauntlet will be the ultimate proving ground for this Texas squad. After years of dominance in the Big 12, the Longhorns’ transition to the Southeastern Conference adds another layer of difficulty to their quest for a national title. However, Sarkisian has repeatedly emphasized that his team is built to compete at the highest level, and the depth across the roster suggests they are prepared for the grind of an SEC schedule. The season opener against Ohio State in Columbus will be an immediate litmus test, offering the nation a glimpse of whether Texas truly deserves its No. 1 billing.
Beyond the on-field talent, the Longhorns’ mental toughness will be just as crucial as their physical abilities. Handling the expectations that come with being the preseason No. 1 requires a mature, focused approach—something Sarkisian has instilled in his players since taking over the program. Leaders like Manning and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. have already spoken about the importance of staying grounded and treating each week as its own season. The locker room culture, which players describe as tighter than ever, could be the X-factor in navigating the highs and lows of a grueling campaign.
For Texas fans, this moment is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The program has endured more than a decade of frustration since its last national championship in 2005, with near-misses and disappointing seasons defining much of the past 15 years. Now, with the Longhorns sitting atop the college football world before a single snap has been taken, the anticipation is palpable. The fan base is hungry for a return to glory, and this team has the potential to deliver.
Of course, preseason rankings are merely projections, and history has shown that early hype doesn’t always translate to January success. Injuries, unexpected losses, and breakout performances from other contenders could reshape the landscape in an instant. But for now, Texas has earned the right to be called the best team in the country—at least on paper. The real challenge begins in September, when the Longhorns will have to prove they are worthy of the distinction week after week.
If Texas can live up to its billing, the 2025 season could go down as one of the most memorable in program history. A national championship would cement Sarkisian’s legacy and signal the official return of the Longhorns to college football’s elite. But if they falter under the weight of expectations, critics will be quick to label them as overrated. The margin for error is razor-thin at the top, and every play, every drive, and every game will be magnified.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Austin this fall. The Texas Longhorns are back in a way they haven’t been in years, and the college football world is waiting to see if they can finish what they’ve started. The journey begins now.
