For the first time in school history, the Texas Longhorns will enter a college football season as the nation’s top-ranked team in the Associated Press preseason poll. This historic moment marks a significant milestone for a program steeped in tradition but one that has often fallen short of its own lofty expectations in recent years. The No. 1 ranking is both an honor and a burden, placing the Longhorns squarely in the crosshairs of every opponent they will face this season. With a mix of returning talent, high-profile transfers, and a coaching staff that has steadily rebuilt the program, Texas now carries the weight of being the team to beat—a position that comes with immense pressure and scrutiny.
The Longhorns narrowly edged out perennial powers like Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon in one of the tightest preseason votes in recent memory. Texas received 32 first-place votes, just ahead of Georgia’s 29, while Ohio State and Oregon trailed closely behind. The razor-thin margin reflects both the respect for Texas’s roster and the skepticism that still lingers after years of near-misses. For a program that hasn’t won a national championship since 2005, this ranking is a testament to the progress made under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has methodically assembled a team capable of competing at the highest level.
At the heart of Texas’s rise is quarterback Quinn Ewers, who returns for his third season with the Longhorns after a breakout 2023 campaign. Ewers, once the top high school recruit in the country, has grown into a polished leader, showcasing the arm talent and poise that made him such a coveted prospect. His chemistry with star wide receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders gives Texas one of the most explosive passing attacks in the nation. But what truly sets this team apart is its balance. The Longhorns boast a deep and physical offensive line, a stable of dynamic running backs led by Jonathan Brooks, and a defense loaded with NFL-caliber talent, including linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Terrance Brooks.
Yet, the preseason No. 1 ranking guarantees nothing. History is littered with teams that started at the top only to falter under the weight of expectations. The 2023 season saw LSU, another team with championship aspirations, stumble early and never fully recover. Texas is well aware of the pitfalls that come with early hype, and Sarkisian has been vocal about keeping his team focused on the process rather than the accolades. “Preseason rankings are a reflection of what people think you can be, not what you’ve earned,” Sarkisian said in a recent press conference. “Our job is to go out and prove it every week.”
The Longhorns won’t have to wait long for their first major test. A high-profile Week 1 matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, last year’s national champions, looms large. The game, set to be played in Ann Arbor, will serve as an immediate barometer for whether Texas deserves its No. 1 billing. Michigan, though losing several key players to the NFL, remains a formidable opponent with a physical identity and a coaching staff known for maximizing talent. A win on the road would solidify Texas as a legitimate title contender, while a loss could spark early doubts about their ability to handle the spotlight.
Beyond the opener, the Longhorns face a challenging schedule that includes clashes with SEC newcomers Oklahoma and Texas A&M, as well as a late-season showdown against Georgia. The expanded College Football Playoff format means that even a loss or two may not derail their championship hopes, but the margin for error is slim when you’re the top-ranked team. Every opponent will treat the Texas game as their Super Bowl, and the Longhorns must be prepared for every team’s best shot.
Off the field, the No. 1 ranking is a boon for recruiting and program prestige. Texas has always been a recruiting powerhouse, but Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent and compete for championships only strengthens their pitch to elite high school prospects. The Longhorns’ impending move to the SEC in 2024 adds another layer of intrigue, as this season could serve as a statement that Texas is ready to compete with college football’s elite on a consistent basis.
For the players, the ranking is a source of pride but also a reminder of the work ahead. “We’ve been grinding for this,” Ewers said. “But being No. 1 in August doesn’t mean anything if we’re not No. 1 in January.” That mindset will be crucial as the Longhorns navigate a season where every game will be dissected, every mistake amplified, and every victory scrutinized.
The last time Texas entered a season with this much hype was in 2009, when Colt McCoy led a team that fell just short of a national title. Fifteen years later, the Longhorns have another chance to reclaim their place atop college football. Whether they seize it or buckle under the pressure will define the 2024 season. One thing is certain: all eyes are on Austin, and the journey begins now.
