As the college football offseason continues to take shape, analysts across the nation have begun to release their post-spring Top 25 rankings. Among the most respected voices in the game, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt recently unveiled his updated rankings, sparking buzz and debate across the college football world. One of the more attention-grabbing placements came from Klatt’s evaluation of the Texas Longhorns—a program carrying immense expectations as it prepares for its SEC debut in 2025. Klatt, known for his measured approach and sharp football insight, ranked Texas at No. 3 in his post-spring Top 25, solidifying the belief that the Longhorns are not just contenders, but legitimate national title threats.
Klatt’s ranking places Texas behind only Georgia and Ohio State—two perennial juggernauts that boast stacked rosters and national championship pedigrees. But the Longhorns, fresh off a 12-2 campaign and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, have momentum, returning firepower, and a proven head coach in Steve Sarkisian. Klatt’s assessment confirms what many Texas fans have long believed: this team is ready to contend at the highest level.
What makes Texas’ ranking particularly noteworthy is the context surrounding their transition to the SEC. The Longhorns are moving from the Big 12, a conference they’ve long dominated in terms of revenue and recruiting, into college football’s most grueling and competitive environment. Many programs might brace for a transitional year when making such a leap, but not Texas. According to Klatt, Sarkisian and company aren’t just prepared—they’re built for the challenge.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers is a central piece in the conversation. Klatt praised Ewers’ maturation during the spring and pointed to his strong finish last season, including a dynamic performance in the Big 12 Championship Game. With another year under Sarkisian’s tutelage and the added motivation of top recruit Arch Manning pushing from behind, Ewers looks primed for a breakout campaign that could land him firmly in the Heisman Trophy discussion. Klatt noted that the position room in Austin is as deep as any in the country, with Maalik Murphy transferring but Manning continuing to learn and improve.
Texas also boasts an elite supporting cast on offense, a key factor in Klatt’s ranking. The wide receiver room is loaded with talent, including returning star Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond. Despite Worthy entering the NFL Draft, Texas still returns dynamic playmakers in the passing game, and Bond’s arrival gives the Longhorns a much-needed boost of SEC speed and experience. Add to that an offensive line that returns multiple starters and a stable of physical, versatile running backs led by CJ Baxter, and Klatt believes Texas has the tools to score on anyone.
But perhaps the biggest reason for Klatt’s faith in Texas lies on the other side of the ball. The Longhorns’ defense took a massive step forward in 2024 under coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, finishing as one of the top units in the Big 12 and proving themselves on a national stage. Klatt lauded the Longhorns’ front seven, particularly its ability to control the line of scrimmage. T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy are off to the NFL, but Texas has reloaded with blue-chip talent, including standout sophomore Anthony Hill Jr., who is emerging as the next defensive star in Austin.
The secondary also earned high marks from Klatt, who highlighted the emergence of cornerback Malik Muhammad and the return of veterans like Jahdae Barron. Klatt emphasized that Texas no longer simply recruits talent—they develop it. And that shift, he argued, is what separates Texas today from the Texas of the past decade. It’s no longer just about five-star signees or preseason hype; it’s about physical, disciplined football, and Texas is now embodying that identity.
Klatt also touched on the intangibles, pointing to Sarkisian’s growing influence and culture-building as a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ success. Sarkisian, who weathered early criticism and high expectations, has built a locker room full of accountability, leadership, and confidence. Players believe in the system, and more importantly, they believe in each other. Klatt remarked that great teams are rarely just about talent—they’re about timing, chemistry, and coaching. Texas checks all those boxes entering 2025.
Still, ranking Texas at No. 3 comes with inherent pressure. The jump to the SEC means facing teams like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Tennessee regularly—teams that are not just talented, but battle-tested. Klatt acknowledged this reality but argued that Texas has already shown it can compete with the SEC’s best. Last year’s win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa was no fluke. It was a program-defining performance, and Klatt believes it set the tone for what’s to come.
As for the upcoming schedule, Klatt highlighted a brutal stretch in October where Texas will face Georgia on the road, followed by games against Kentucky and rival Texas A&M. Survive that gauntlet, and the Longhorns will be well-positioned for a playoff run. Klatt’s ranking suggests that even one loss might not derail their hopes, given the strength of the SEC and the anticipated quality wins that will come with it.
Recruiting was another area where Klatt praised the Longhorns. The 2025 class, led by elite prospects on both sides of the ball, signals that Texas is not just a flash in the pan. The pipeline is stocked, the NIL game is strong, and Austin has become one of the most attractive destinations in college football. Klatt pointed out that success in today’s game is about sustainability. Texas has the infrastructure, the alumni support, and the national appeal to remain a force for years to come.
Not everyone agrees with Klatt’s placement of Texas. Critics argue that while the Longhorns are certainly on the rise, placing them ahead of programs like Michigan, Alabama, or Oregon is premature. Some point to the loss of key veterans and the unproven nature of the SEC grind as reasons to pump the brakes. But Klatt stood firm, insisting that based on what he’s seen from Texas this spring—both on tape and in person—this team belongs in the top tier.
He also dismissed the notion that Texas will crumble under expectations. “This isn’t the same Texas,” Klatt said during the reveal. “This is a program that’s been hardened by tough losses, forged by tough coaching, and driven by players who are tired of the ‘almost’ narrative. They’ve arrived.”
That sentiment is shared by many in and around the program. Spring practices were sharp, the depth chart is competitive, and the leadership from upperclassmen is palpable. Sarkisian has built a roster that understands what’s at stake and welcomes the challenge. The Longhorns aren’t just aiming to survive the SEC—they’re looking to conquer it.
With the season still months away, Klatt’s rankings will undoubtedly change as injuries, transfers, and preseason developments unfold. But one thing is clear: Texas has earned a seat at the table. After more than a decade of underachievement and false starts, the Longhorns are no longer chasing relevance—they are commanding respect.
If Klatt’s prediction holds true, and Texas lives up to the No. 3 ranking, then 2025 could be remembered as the year the Longhorns returned to national glory. The pieces are in place. The stage is set. Now, all that remains is the performance.
And if you ask Joel Klatt, it’s going to be a show worth watching.