The Texas Longhorns football program has made history, claiming the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll for the first time since the poll began in 1950. The milestone marks a new era for the program under head coach Steve Sarkisian, as the team prepares for a highly anticipated season opener against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Austin on Sunday night.
In a vote that came down to the slimmest of margins, Texas edged out Penn State by just three points, reflecting the tightest preseason race in the poll since 1998. According to AP records, the Longhorns garnered a majority of first-place votes, with several others going to Penn State, Georgia, and Ohio State. This razor-thin victory underscores the high expectations being placed on the Longhorns, who are looking to cement their place among the nation’s elite programs in the upcoming season.
A Program Rebuilt
Texas’s ascent to the top of the preseason rankings did not happen overnight. Since Sarkisian took over in 2021, the Longhorns have undergone a methodical rebuild. The team has invested heavily in both recruiting and player development, landing multiple top-10 recruiting classes and successfully integrating high-impact transfers.
The turning point came during the 2023 season, when Texas won the Big 12 Championship and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time. Although the team fell short of the national championship game, the experience proved invaluable for a roster packed with returning talent.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who delivered several clutch performances last season, returns as the team’s offensive leader. Ewers will have a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Johntay Cook II, both of whom are expected to be central to the Longhorns’ offensive strategy. The running game remains formidable, with sophomore Jaydon Blue ready to step into a larger role after the departure of star back Jonathon Brooks to the NFL.
Defence Poised to Dominate
While much of the preseason hype surrounds the offence, Texas’s defence could be the unit that defines their championship aspirations. The Longhorns boast one of the most experienced defensive lines in college football, anchored by Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat, both preseason All-Americans.
The secondary, often a weak spot in past seasons, has been fortified through recruitment and transfer additions. With players like Terrance Brooks and transfer safety Andrew Mukuba (from Clemson) stepping into key roles, the Longhorns believe they have the personnel to match up with the most explosive offences in the country.
A Season-Opening Test Like No Other
The schedule offers no time for Texas to ease into the season. On Sunday, they face Ohio State, ranked No. 4 in the AP poll and widely considered one of the most talented teams in the country. The game will be played under the primetime lights at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and broadcast nationally, giving the Longhorns an immediate chance to justify their No. 1 ranking.
Ohio State enters the season with question marks at quarterback but boasts elite talent at nearly every other position. Head coach Ryan Day’s roster features standout wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, along with a defensive unit that many analysts predict could be among the nation’s best. For Texas, the matchup is both a proving ground and a potential statement to the rest of college football that they are indeed deserving of the top spot.
The Weight of Expectations
Being ranked No. 1 in the preseason brings both prestige and pressure. History shows that the road from preseason favourite to national champion is far from guaranteed. Since the AP poll began, only 11 teams that started the season ranked No. 1 have gone on to win the title.
For Texas, the ranking serves as a reminder of how far the program has come since its last national championship in 2005, under then-head coach Mack Brown and quarterback Vince Young. It also reflects the faith that both media and fans have in Sarkisian’s vision for the program. Still, Sarkisian has been quick to temper the hype.
“We’re honoured by the recognition, but it’s just a number before the first snap,” Sarkisian told reporters on Monday. “Our goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the season, not at the start. Every game will be a challenge, starting this weekend against one of the best teams in the country.”
National Implications
Texas’s rise to No. 1 carries implications beyond its program. It signals a potential power shift in college football, where perennial powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia have dominated the rankings for the past decade. The Longhorns’ success also comes at a pivotal time, as the team transitions to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024. A strong showing this season could boost their credibility in their new conference and attract even more elite recruits.
For Penn State, which narrowly missed out on the top spot, the close vote could serve as motivation. The Nittany Lions have their playoff ambitions, led by quarterback Drew Allar and a stout defence. Meanwhile, Georgia, ranked No. 3, remains a looming threat to reclaim the top ranking, as it pursues a third national championship in four years.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams capable of making a run at the title. For Texas, the journey begins now, with the eyes of the nation watching. Whether the Longhorns can live up to the weight of their historic ranking will depend on their ability to navigate a challenging schedule, stay healthy, and perform under the brightest lights.
As Sunday night approaches, one thing is sure: the Texas Longhorns have already made history. What they do with that momentum could define not just their season, but the program’s legacy for years to come.
