Texas Longhorns Rank No.1 in AP, Coaches Preseason Polls

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season as the No. 1 ranked team in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls, marking a historic first for the program. Led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who is a top Heisman Trophy candidate and potential first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas carries high expectations following two consecutive College Football Playoff appearances. Despite significant roster changes, including new offensive linemen and assistant coaches, the Longhorns are considered national championship contenders with a talented lineup featuring key defenders Anthony Hill Jr. and Colin Simmons. Texas faces a challenging opener against reigning national champion Ohio State, ranked No. 3, setting the stage for a marquee season opener. The Longhorns also made a strong SEC debut last season with a 13-3 record and a semifinal appearance in the College Football Playoff, and ESPN ranks them as the top team in the conference heading into 2025. While Texas has the longest odds for an SEC favorite in 15 years, their talent and coaching staff have positioned them firmly in the mix for both the SEC title and the College Football Playoff alongside Georgia and Alabama.