Texas Longhorns Claim First AP Preseason No. 1 for 2025 Season

For the first time in program history, the Texas Longhorns have been ranked No. 1 in the 2025 Associated Press Preseason Top 25 Poll, narrowly edging out Penn State and dethroning defending national champion Ohio State. Texas also secured the unanimous No. 1 spot in the Coaches Poll, reflecting a consensus on their championship-caliber roster and coaching under Steve Sarkisian. Leading the team is sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, a potential Heisman Trophy frontrunner and NFL top pick, who will start after gaining valuable experience last season. Despite losing key offensive starters to the NFL, Texas maintains a strong defense with preseason All-Americans and returns a majority of its defensive production. The Longhorns face an early tough test as underdogs against No. 3 Ohio State in the season opener, a rematch of last year's College Football Playoff semifinal. Texas's rise is driven by elite recruiting, playoff experience, and a challenging schedule that includes SEC powerhouses, positioning them as the team to beat in 2025.