Texas Longhorns Earn No. 1 AP Preseason Ranking for 2025 Season

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll for the first time, reflecting the strength and depth of their roster under coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning. With a balanced offense and a physical, fast defense led by players like Anthony Hill Jr., Texas is positioned as a national championship contender, though early tests such as the opener against defending champion Ohio State will be critical. The Longhorns also boast a strong 2026 recruiting class, particularly at linebacker, highlighted by top-ranked prospects Tyler Atkinson and James Johnson, ensuring the program's continued competitiveness. In basketball, Texas is vying for top recruits like four-star power forward Quinn Costello, who values strong coach-player relationships and academic success. Meanwhile, in football recruiting, Texas is competing with Oregon for elite 2027 wide receiver Julian Caldwell, who has praised both programs' facilities and energy. Overall, Texas's athletic programs are building momentum through a combination of top-tier recruiting and established talent aiming for championship success.