Each year, U.S. News & World Report publishes an academic ranking of all National Universities in the United States. Texas ranks second in the state of Texas behind Rice. If UT was still in the old Big 12, Texas would rank No. 1. In the SEC? Texas ranks No. 2, tied with the University of Florida. Both trail Vanderbilt, which is coincidentally just behind Rice.
But how do the teams on the Texas Longhorns schedule stack up? Who can UT “outsmart.” The answer academically is — everyone but Vandy. On the football field? That’s more of a grey area.
Texas fans are proud the University of Texas is academically one of the best colleges in the nation. It ranks so highly among public universities that it is one of the original “Public Ivy” schools, a term originated in a 1985 book that listed the best state schools in America. UT was on the original list and remains in the top 10.
UT’s non-conference schedule features just one high-ranking academic school in Ohio State. Texas opens the SEC schedule against its mirror academic image — the Florida Gators. Finally, Texas closes this season playing three quality academic institutions in the final four games. Arkansas being the one outlier.
12. San Jose State University – San Jose, California
Longhorns Wire Analysis: SJSU is the only school not on the U.S. News and World Report ranking of top national universities. Therefore, the Spartans are the lowest ranked academic school Texas plays in 2025.
Date: Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. CT in Austin on ABC or ESPN
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: Unranked | Acceptance Rate: 80%
Overview: San Jose State University is a public institution that was founded in 1857. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 27,111 (fall 2023), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 154 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. San Jose State University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #4. Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,410; out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,010. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at San Jose State University is 25:1, and the school has 17.7% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at San Jose State University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Visual and Performing Arts; Psychology; Health Professions and Related Programs; Social Sciences; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 87%. More Info
11. University of Texas at El Paso – El Paso, Texas
Longhorns Wire Analysis: While in the University of Texas system, UTEP is not in the academic league of UT Austin. Get used to UTEP. The Longhorns play them four times in the next six years.
Date: Sept. 13 at 3:15 p.m. CT in Austin on SEC Network
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 266 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Overview: The University of Texas—El Paso is a public institution that was founded in 1914. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,609 (fall 2023), and the campus size is 421 acres. The University of Texas—El Paso’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #266. Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,508; out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,164. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at The University of Texas–El Paso is 19:1, and the school has 30% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at The University of Texas–El Paso include: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Psychology, General; Criminal Justice/Safety Studies; Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General; Computer and Information Sciences, General; Mechanical Engineering; Exercise Science and Kinesiology; Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other; and Rehabilitation Science. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 75%. More Info
10. Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Texas
Longhorns Wire Analysis:The Bearkats have been in the Football Bowl Subdivision for just two years. Think of SHSU as the Houston area version of the University of North Texas, which is ranked No. 220. Far enough from Mom and Dad that you probably have to stay on campus, but close enough you can do your laundry at home.
Date: Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. CT in Austin on ESPN+
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 231 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 100%
Overview: Sam Houston State University is a public institution that was founded in 1879. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,179 (fall 2023), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 368 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Sam Houston State University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #231. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,370; out-of-state tuition and fees are $23,670. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at Sam Houston State University is 21:1, and the school has 38.2% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Sam Houston State University include: Criminal Justice/Safety Studies; Teacher Education, Multiple Levels; Business/Commerce, General; Psychology, General; Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse; Animal Sciences, General; Exercise Science and Kinesiology; Health / Health Care Administration / Management; Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General; and Mass Communication/Media Studies. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 75%. More Info
9. Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi
Longhorns Wire Analysis: Academics is just one of the things “Starkvegas” is ranked dead last in the SEC. But thanks to UT’s non-conference schedule, MSU isn’t last on this list.
Date: Oct. 25 at TBD in Starkville
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 214 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 76%
Overview: Mississippi State University is a public institution founded in 1878. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,230 (fall 2023). Its setting is rural, and the campus size is 4,200 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Mississippi State University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #214. Its in-state tuition and fees are $10,202; out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,637. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at Mississippi State University is 16:1, and the school has 44.7% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Mississippi State University include: Business Administration and Management, General; Exercise Science and Kinesiology; Psychology, General; Elementary Education and Teaching; Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Mechanical Engineering; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Civil Engineering, General; and Speech Communication and Rhetoric. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 83%. More Info
8. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Longhorns Wire Analysis: Arkansas … as a state … has never been known for Academic prowess.
Date: Nov. 22 at TBD in Austin
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 189 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 72%
Overview: University of Arkansas is a public institution founded in 1871. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 27,472 (fall 2023). Its setting is city, and the campus size is 709 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Arkansas’ ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 189. Its in-state tuition and fees are $10,104; out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,966. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at University of Arkansas is 20:1, and the school has 41.2% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Arkansas include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Social Sciences; Psychology; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; and Education. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 86%. More Info
7. University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
Longhorns Wire Analysis: As we said in our Academic Rankings of all 16 SEC schools, there’s a big gap between the “haves” and “have nots” in the conference. UK is one of the “have nots.”
Date: Oct. 18 at TBD in Lexington
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 152 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 92%
Overview: University of Kentucky is a public institution founded in 1865. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,930 (fall 2023). Its setting is city, and the campus size is 918 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Kentucky’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 152. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,502; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,140. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at University of Kentucky is 17:1, and the school has 37.5% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Kentucky include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Education; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Social Sciences; Agricultural / Animal / Plant / Veterinary Science and Related Fields; and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 86%. More Info
6. University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma
Longhorns Wire Analysis: Texas fans have often used OU’s academics as a punching bag in “who’s better” arguments. The more than 100 place difference (Texas is ranked No. 30) makes it seem warranted.
Date: Oct. 11 at 2:30 p.m. CT in Dallas on ABC or ESPN
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 132 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 76%
Overview: University of Oklahoma is a public institution founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,046 (fall 2023), and the campus size is 3,326 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Oklahoma’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 132. Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,595; out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,665. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at University of Oklahoma is 17:1, and the school has 45.1% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Oklahoma include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Visual and Performing Arts; and Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 88%. More Info
5. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
Longhorns Wire Analysis: The Aggies have made great strides academically since they were just a military academy for farm kids. Credit where credit is due.
Date: Nov. 28 (Friday) at 6:30 p.m. CT in Austin on ABC or ESPN
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 51 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 63%
Overview: Texas A&M University is a public institution that was founded in 1876. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 59,933 (fall 2023). Its setting is city, and the campus size is 5,200 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Texas A&M University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 51. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,413; out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,307. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at Texas A&M University is 19:1, and the school has 24.6% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Texas A&M University include: Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Agricultural / Animal / Plant / Veterinary Science and Related Fields; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Health Professions and Related Programs; Social Sciences; Engineering / Engineering-Related Technologies / Technicians; Psychology; and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 94%. More Info
4. University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia
Analysis: The Bulldogs are one of the top academic schools in the SEC and very similar to Texas in a lot of ways.
Date: Nov. 15 at TBD in Athens
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 46 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 37%
Overview: University of Georgia is a public institution that was founded in 1785. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,514 (fall 2023). Its setting is city, and the campus size is 767 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Georgia’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 46. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,440; out-of-state tuition and fees are $31,678. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at University of Georgia is 17:1, and the school has 48.7% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Georgia include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Engineering; Health Professions and Related Programs; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences; and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 95%. More Info
3. Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Analysis: The one entry from the Big Ten, a conference known for having very solid academic state institutions, is still eleven spots below Texas academically.
Date: Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. CT in Columbus on FOX
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 41 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 51%
Overview: The Ohio State University is a public institution that was founded in 1870. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 45,728 (fall 2023), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 1,714 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The Ohio State University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #41. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,244; out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,022. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at The Ohio State University is 16:1, and the school has 41.6% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at The Ohio State University include: Finance, General; Experimental Psychology; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Computer Engineering, General; Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other; Accounting; Neuroscience; and Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 94%. More Info
2. University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida
Analysis: Florida and Texas are in a dead even tie in the rankings at No. 30 (both are also tied with NYU). That means neither team will be able to “outsmart” the other in October.
Date: Oct. 4 at TBD in Gainesville
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 30 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 24%
Overview: University of Florida is a public institution that was founded in 1853. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,924 (fall 2023). Its setting is city, and the campus size is 2,000 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Florida’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 30. Its in-state tuition and fees are $6,381; out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,658. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at University of Florida is 16:1, and the school has 50.3% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Florida include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences; Health Professions and Related Programs; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; and Visual and Performing Arts. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 97%. More Info
1. Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee
Analysis: Vandy is the top ranked academic school in the SEC and top ranked school on Texas’ schedule. While the Commodores might be able to “outsmart” UT, it probably won’t be enough to beat the Longhorns in Austin.
Date: Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. CT in Austin on ABC or ESPN
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 18 (tie) | Acceptance Rate: 6%
Overview: Vanderbilt University is a private institution that was founded in 1873. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,152 (fall 2023). Its setting is urban, and the campus size is 333 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Vanderbilt University’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, No. 18. Its tuition and fees are $67,498. More Info
Academics: The student-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt University is 7:1, and the school has 60.9% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Vanderbilt University include: Social Sciences; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Mathematics and Statistics; Psychology; Visual and Performing Arts; Education; and Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 96%. More Info
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Ranking every Longhorns opponent academically, who will Texas outsmart?
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
