With spring practice over and the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, several big media outlets have put out a “way-to-early” Top 25 ranking. USA TODAY Sports has actually ranked all 138 teams. While not the runaway No. 1 like UT was going into last season, the Horns are ranked by most in the top three. Except for ESPN’s ranking, where Texas is ranked at No. 5.
Objectively, the Texas roster is much stronger than last season. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian has done a good job upgrading positions that were weak in 2025. UT has added Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers at running back, a historically bad position for Texas last year. The offensive line has been upgraded and the defense looks at least on par talent-wise with the added benefit of coaching from new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
Even wide receiver, a position of perceived strength, has been improved. It was upsetting to see Arch Manning’s roommate Parker Livingstone transfer to Oklahoma. But UT was making room to add super-transfer Cam Coleman.
But many voters might be reticent to vote Texas No. 1 because of last season’s struggles. So even with a better squad, UT probably won’t enter the season No. 1 on many lists. But ranking Texas 5th seems like disrespect. We’ll see as the season progresses.
USA TODAY Sports: Texas ranked No. 3
CBS Sports: Texas ranked No. 1
ESPN: Texas ranked No. 5
Saturday Down South: Texas ranked No. 3
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas ranks high in early Top 25 rankings, but one is shockingly low
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
