Texas Longhorns’ No. 1 AP Preseason Ranking: History, Hype, Pressure, and Recruiting Power
The Texas Longhorns are entering the 2025 season in a place they’ve never been before — No. 1 in the AP preseason poll. For a program that has spent time at the top during the season and ended there in 2005, this is still a historic milestone. It’s recognition of the roster Steve Sarkisian has built and the momentum of recent years.
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But while the Longhorns have always carried a target on their backs, this ranking makes it even bigger before a single snap is played.
Why the Ranking Feels Justified
Texas returns elite talent across the board, and much of the optimism starts with Arch Manning. The sophomore quarterback has taken control of the offense, showing poise and command in fall camp. The defensive unit, led by Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, and Michael Taaffe, is deep, fast, and physical. Recruiting success in recent years has fortified both lines of scrimmage with blue-chip talent, giving Texas balance and depth across the roster.
This isn’t a team hoping to prove it belongs — it’s a roster designed to compete for a national championship right now.
Why the Ranking Could Be Too High
Preseason rankings are about projection, not proof. Texas edged out Penn State for the top spot by just five points, making this one of the closest preseason votes in history. That razor-thin margin reflects both respect for the Longhorns and lingering questions that can only be answered on the field.
The opener against No. 3 Ohio State will be a massive early test. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions and last year’s playoff conquerors. Texas will need a young offensive line to gel quickly, and even a polished quarterback like Manning must prove himself as a first-year starter in high-pressure situations. The grind of the SEC schedule will challenge every unit on the roster.
Pressure: The Real Opponent
The No. 1 ranking isn’t creating the target on Texas — it’s magnifying it. Every team already circles Texas on the calendar. Now, the margin for error is smaller. Every mistake will be magnified, and every win will be judged on whether it looked “No. 1 worthy.”
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Handling that kind of spotlight week after week isn’t just about talent. It’s about mental toughness, emotional maturity, and staying grounded in the process.
Impact on Recruiting
For recruits, seeing Texas at No. 1 in the preseason poll changes the tone of every conversation. When the top-ranked team in the country is calling, it’s not just another offer — it’s an invitation to join a program at the height of national relevance. That carries weight. It’s the kind of pitch that makes a recruit imagine themselves running out of the tunnel in front of a packed DKR crowd, wearing burnt orange, and competing for championships from day one.
Being recruited by Texas right now means being wanted by a team that has proven it’s among the elite. The message is clear: they’re not just building for the future — they want you to help keep them at the top. For a high school athlete, that has to feel huge.
Final Thoughts
Texas has the talent, depth, and coaching to validate the No. 1 preseason ranking. But history shows that starting at the top means nothing if you can’t finish there.
The Longhorns have been the hunted before. This year, the target is just bigger — and the season will show if they’re ready to wear it all the way to January.
