Coaches rank Longhorns No. 1 in football poll
For the first time in its program history, the UT Longhorns have claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason Coaches Poll, surpassing their highest preseason ranking since opening at No. 2 in 2009, the year they last contended for a national title.
Texas’s No. 1 ranking sets up a volatile season opener against No. 2 Ohio State on Aug. 30, 2025, in Columbus. This, by the way, is the first time in Coaches Poll history that a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup will kick off the season. The ranking reflects Texas’s resurgence as a national powerhouse after years of inconsistency (and wasted money).
Their 2024 SEC Championship appearance (losing 22-19 to Georgia in overtime) and college football playoff semifinal run have restored the program’s blue-blood status, claim many of its fans online.
Source: UT Austin
The No. 1 ranking also boosts recruiting and national visibility, solidifying Texas’s position in the SEC and college football landscape.
Offense and Defense – UT-Austin has both. On offense, the transition to (the very rich — Name, Image, and Likeness) Arch Manning as the starting quarterback is a major storyline. Manning, a former five-star recruit and part of the storied Manning football family, takes over from Quinn Ewers, who led Texas to success in prior seasons.
With Manning’s limited starting experience (he appeared ready in 2024 but was a backup), his ability to manage high-pressure games, like the upcoming season opener against Ohio State (no pressure), will be up front and personal for those fans who expect to see greatness after every snap.
A disappointing season this year will mean a new coach for 2026. Just a guess.
On the defensive side, Texas returns with some formidable stars like linebacker Anthony Hill, quick rusher Colin Simmons, and safety Michael Taaffe. Last season, the defensive team averaged just 14 points allowed per game, 4.5 sacks per game, and 2.8 turnovers forced per game, ranking No. 1 nationally in quarterback pressure.
“Hit him harder.”
Despite UT-Austin being the fifth-winningest program in college football history with four national championships, the Longhorns have never started a season ranked No. 1 in the Coaches Poll, which dates back to 1950. Their previous best preseason ranking was No. 2 in 2009, a year they went 13-1 and reached the BCS National Championship Game, ultimately losing to Alabama (Joe Namath’s old haunt).
A Long 20 Years
Hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the Longhorns last won the national championship when it was still being decided by the AP, the Coaches Poll, and the Bowl Championship Series under some convoluted points system that few people could understand. But it is what it is.
Before 2005 under Mack Brown, the much beloved Darrell Royal (Willie’s old golfing buddy) won three national championships (1963, ’69, and 1970).
Darrell Royal, the athletics director at the University of Texas at Austin, circa 1964. | Source: UT Football Media Guide/Wikipedia
To say that it’s been a long dry spell before the boys in orange won a national championship on the gridiron would be an understatement, considering how much money the regents pump into the program each and every year, which only proves one thing – money can’t always buy first place.
For UT fans, one can only hope this proves to be the year.
Yes, I do know what the Aggies are thinking.
To sum it all up — the Texas Longhorns will play the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Aug. 30th, at 11 a.m. Central Time (12 p.m. Eastern Time) in Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio. The game will be broadcast on FOX as part of their “Big Noon Kickoff.”
Of course, Ohio State always brings to mind the late, great, eccentric Coach Woody Hayes, who was immediately fired after he punched a Clemson nose guard during the 1978 Gator Bowl. With Ohio State trailing 17-15, Ohio’s QB, Art Schlichter, threw an interception to a poor Buckeye backup nose guard named Charlie Bauman who was then tackled out of bounds.
Fit to be tied, Hayes walked up to Bauman, grabbed his jersey and punched him in the throat.
Take that.
Amazingly, Hayes never apologized for his behavior. Instead, he publicly stated that he wouldn’t apologize for anything and was only bitter about losing the game. (Source: NY Times.)
Compared to Woody Hayes, who passed away in 1987, Texas football around the state isn’t even half as crazy.