Texas now considers Oklahoma more of a rival than Texas A&M, but the hatred towards both programs is very apparent around Austin.
Unfortunately for the Longhorns, they’re ranked behind both rivals in 247Sports’ preseason Top 25 poll. Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
On the positive side, this is a preseason poll that has nothing to do with how the actual season may play out. The unfortunate part is that both the Sooners and Aggies will have solid squads, so it’s not far-fetched to think they have the potential to finish ahead of Texas.
Oklahoma landed at No. 7 on this particular poll, primarily due to the inexperience at quarterback combined with the recent success and confidence of head coach Lincoln Riley. Texas A&M appeared just one spot higher than Texas, where 247Sports believes the Aggies will field one of the most experienced teams in the country with 16 starters back.
The Longhorns were tied with Auburn for the No. 13 spot. It’s no secret that senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger will be among the best in the country this season, the plethora of weapons surrounding him provide a high ceiling of potential.
It’s the uncertainty of the defense that pushes Texas further down on preseason polls.
“Defensively, the Longhorns can’t get any worse after finishing 98th in yards allowed per play last season. They bring back nine starters from a unit with plenty of talent and, following an awful 2019 campaign, some experience to match. Could Texas implode? Yes. Tom Herman, with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, could end up with a scorching-hot seat instead of playoff hype. Especially so given the constricted nature of the offseason, which has made scheme instillation a challenge. The Big 12 remains a favorable path, and LSU in Week 2 will be the ultimate measuring stick.”
The new coaching staff and lack of success on the defensive side of the ball continue to raise questions for Texas. However, if defensive coordinator Chris Ash is able to find success in a new scheme and bring pressure, the Longhorns could shock the nation in 2020. They will face tough competition within the Big 12 with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Iowa State, but Texas’ loaded roster is certainly capable of making a splash.
Take a look at the full list of 25 below.
25. Cincinnati Bearcats
24. Virginia Tech Hokies
T-22. Utah Utes
T-22. Tennessee Volunteers
21. Arizona State Sun Devils
20. UCF Knights
19. North Carolina Tar Heels
18. Minnesota Golden Gophers
17. Michigan Wolverines
16. USC Trojans
15. Oklahoma State
T-13. Texas Longhorns
T-13. Auburn Tigers
12. Texas A&M Aggies
11. Oregon Ducks
10. Wisconsin Badgers
9. LSU Tigers
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
7. Oklahoma Sooners
6. Florida Gators
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
4. Georgia Bulldogs
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. Clemson Tigers
1. Ohio State Buckeyes