The Texas Longhorns were present on another list of the top 25 college football teams heading into the 2020 season.
It’s no surprise that the favorites are Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State. Aside from the power three, each season typically brings surprises and unexpected teams that enter the national title picture.
Athlon Sports recently released their top 25 rankings, where they reiterated that this is not a preseason ranking. Instead, they’ve taken into account where they project each team to finish after the national championship in January.
Texas landed at No. 16 behind two other Big 12 teams in Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Iowa State appeared just one spot behind the Longhorns.
“It’s no secret the 2020 season is an important one for Texas coach Tom Herman. After a 10-4 record and a trip to the Sugar Bowl in 2018, the Longhorns regressed to 8-5 last fall. As a result, Herman hit the reset button on his staff, bringing in two new coordinators and five other assistant coaches. Injuries and youth played a role in last season’s record, and with better luck in health and player development, a return to the Big 12 Championship Game isn’t out of the question. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger returns for his senior year after back-to-back standout seasons. Ehlinger won’t have Devin Duvernay or Collin Johnson back on the outside, but the Longhorns have talented playmakers waiting in the wings like Michigan transfer Tarik Black, Brennan Eagles and Jake Smith. Left tackle Sam Cosmi anchors an offensive line with three starters back, while Keaontay Ingram headlines a talented backfield. Improvement on defense is a must for Texas in 2020. New coordinator Chris Ash plans to utilize more 4-3 looks, and talent won’t be an issue thanks to the return of linebacker Joseph Ossai (13.5 TFL), safety Caden Sterns, cornerback D’Shawn Jamison, and linemen Keondre Coburn and Ta’quon Graham. Last year’s group allowed 6.3 yards a snap in Big 12 games and finished 90th nationally in pass efficiency defense. Modest improvement in both totals, along with more pass rush and better play against the run are needed. Key Big 12 games against TCU, Baylor and Iowa State take place in Austin, but the Longhorns catch LSU in non-conference play and must deal with Oklahoma State on the road in the regular-season finale.”
This appears to be a realistic spot for Texas, as they have too many questions marks surrounding the new coaching staff and departures of several senior leaders.
Herman is well aware that his back is against the wall, his team must produce if he wants to remain in Austin. With the highly-rated recruiting classes and talented weapons at his disposal, it would be a disappointment for Texas to not compete in the Big 12 Championship this season.
To be honest, we’re not too worried about the offense this season. They should continue to make positive strides in 2020 with efficient senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and a backfield loaded with explosive running backs. If new defensive coordinator Chris Ash can find a way to get after the quarterback, the Longhorns could be one of the teams to pleasantly surprise many this season.
Take a look at the full list of rankings below.
25. Iowa
24. Virginia Tech
23. Boise State
22. UCF
21. Cincinnati
20. Minnesota
19. USC
18. North Carolina
17. Iowa State
16. Texas
15. Michigan
14. Oklahoma State
13. Auburn
12. Wisconsin
11. Texas A&M
10. Oregon
9. Notre Dame
8. LSU
7. Georgia
6. Florida
5. Penn State
4. Oklahoma
3. Ohio State
2. Alabama
National Champion: Clemson