Although spring practices have been canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the consensus between national media outlets expects the Longhorns football program to be a top 20 team in 2020.
A recently updated preseason poll by USA TODAY Sports lists Texas as the No. 15 team in the country. The primary reason for the Longhorns being in this position centers around the uncertainty of head coach Tom Herman and his newly assembled coaching staff.
In 2019, Texas underwhelmed amid high expectations. There’s no shortage of talent on Herman’s roster, but there needs to be consistency. New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich should eliminate many of the conservative playcalling issues that appeared over the past few seasons.
Although Texas is projected as a top 20 team, it’s realistic to believe that they can finish the 2020 season within the top 10. The Longhorns have proven that they can compete alongside LSU, Oklahoma, and Georgia whom are all ranked ahead of Texas in this particular poll.
Senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger is fully capable of leading the Longhorns to the college football playoffs. His powerful offense is expected to include a strong left tackle in Sam Cosmi and three explosive running backs in the backfield with Keontay Ingram, Roschon Johnson, and five-star Bijan Robinson.
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash brings a new scheme to Austin that should drastically improve the pass rush. Joseph Ossai could have a breakout season, while five-star defensive end Alfred Collins should receive plenty of playing time early on.
The potential is clearly evident. Given the talent Herman has at his disposal, he must find a way to produce this season or Texas may be looking for a new coach.
USA TODAY Sports Top 25:
- Clemson
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Oregon
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Florida
- Penn State
- LSU
- Notre Dame
- Michigan
- Auburn
- Texas A&M
- Iowa
- Texas
- Iowa State
- Cincinnati
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma State
- North Carolina
- Boise State
- Southern California
- California
- Washington
- Louisville