No. 2 – Texas Longhorns
2019 was a season with high expectations for the Longhorns and it ultimately came out short, missing out on the Big 12 Championship game. Finishing 7-5 this year, if there is a repeat in 2020, changes will need to be made. However, Texas should be able to push closer to a double-digit win regular season.
Expected to return seven starters on the offensive side of the ball, new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich should have Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorn offense back at the elite level everyone knows they can be at. Losing wide receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson will hurt, but Brennan Eagles, Jake Smith, and Malcolm Epps will be solid replacements. The most exciting prospect will be five-star running back Bijan Robinson and what he brings to a loaded Texas backfield.
Spending some time on the defensive staff last season, Chris Ash was promoted to defensive coordinator to fix the issues it had throughout the season. The Longhorns have the talent to become an elite-level defense as seen during the Alamo Bowl against Utah. Joseph Ossai and Caden Sterns are some of the big names coming back with a lot of starters expected to return for the defense. With Todd Orlando being fired at the end of the season, Ash is expected to help this defense take a huge step forward.
The 2018 season set the standard on what to expect from a Tom Herman led team. Make the Big 12 championship and compete in the New Year’s Six Bowl games. 2020 will be the year to fulfill those goals, hopefully exceeding those goals with a trip to the College Football Playoff.