Texas Tops AP Preseason Rankings for the First Time, Eclipsing Penn State and Ohio State; Ten Southeastern Conference Teams Listed
Texas Football Starts the 2025 Season as No. 1 in Preseason AP Poll
For the first time in its storied history, Texas football begins the 2025 season ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, also holding the top spot in the Coaches Poll [1][2][3]. This marks a significant milestone for the Longhorns, who have previously reached a preseason No. 2 ranking on five occasions, including during their national championship season in 2005, but never started the season at No. 1 [1].
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has been steadily rising in recent years. Since Sarkisian's tough 5–7 debut in 2021, the team has improved, reaching three consecutive seasons of at least matching or improving their preseason ranking, including semifinals appearances in the College Football Playoff for the 2023 and 2024 seasons [1][3].
The Longhorns' 2024 season began at No. 4 and climbed to No. 1 in midseason for the first time since 2008, but they did not start the season at No. 1 [1]. However, this year, Texas enters the season with the highest preseason expectations in program history [4][5].
Meanwhile, Ohio State is ranked No. 3, receiving 11 first-place votes, while Penn State sits at No. 2, garnering 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points [6]. The Buckeyes will have a new look this season, with only five starters returning on offense and three on defense [7]. Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz will be Ohio State's third new starting quarterback in three years [7].
Texas, on the other hand, lost 12 players to the NFL draft, including three first-round picks, but their defense brings back plenty of talent [8]. Drew Allar will return as Penn State's quarterback for the upcoming season [9].
Notre Dame, Oregon, Alabama, LSU, and Miami are also ranked in the top 10. SMU, which returned to the CFP last season, is in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years [10]. Texas's schedule includes a visit from Oregon in late September and a November showdown at Ohio State [7].
Texas has ended a season No. 1 in the AP poll three times, but had never started a season higher than No. 2 before this year [11]. Ohio State coach Ryan Day wants his team to become the first to win back-to-back national championships [12]. Texas has won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals [13].
The Buckeyes' opener against Texas will provide a good measure of their abilities. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for both teams as they strive to reach the pinnacle of college football.
References: [1] The Associated Press Top 25 Poll [2] USA Today Coaches Poll [3] ESPN College Football Rankings [4] Longhorn Network [5] Texas Sports [6] ESPN College Football Rankings [7] Ohio State University Athletics [8] Texas Sports [9] Penn State Nittany Lions [10] SMU Mustangs [11] Longhorn Network [12] Ohio State University Athletics [13] Texas Sports
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