• Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (fifth season)
• 2024 Record: 13-3 (lost in CFP Semifinal)
• Strength of Schedule:
• PFF Projected Win Total: 8.2
• FanDuel Win Total: 9.5

2024 Recap

Texas has solidified its status as a perennial national championship contender under head coach Steve Sarkisian, reaching back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals. It’s the first time since 2008-09 that the Longhorns have finished in the top 15 of the AP poll in consecutive seasons, each time landing inside the top four.

With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the spotlight now shifts to Arch Manning. The heir to his family’s quarterback legacy showed promise in limited action last season, earning an 88.0 PFF grade that ranked 12th among FBS quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks. He’ll work behind an almost entirely rebuilt offensive line but will have the benefit of a top-10 backfield and receiving corps.

Still, Texas’ biggest strength in 2025 might be its defense. The Longhorns boast top-tier talent at all three levels, with four players landing in the top 10 of PFF’s positional rankings.

Biggest Strength: A loaded defense