A Familiar Spot in the Top Five
The 2026 AP preseason poll placed the Texas Longhorns at fifth overall, a spot that reflects both continuity and ambition. Texas earned 1,483 points, trailing Ohio State (1,672), Oregon (1,597), Georgia (1,513) and Notre Dame (1,510), and received no first‑place votes from the 69 voters who participated.
It is the third consecutive year the Longhorns have finished inside the top five, marking the ninth appearance in the last ten preseason polls and the fourth time in that span they have cracked the top ten. The program’s 2025 season ended with a 10‑3 record and a victory in the Citrus Bowl, laying a foundation for the expectations that now permeate the locker room.
Coach Steve Sarkisian has repeatedly emphasized that the bar has been raised both internally and externally, a message that has resonated with returning stars such as quarterback Arch Manning and edge rusher Colin Simmons, as well as with the influx of high‑profile transfers and the nation’s top‑rated 2026 recruiting class.
Schedule Tests and Early Benchmarks
The preseason schedule pits Texas against several of the nation’s elite, opening with a showdown against No. 1 Ohio State, followed by contests with No. 8 Texas A&M and No. 10 Oklahoma, providing early benchmarks for a team that aims to translate preseason optimism into on‑field dominance.
Despite the favorable positioning, the poll’s lack of first‑place votes underscores that the Longhorns are still viewed as a step behind the current favorites, setting the stage for a season in which each game could reshape perceptions and potentially elevate the program back to the summit.
Key Players and Recruiting Momentum
Returning standouts like Arch Manning and Colin Simmons give the team a core of experience, while the addition of top transfers and the nation’s highest‑rated recruiting class inject fresh talent and depth. This blend of veteran leadership and fresh arms positions Texas to meet the heightened expectations set by both the poll and the coaching staff.
As the Longhorns prepare for their opening clash with Ohio State, the early tests will serve as a litmus test for a program that has consistently chased excellence over the past decade. A strong showing could not only validate the preseason ranking but also reignite the conversation about a potential return to the pinnacle of college football.