Texas is ranked inside the top five by major outlets, but ESPN’s No. 5 spot has sparked debate around Steve Sarkisian’s upgraded roster.
Texas football is already back in the national spotlight, and the 2026 preseason hype is starting to build around Steve Sarkisian’s roster.
With spring practice finished and the 2026 NFL Draft complete, several major outlets have released early college football rankings.
Texas is viewed as a serious national title contender by most, landing at No. 3 in USA TODAY Sports’ full 138-team ranking, No. 1 at CBS Sports and No. 3 at Saturday Down South. ESPN, however, placed the Longhorns at No. 5.
That lower ranking is already raising eyebrows.
Texas may not have the same runaway No. 1 buzz it carried into last season, but this roster looks deeper and more balanced. Sarkisian addressed one of the Longhorns’ biggest issues by adding running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers after the ground game struggled badly in 2025.
The offensive line has also been upgraded, giving Texas a better chance to protect Arch Manning and create a more consistent rushing attack.
Manning enters the season with massive expectations, and the offense should have more help around him.
Even wide receiver, already considered a strength, got a boost. Parker Livingstone’s transfer to Oklahoma stung because of his connection with Manning, but Texas responded by adding standout transfer Cam Coleman.
Defensively, the Longhorns should remain one of the more talented units in the country.
The arrival of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp adds experience, toughness and a proven voice to a group that already had high-end ability.
READ MORE: Texas NFL Draft Surge Continues Under Sark
The hesitation around Texas likely comes from last season’s uneven results. Some voters may want to see the Longhorns prove it before putting them back at No. 1.
Still, ranking Texas fifth feels conservative. On paper, the Longhorns look like a playoff team again — and maybe much more.
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