Longhorns Ranked Inside Top 15 Of Preseason Coaches Poll

The Longhorns close their time in the Big 12 as a preseason top-15 roster.

Expectations from the Texas fan base are high for the program entering its last year as members of the Big 12. Stock right now is booming around the Longhorns. 

Coaches are even buying into the hype. 

The Longhorns open the season as the No. 12 team on the preseason Coaches Poll. Texas, the preseason favorites to win the Big 12 for the first time since 2009, is coming off an 8-5, including a loss to Washington in the Alamo Bowl. 

Steve Sarkisian has the roster to fight for more than a conference title. Led by preseason Heisman contender Quinn Ewers, the offense should be the driving force that keeps the Longhorns ahead of the pack of programs looking to gain top status in the conference.

Ewers, who won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, has been a constant in both spring and fall camp. The weaponry — led by preseason All-Big 12 members Xavier Worthy and Ja'Tavion Sanders — could battle teams like Ohio State, Georiga and USC for the top offensive unit in college football. 

The Longhorns must replace Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson and secondary tailback Roschon Johnson, but Sarkisian has high hopes for the remaining options. Highlighted by sophomore Jonathon Brooks, the Longhorns feature an abundance of riches in their backfield to make the offense more dynamic. 

Texas also returns all five starting offensive linemen from last season. In 2022, the Longhorns allowed just 19 total sacks and finished 36th in rushing. Robinson, who was drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in April, led the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns with 18. 

Despite the additions of four new teams, the Big 12 was only represented by four rosters on the preseason poll, with Texas being the only one listed in the top 15. National champion finalist TCU just missed the cut after its unprecedented run under Sonny Dykes, coming in at No. 16. Big 12 Champion Kansas State was listed at No. 17, while Oklahoma, who will join Texas in the SEC next season, came in at No. 19. 

Baylor (28), Oklahoma State (13), Kansas (1), along with newcomers Houston (3) and BYU (2), also received votes. 

The Longhorns open the season at Royal-Memorial Stadium against Rice on Sept. 2. 

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