Longhorns Ranked in Way-Too-Early Top 25, Projected Starters Revealed

ESPN predicts the Texas Longhorns will be one of a handful of Big 12 teams ranked in the preseason top 25.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Longhorns men's basketball has a lot to live up to this upcoming campaign based on what last year's team did. And after powering through the adversity that stretched from last season into this offseason, the program could he headed toward similar success in the NCAA Tournament next spring.

But first, the Longhorns will have to face another tough schedule for their final season in the Big 12. ESPN predicts Texas will be one of a handful of Big 12 teams ranked in the preseason top 25, as the site released its Way-Too-Early rankings on Tuesday.

The Longhorns just made the cut, slotting in at No. 24. Here's what ESPN had to say about why the team earned this way-too-early ranking:

Rodney Terry did an incredible job taking over for Chris Beard last season, guiding the Longhorns to 29 wins, a Big 12 conference tournament title and an Elite Eight appearance. But now comes the reloading process. Texas brings back Tyrese Hunter at point guard and landed Oral Roberts transfer Max Abmas, one of the premier scorers in college basketball. The key will be Dillon Mitchell taking a step forward on the wing.

Including new conference members, Texas is one of four teams from the Big 12 ranked in this top 25 prediction, joining No. 1 Kansas, No. 7 Houston and No. 20 Baylor.

Here's who ESPN projects will be Texas' starters for next season:

- Tyrese Hunter

- Max Abmas

- Dillon Mitchell

- Dylan Disu

- Kadin Shedrick

Adding four transfers in Abmas, Shedrick, Chendall Weaver and Ze'Rik Onyema along with retaining Disu, Hunter and Mitchell for one more year heightens the expectations for Texas.

The Longhorns will aim to win back-to-back Big 12 Tournaments while hoping for another high-tier seed in March Madness. The pieces have come together for what should be another exciting season on the Forty Acres.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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