Austin, Texas, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorns football team has secured the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time in history. This milestone positions Texas as a frontrunner in college football. In a close contest, Texas edged out Penn State by five points, earning 25 first-place votes. The Longhorns are set to face Ohio State, the defending champions, in their season opener. With a strong performance over the past two seasons and a revamped roster, excitement surrounds the team’s potential this season amidst the SEC’s competitive landscape.
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorns football team has achieved a historic milestone by securing the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time in the program’s history. This top ranking positions Texas at the forefront of college football as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.
In a tight contest for the poll’s top spot, Texas edged out Penn State by a mere five points, marking the closest preseason vote since 1998. The Longhorns garnered 25 first-place votes and accumulated a total of 1,552 points in the AP poll. Meanwhile, Penn State ranked second with 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points, highlighting their own impressive return to form with their highest preseason ranking since being No. 1 in 1997.
The Longhorns’ upcoming season opener presents a significant challenge, as they will face the defending champion, Ohio State, currently ranked No. 3. This match is particularly noteworthy as Texas lost to Ohio State 28-14 in the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Over the past two seasons, Texas has demonstrated strong performance, winning 25 out of their last 30 games and reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals consecutively. This success has built considerable expectations for the current season. Head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledges the high hopes surrounding the team but emphasizes the importance of proving themselves on the field despite the lofty ranking and previous achievements.
Texas’s recent roster changes saw twelve players selected in the NFL draft, including three first-round picks. In response to this turnover, the Longhorns have bolstered their lineup through elite recruiting and transfer acquisitions, aimed at maintaining their competitive edge.
The Longhorns are competing in an SEC conference that boasts the highest representation in the preseason rankings, with ten teams in the Top 25. Texas, however, received only 38.5% of first-place votes—the lowest percentage for a No. 1 team in the preseason since 2008. While the Longhorns have previously finished their seasons ranked No. 1 in the AP poll three times (1963, 1969, 2005), they had never started a season with such a high ranking until now.
This season’s schedule looks challenging, featuring a potential showdown with conference rival Georgia later in the season. With new talent integrated into both their offensive and defensive lines, the Longhorns are focused on upholding their strong performance levels despite significant roster changes.
Overall, the preseason ranking comes amid heightened anticipation for the Longhorns, signaling a positive shift since their 5-7 season in 2021. As they move forward, the team is set to embrace this historic moment while striving for consistent on-field success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Texas achieve the No. 1 ranking in the preseason AP Poll?
A: The Longhorns attained the No. 1 ranking for the first time in school history in the current preseason AP Poll.
Q: Who did Texas edge out for the top spot in the poll?
A: Texas narrowly defeated Penn State, winning by just five points in the poll.
Q: Who will Texas face in their season opener?
A: Texas will face the defending champion Ohio State, who is ranked No. 3.
Q: What has been Texas’s recent performance trend?
A: Texas has won 25 out of their last 30 games and has reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in the last two seasons.
Q: How many players did Texas have drafted in the NCAA draft?
A: Twelve Texas players were taken, including three first-round picks.
Q: What is the significance of this preseason ranking for Texas?
A: This ranking marks a positive trajectory for the team, especially following a challenging 5-7 season in 2021.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Ranking | No. 1 in the preseason AP Poll for the first time |
| Poll Results | Texas: 25 first-place votes, 1,552 points; Penn State: 23 first-place votes, 1,547 points |
| Season Opener | Against Ohio State (ranked No. 3) |
| Recent Performance | 25 wins in last 30 games; two-time College Football Playoff semifinalist |
| Roster Changes | Twelve players drafted, three first-round picks; strong recruiting efforts |
| SEC Representation | 10 teams in the preseason Top 25 |
| Previous Rankings | Never started a season higher than No. 2 |
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Texas Ranked No. 1 in Preseason AP Poll
- On3: What Happens to Preseason No. 1 Teams
- Hookem Headlines: Texas Football Shines with Preseason All-Americans
- Sports Illustrated: Texas Longhorns Preseason All-Americans
- Burnt Orange Nation: Texas Football Preseason Scrimmage Analysis
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Football
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns Football
- Google Scholar: Texas Longhorns Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns
- Google News: Texas Longhorns Football
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