Texas Football: Horns Considered Contenders in ‘Way-Too-Early’ Rankings for 2025 Season
The 2024 college football season may have just ended, but for the Texas Longhorns, the excitement is already building for the 2025 campaign. Despite some ups and downs throughout the season, Texas is positioned to be a major contender as it enters its final year in the Big 12 before moving to the SEC. With expectations rising, Texas is already making waves in the “way-too-early” rankings for the 2025 season, as college football analysts begin to forecast the future of the sport.
The “way-too-early” rankings offer an early snapshot of how teams are expected to perform heading into the next season, based on returning players, recruiting classes, transfers, and coaching continuity. While these rankings are largely speculative, they are always a point of discussion among fans, analysts, and recruits alike. For the Longhorns, the 2025 season presents a pivotal moment in their program’s history. After years of rebuilding under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas is now positioned to contend with the best teams in the nation, and many experts believe they are ready to challenge for a College Football Playoff spot.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into why the Texas Longhorns are considered one of the top contenders for the 2025 season in these early rankings, what areas of their team need improvement, and how the transition to the SEC will shape their success moving forward.
Why Texas is Considered a Contender for 2025
1. The Development of Quinn Ewers: Texas’ Quarterback of the Future
At the heart of Texas’ rise as a national contender is quarterback Quinn Ewers. Once a five-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in his class, Ewers’ journey at Texas has been one of development and maturation. After a promising start to his college career, Ewers showed glimpses of greatness in 2024, but it was his growth throughout the season that had Longhorns fans buzzing with excitement for 2025.
Ewers’ play in 2024 was a major factor in Texas’ success, and his performance against top-tier teams like Oklahoma, Alabama, and Kansas State put him on the map as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. His ability to throw the deep ball, maintain composure in pressure situations, and lead his team to victory demonstrated that he was ready to take the next step. After a few early-season struggles, including a rocky loss to Alabama, Ewers’ development became a key storyline for Texas. As he heads into his junior year, many believe that Ewers has all the tools necessary to make Texas a true contender in 2025.
If Ewers can continue to develop under the tutelage of Steve Sarkisian, a coach known for his quarterback development, the Longhorns offense could be explosive in 2025. With an experienced offensive line and a solid group of skill players returning, Ewers has the potential to lead Texas to a championship-level season.
2. Offensive Firepower and Returning Playmakers
Texas is not only bolstered by the development of Quinn Ewers, but the Longhorns also have a strong supporting cast on offense. Jonathon Brooks, who emerged as a reliable running back in 2024, will return to lead the backfield, giving Texas a balanced attack. Brooks had an impressive season, providing stability to the running game and complementing Ewers’ passing attack. His ability to break off long runs and control the clock in key moments will be vital as Texas aims to challenge for a national championship.
Texas also boasts a dynamic receiving corps that will feature several familiar faces. Xavier Worthy, a standout wide receiver, has been one of the top targets in Texas’ offense and will return for another season. Worthy’s ability to stretch the field, make plays after the catch, and be a deep-threat will be crucial to Texas’ offensive game plan in 2025. Additionally, the development of younger receivers like Jordan Whittington and Kelvontay Dixon will provide more depth and options for Ewers in the passing game.
With such a potent offense returning, Texas will have the firepower to compete with the best teams in college football. The blend of a talented quarterback, a solid running game, and playmaking receivers makes them one of the most dangerous offenses in the country.
3. A Strong Recruiting Class and Transfer Additions
Another major factor in Texas’ rise as a contender for 2025 is their recruiting prowess. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have seen a resurgence in recruiting, bringing in some of the top talent in the country. Texas’ 2025 recruiting class is one of the best in the nation, and this influx of new talent will provide the team with even more depth and competition heading into next season.
One of the key additions to Texas’ 2025 class is Arch Manning, a five-star quarterback and one of the most highly touted recruits in the history of college football. While Manning is unlikely to start in 2025 due to Ewers’ emergence, his presence in the program adds another layer of competition and excitement for the future. Additionally, Texas has bolstered its recruiting efforts on both sides of the ball, adding top-tier recruits at the wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive line positions.
In addition to the impressive recruiting class, Texas has also benefited from the transfer portal. The Longhorns have been able to bring in several experienced players to add immediate depth to their roster. Defensive players in particular will be crucial for Texas’ success as they prepare to face the powerful offenses of the SEC in 2025. Players who can step in and contribute right away will be essential as Texas builds a more balanced and complete team for next season.
4. Coaching Stability and Growth Under Steve Sarkisian
One of the major reasons Texas is considered a contender in the 2025 rankings is the coaching stability under Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian, in his third year as head coach, has built a strong foundation for Texas football, developing both the team’s offensive scheme and the overall culture of the program. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop quarterbacks, and prepare his teams for big games is one of the reasons the Longhorns are viewed as a national title contender.
Sarkisian has shown that he can lead Texas back to prominence after several years of underperformance. The 2024 season was a key step forward for the program, as the Longhorns not only improved their play on the field but also showed signs of a deeper, more disciplined squad. Sarkisian’s experience as a former offensive coordinator at top programs like Alabama gives him the knowledge and expertise to build a championship-caliber team. With another year of development under his belt, he is primed to lead Texas to new heights in 2025.
5. The Move to the SEC: A New Challenge, but a Path to Greater Success
While the move to the SEC in 2025 presents a new set of challenges for Texas, it also offers the Longhorns an opportunity to prove themselves on the national stage. The SEC is home to some of the top football programs in the country, including Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, but it is also a conference that rewards the best of the best. Texas will face a higher level of competition, but the challenges of the SEC will only help prepare the team for a potential College Football Playoff run.
The transition to the SEC will also give Texas exposure and recruiting opportunities that could further elevate the program. For years, Texas has been a major player in the college football landscape, but moving into the SEC will allow the Longhorns to solidify their position as a perennial contender for national championships.
Areas for Improvement as Texas Eyes 2025
Despite their rise as one of the top teams in college football, Texas is not without areas that need improvement. Defensively, the Longhorns have struggled with consistency in recent seasons. While the defense showed flashes of excellence, they were often inconsistent in key games, especially against high-powered offenses. In particular, the run defense and pass rush must improve significantly if Texas is to compete with SEC teams.
The secondary has also been an area of concern, as Texas has occasionally allowed big plays through the air. With the talent that will be coming into the SEC, improving coverage and communication in the defensive backfield will be crucial for success.
Additionally, while Quinn Ewers has shown significant improvement, he must continue to develop as a quarterback. His decision-making, especially in pressure situations, needs to improve to avoid costly turnovers and missed opportunities. If Ewers can continue to build on his strong 2024 season and perform at an even higher level in 2025, Texas will be a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion: Texas is Ready for 2025
The 2025 season will be a defining year for the Texas Longhorns, as they look to make their mark in the SEC and challenge for a national championship. With an emerging star quarterback in Quinn Ewers, a strong supporting cast, a top-ranked recruiting class, and the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas is positioned to be one of the top contenders for next season.
While there are still areas for improvement, particularly on defense, the Longhorns have the talent, coaching, and resources to compete at the highest level. The move to the SEC will undoubtedly present challenges, but it will also provide Texas with the opportunity to prove they are ready to compete with the best teams in the country. As the 2025 season approaches, expect the Texas Longhorns to be one of the most talked-about teams in college football, with a legitimate chance at making a run for the College Football Playoff and ultimately the national championship.
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