As the college football season draws near, the preseason AP Top 25 poll has been unveiled, placing the Texas Longhorns at the fifth spot. This position is one lower than their ranking in the Coaches Poll released two weeks prior. The Longhorns, under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, did not garner any first-place votes, a distinction received by teams like No. 6 Indiana (eight votes) and No. 7 Miami (one vote).
Preseason AP Poll Reveals Challenging Road Ahead for Texas Longhorns
The highly anticipated preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll, a significant indicator for the upcoming college football season, was officially released on Monday, August 17, 2026. The Texas Longhorns found themselves ranked at No. 5, a position slightly below their No. 4 standing in the Coaches Poll, which had been announced almost two weeks earlier. Notably, the Longhorns did not receive any first-place votes in the AP poll, unlike No. 6 Indiana, which secured eight, and No. 7 Miami, with one.
The top three positions in the AP poll mirrored the Coaches Poll: Ohio State claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Oregon at No. 2, and Georgia at No. 3. However, a notable difference emerged with Notre Dame securing the No. 4 position, backed by six first-place votes, pushing Texas to No. 5. This ranking sets the stage for a particularly demanding schedule for the Longhorns, as they are slated to compete against seven other teams featured in the preseason Top 25. These formidable opponents include No. 1 Ohio State, No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 9 Ole Miss, No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 11 LSU, No. 20 Tennessee, and No. 25 Missouri. This challenging lineup promises an intense and closely watched season for Coach Steve Sarkisian's team.
The latest AP Top 25 poll for college football highlights the competitive landscape and the high expectations placed on various teams as the season approaches. For the Texas Longhorns, securing a No. 5 ranking, despite not receiving first-place votes, underscores their perceived strength and potential. However, the daunting schedule ahead, featuring multiple encounters with fellow Top 25 teams, emphasizes that their journey to the top will be anything but easy. This scenario not only promises thrilling matchups for fans but also presents a significant test of skill, resilience, and strategic depth for Coach Sarkisian and his squad. It will be fascinating to observe how the Longhorns navigate this challenging path and if they can surpass expectations to contend for a national title.
