As the dust settles on the 2025 college football season, the early rankings are already rolling in for 2026 - and Texas is turning heads. Pro Football Focus has the Longhorns sitting at No. 2 in their way-too-early Top 25, trailing only Oregon.
That’s a bold placement, but not without reason. The Ducks return a loaded offensive unit and have a potential No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Dante Moore.
With Dan Lanning steering the ship, Oregon looks like a legitimate juggernaut heading into next fall.
Still, Texas might be even more intriguing.
This 2026 Longhorns squad could be the most complete team Austin has seen in a decade. Offensively, they’re stacked.
Arch Manning returns under center, and he’s got weapons - serious weapons. Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown, Cam Coleman, and Ryan Wingo headline a unit that could light up scoreboards all season long.
That’s not just hype - that’s a group with speed, versatility, and big-play potential at every level.
Cam Coleman, in particular, is a massive get. He’s the highest-rated transfer recruit Texas has ever landed, and his ability to stretch the field could open everything up for Sarkisian’s offense.
Smothers, who dominated in the ACC last year, brings a punishing running style that complements Brown’s versatility. And don’t overlook Brown - he might just be a more explosive version of what Jaydon Blue brought to the table.
With a more experienced and physically improved offensive line in front of them, this offense has the pieces to be special.
But it’s not just about scoring points. Texas is aiming to bring a different kind of edge on the defensive side of the ball too.
Enter Will Muschamp.
The new defensive coordinator is known for bringing heat, and early signs point to a more aggressive, chaotic approach than what fans saw under Pete Kwiatkowski. Expect the pass rush to be a focal point - and that starts with Colin Simmons. He’s a game-wrecker off the edge, and under Muschamp’s system, he could be unleashed in a way that makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
Yes, the defense will have to replace key contributors like Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe, but there’s help on the way. Rasheem Biles transferring in provides an immediate boost, and Jelani McDonald’s return adds another versatile piece to the puzzle. If this unit gels quickly, Texas could be dangerous on both sides of the ball.
There’s still a long way to go before Week 1, but the buzz around the Longhorns is real - and it’s not just coming from inside the state of Texas. National outlets are buying in, and for good reason. With elite talent, continuity at quarterback, and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize its roster, Texas isn’t just back in the conversation - they might be ready to lead it.