For the first time in history, the Texas Longhorns are opening a college football season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25. The honor doesn’t come without fierce competition, but it represents a significant milestone for the program’s resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. In fact, the headline that best encapsulates the moment is clear: Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams.
This achievement not only highlights Texas’ growing dominance but also underscores the strength of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which boasts 10 ranked teams in the preseason poll. It marks a record-setting showcase for a conference that continues to define the modern college football landscape.
Texas at the Summit
For decades, Texas has been one of the most recognized programs in college football, but surprisingly, it had never before entered a season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll. The closest came in years such as 1962, 1965, 1970, 2005, and 2009 when the Longhorns started at No. 2. Now, history is made, as Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams.
The Longhorns edged Penn State by just five points in one of the closest preseason votes since 1998. Texas earned 25 first-place votes and 1,552 points, barely surpassing the Nittany Lions, who gathered 23 first-place votes and 1,547 points. This razor-thin margin highlights just how competitive the 2025 college football season is expected to be.
The SEC’s Dominance Continues
While Texas’ rise is remarkable, the SEC’s overall performance is equally historic. The conference placed 10 teams in the preseason AP Top 25, the most ever by a single league. For the fifth consecutive year, the SEC owns the preseason No. 1 team, further cementing its reputation as the powerhouse of college football.
The fact that Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams illustrates the balance of power. Alongside Texas, other SEC teams such as Georgia, Alabama, and LSU round out the top tier. The SEC not only delivers individual elite programs but also demonstrates unmatched depth across the board.
Penn State, Ohio State, and the Big Ten Factor
While the SEC celebrates its dominance, the Big Ten also looms large in the rankings. Penn State secured its highest preseason ranking since 1997, landing at No. 2 with just a six-point gap from Texas. Ohio State, ranked No. 3, enters the season with 11 first-place votes and the ambition to defend its national championship.
The Big Ten has now placed two of the top three teams in the AP preseason poll for the third consecutive year. This consistency proves that while Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams, the Big Ten remains an elite challenger with aspirations of dethroning the SEC.
A Clash of Titans: Texas vs. Ohio State
The season opener on August 30 will feature one of the most anticipated games of the year: Texas vs. Ohio State. This matchup is a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal, which saw the Buckeyes defeat Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
For Arch Manning and the Longhorns, this is not just a chance at redemption but also a test of whether the title Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams truly reflects championship readiness. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look to prove its own dominance with a retooled roster and a new quarterback under center.
Arch Manning and “Arch Mania”
One of the main reasons for Texas’ meteoric rise is the emergence of quarterback Arch Manning. Grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and nephew to Peyton and Eli, Arch now stands as the undisputed starter for Texas.
“Arch Mania” has swept through the fan base, and with him under center, Texas has won 25 of its last 30 games, reached back-to-back CFP semifinals, and competed in the SEC Championship in its inaugural year in the league. Manning enters the season as a leading Heisman Trophy contender, and his leadership perfectly complements the narrative that Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams.
Sarkisian’s Leadership and Texas’ Growth
Head coach Steve Sarkisian deserves credit for Texas’ transformation. Since his first season in 2021, where the Longhorns finished 5-7, the program has steadily rebuilt itself into a juggernaut. Speaking at SEC media days, Sarkisian acknowledged the weight of expectations:
“This is a new year, new faces, new team, and obviously expectations are high for our program. I’m not naive to that. I don’t put my head in the sand, and expectations are very high. But I also say we’re the University of Texas, and the standard is the standard here, and that’s competing for championships year in and year out.”
His words embody the focus behind the headline: Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams.
Roster Depth Despite NFL Departures
Texas lost 12 players to the NFL draft, including three first-round picks, but the combination of elite recruiting and strong transfer additions has kept the roster loaded. While there are questions on the offensive line and receiver depth, the defense remains stacked with experienced talent.
This balance of continuity and fresh talent ensures that the Longhorns are not simply a one-year wonder. Instead, the foundation is strong enough to justify why Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams feels sustainable for the future.
Other Top Contenders
Clemson checks in at No. 4, receiving four first-place votes, while Georgia sits at No. 5 with one. Notre Dame, Oregon, Alabama, LSU, and Miami round out the top 10.
The SEC’s dominance continues with Alabama, LSU, and Georgia joining Texas in the top tier, showing that Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams is not just a catchphrase—it reflects the reality of conference supremacy.
Poll Nuggets and Historical Context
Several notable facts emerged from this year’s preseason poll:
- Texas becomes the 12th team to attempt to start and finish No. 1 since the AP preseason poll began in 1950.
- Notre Dame is in the preseason top 10 for the third time in four years.
- SMU returns to the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years.
- Boise State at No. 25 marks the first Group of Five program in the poll since Tulane in 2023.
All 12 of last season’s College Football Playoff teams are represented, making this one of the deepest preseason polls in recent memory.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, the college football landscape is brimming with excitement. Texas carries unprecedented momentum into the season, but the challenges from Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia remain formidable.
Still, the message resonates across the sport: Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams. This headline captures both the historic achievement of Texas reaching No. 1 and the continued dominance of the SEC.
Whether Texas can finish the season as it starts remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: college football fans are in for one of the most thrilling seasons yet.
Conclusion
The preseason AP Top 25 is more than just rankings—it’s a reflection of expectations, potential, and momentum. For Texas, being No. 1 is both a breakthrough and a challenge. For the SEC, having 10 ranked teams reinforces its status as the dominant force in college football.
As the season kicks off, the focus is clear: Texas Leads AP Top 25, SEC Pride Soars with 10 Ranked Teams. It’s a headline that symbolizes history in the making, unmatched conference strength, and the promise of unforgettable battles ahead.