The University of Texas is entering its last season in the Big 12 before joining the SEC, and expectations are high. Media members have picked the Longhorns to finish first in the conference's preseason poll, a first for the program since the Big 12 moved to a divisionless format in 2011.
Texas received a significant share of the first-place votes (41 out of 67), while the reigning champions, Kansas State, garnered 14. Oklahoma, also set to join the SEC in 2024, and Texas Tech each received four first-place votes. The remaining votes went to TCU and Oklahoma State.
After an 8-5 season last year, which included a near-upset against top-ranked Alabama, Texas is looking to capitalize on the return of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and the arrival of highly touted recruit Arch Manning. Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed confidence in Ewers following the spring game, solidifying his position as the starting quarterback.
While the Longhorns retain nine offensive starters from the previous season, they face the challenge of replacing Bijan Robinson, the Doak Walker Award winner. Their 2023 season kicks off against Rice, followed by a high-profile matchup against Alabama in Week 2.
The Big 12 recently expanded with the addition of UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston. Among the new members, UCF is projected to have the best season, ranked eighth in the preseason poll.
