Where Do the Texas Longhorns Land in USA TODAY Sports’ Preseason SEC Power Rankings?

The arrival of the Texas Longhorns in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been one of the most anticipated moves in college football in recent years. As the Longhorns prepare for their transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, many experts are analyzing where the team will land in the highly competitive conference. USA TODAY Sports’ preseason SEC Power Rankings offer an early snapshot of how Texas is expected to perform among some of the best teams in the nation.

Texas Longhorns: A Fresh Start in the SEC

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 season as one of the most intriguing teams in college football. Their move to the SEC, widely considered the most dominant conference in college football, raises the stakes for the Longhorns as they compete with SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others.

In USA TODAY Sports’ preseason SEC Power Rankings, Texas finds itself in a favorable position. The Longhorns have been ranked high, securing a spot in the top half of the rankings, a clear indication that the experts are optimistic about their potential. While Texas hasn’t yet played a game in the SEC, its roster has been bolstered by high-profile recruits and transfers, along with the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian.

A critical factor in Texas’s high ranking is the talent infusion in recent recruiting cycles. Arch Manning, one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory, has committed to the Longhorns, and his presence is expected to elevate the team’s play. Manning’s arrival gives the Longhorns a potential superstar under center, which is always a game-changer in college football. His ability to lead the team, paired with an improving offensive line and a skilled group of playmakers, makes Texas an intriguing prospect heading into the SEC.

The Georgia Bulldogs: The Reigning SEC Powerhouse

While Texas is generating excitement and buzz as it enters the SEC, the Georgia Bulldogs are still firmly entrenched at the top of the conference. USA TODAY Sports placed Georgia at No. 1 in the preseason SEC Power Rankings, a reflection of the Bulldogs’ consistent dominance over the past several years.

Georgia has won two consecutive national championships, establishing itself as the class of college football under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs’ defense, which has been one of the best in the country, will once again be a key strength in 2025. With players like defensive lineman Jalen Carter and linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson leading the charge, Georgia’s defense will be tough to break.

On the offensive side of the ball, Georgia returns a talented quarterback room, with Carson Beck poised to take over as the starting signal-caller. Beck’s development will be critical in Georgia’s pursuit of another SEC title and a potential playoff berth. With the Bulldogs’ proven track record and their loaded roster, Georgia remains the team to beat in the SEC.

Texas vs. Georgia: A Battle for Supremacy

With Texas landing in the upper echelons of the preseason SEC Power Rankings, it sets the stage for what could be an exciting showdown between the Longhorns and the Bulldogs in the years to come. Texas has an uphill battle ahead, but it has shown in previous seasons that it can hang with the best of them. The Longhorns’ ability to recruit at a high level, coupled with the leadership of Sarkisian and the addition of Arch Manning, means they could be poised to make waves in the SEC sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, Georgia will be a formidable force that will have its sights set on maintaining its reign as the king of the SEC. The Bulldogs have proven their ability to develop talent and maintain a championship-caliber program, which will make them a tough out for any team, including Texas. With a history of success and a roster stacked with elite talent, Georgia will undoubtedly be one of the toughest teams for Texas to contend with in the SEC.

What Does This Mean for Texas?

For the Longhorns, their placement in the top half of the SEC Power Rankings is a sign that expectations are high. Many have questioned how Texas will adapt to the SEC’s grueling schedule, but their strong recruiting and the steady progress made under Coach Sarkisian provide a reason for optimism. Texas will need to prove it can compete with the big boys of the SEC, particularly in a conference known for its physicality, speed, and depth.

One area of concern for Texas heading into the 2025 season will be its defense. While the Longhorns have a high-powered offense, they will need to improve defensively if they want to contend for an SEC title. The SEC is home to some of the most dynamic and explosive offenses in the country, and Texas must be able to slow down teams like Alabama, LSU, and Mississippi to be successful.

Despite these challenges, Texas’s ranking in the preseason SEC Power Rankings shows that experts are confident in the Longhorns’ ability to make an immediate impact. If they can get the right mix of strong offensive play, improved defense, and leadership from Manning, Texas could be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.

The Road Ahead: A Grueling SEC Schedule

While Texas has the potential to make a splash in the SEC, the road to the top is never easy in a conference as competitive as the SEC. The Longhorns will face an intense schedule that includes matchups against top-tier teams like Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, as well as traditional rivals like Texas A&M and Arkansas.

One of the most challenging aspects of being in the SEC is the depth of competition. Every game is a battle, and there are no easy wins. The Longhorns will have to be at their best week in and week out if they hope to secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff.

As the Texas Longhorns prepare to join the SEC, the excitement surrounding their move is palpable. USA TODAY Sports’ preseason SEC Power Rankings reflect the high expectations surrounding the program, and while the Longhorns have much to prove, their placement in the rankings suggests they have the potential to succeed in one of college football’s toughest conferences.

For Texas, the key will be to quickly adapt to the SEC’s style of play and continue building on the momentum created by their strong recruiting efforts. The Longhorns will face stiff competition from the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, but if they can put together a well-rounded team, the SEC could soon have a new powerhouse to contend with.

The battle for supremacy in the SEC is set to be one of the most exciting storylines in college football over the next few years, and the Texas Longhorns are ready to take on the challenge. Whether they can climb to the top of the rankings and challenge Georgia for dominance remains to be seen, but the Longhorns’ future in the SEC is bright, and the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in college football history.