CBS Sports’ Josh Pate Ranks Texas Longhorns as the Fourth-Best Football Program in the Nation: An In-Depth Analysis

The Texas Longhorns have long been one of college football’s most storied and prestigious programs. From their national championships to their legacy of producing elite talent, the program has enjoyed moments of unparalleled success. Yet, despite occasional setbacks and years of rebuilding, Texas has remained a perennial powerhouse in the world of college football.

In his recent ranking of the best football programs in the nation, CBS Sports’ Josh Pate placed the Texas Longhorns in the fourth spot, a position that has garnered significant attention. To understand why the Longhorns earned this high ranking, it is necessary to examine the factors at play, both historical and contemporary, that contribute to the program’s national status. This analysis will explore the evolution of the Texas football program, its impact on college football, and the keys to its continued dominance as one of the top teams in the sport.

The Rich History of the Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns’ football history is rich with tradition, highlighted by numerous championship victories, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL draft picks. Over the decades, Texas has shaped the landscape of college football and established itself as one of the nation’s premier programs.

National Championships and Historic Success

The Texas Longhorns have won four national championships, with the most recent coming in 2005, a thrilling victory over the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl. The 2005 season, marked by the legendary play of quarterback Vince Young, is often regarded as one of the greatest college football teams of all time. That national title remains a hallmark achievement for the program, representing the apex of Texas’ sustained excellence on the national stage.

In addition to their national titles, the Longhorns have claimed 32 conference championships (second most in college football history), and have produced numerous successful seasons. The Texas football program boasts 10 top-10 finishes in the final AP Poll, showcasing the consistent competitiveness of the team.

Heisman Trophy Winners and NFL Talent

Texas has produced several Heisman Trophy winners, with the most recent being quarterback Vince Young in 2005, who led the Longhorns to the national championship. Other notable Heisman-winning players from Texas include Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998). These individuals not only cemented their places as legends in the program’s history but also had significant impacts on the college football landscape.

Furthermore, the Longhorns have sent numerous players to the NFL, including some of the most recognizable names in the sport. From Campbell’s dominance with the Houston Oilers to Young’s successful pro career, Texas has consistently developed talent that has translated to success at the professional level.

The Texas Fanbase and Cultural Impact

Beyond the gridiron, the Texas Longhorns have an enormous cultural footprint. The Longhorns enjoy one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in the nation. Texas is a state steeped in football culture, and the Longhorns are an institution within that culture. The program has a proud following and attracts top recruits, thanks in part to its rich traditions, national recognition, and high expectations for success.

The Longhorns’ vast fanbase extends beyond Texas, with alumni and supporters across the country. This cultural influence amplifies their standing among the elite programs in college football, as their reach spans far beyond the state’s borders.

Recent Struggles and the Road to Recovery

While the Texas Longhorns boast an illustrious history, recent years have seen the program struggle to consistently reach the heights it once enjoyed. Despite being a top-tier team in college football, Texas has faced challenges in recent seasons. From coaching changes to recruiting missteps, the program has undergone a period of rebuilding.

Coaching Changes and Inconsistent Success

In 2014, Texas hired Charlie Strong to lead the program, but Strong’s tenure was marked by inconsistent performance. Despite some success early on, including a notable upset over Oklahoma, the Longhorns were unable to sustain momentum. Strong’s tenure ended after a disappointing 2016 season, leading to the hiring of Tom Herman, who had previously made a name for himself at Houston.

Herman’s arrival brought a renewed sense of optimism, but while the program showed flashes of brilliance—such as an impressive victory over Georgia in the 2019 Sugar Bowl—the Longhorns continued to fall short of expectations. In 2021, Herman was replaced by Steve Sarkisian, another former top-tier assistant coach with a strong track record. However, Sarkisian’s tenure has also seen some early growing pains, as Texas has yet to break through and compete for conference titles regularly.

Despite these coaching changes, one thing remains clear: the Texas Longhorns are an attractive destination for top-tier coaching talent. With the right leadership, the program has the resources and infrastructure to quickly return to elite status.

Recruiting and Talent Acquisition

Texas’ ability to recruit top talent has never been in question. As one of the wealthiest athletic departments in the country, the Longhorns have the financial resources and facilities to lure high school prospects. However, competition from other major programs, particularly those in the Southeastern Conference, has made it more challenging for Texas to maintain its recruiting dominance.

In recent years, Texas has seen an influx of talent, especially under Steve Sarkisian, who has energized the recruiting efforts. The Longhorns have secured commitments from top prospects, especially in-state recruits who grew up idolizing the program. With continued emphasis on recruiting, Texas is well-positioned to rebuild its roster with elite talent in the coming years.

The Current State of Texas Football

Despite the recent challenges, the Texas Longhorns are far from being a program in decline. In fact, they remain one of the most talented teams in college football. In 2024, Texas made a significant step forward by reaching the Big 12 Championship Game and remaining competitive on the national stage. Under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, and their defense, though not yet elite, has the potential to become a strong unit.

With the introduction of the expanded College Football Playoff in 2024, Texas is in a prime position to return to prominence on the national stage. The program has the resources, fan support, and recruiting prowess to make a significant impact in the new era of college football.

A Bright Future in the SEC

In 2025, Texas will officially make the move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most powerful and competitive conferences in college football. This move will place the Longhorns in direct competition with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, as well as perennial powers such as Florida and Auburn.

Joining the SEC could be a turning point for the Longhorns, providing a new challenge and the opportunity to face some of the best programs in the country on a weekly basis. If Texas can successfully navigate this new environment, it has the potential to rise to the top of the college football world once again.

Why Texas Is Ranked Fourth by Josh Pate

Josh Pate’s ranking of the Texas Longhorns as the fourth-best football program in the nation is based on several key factors. While Texas may not have been as consistently dominant as other programs like Alabama, Ohio State, or Clemson in recent years, its rich history, cultural impact, and recruiting success all make it a top-tier program. Pate’s ranking reflects Texas’ potential to return to greatness, with its rich tradition of success, an impressive recruiting pipeline, and the ability to compete in the highly competitive SEC.

In conclusion, the Texas Longhorns are far from a program in decline. While recent seasons have posed challenges, the program’s history, resources, and growing talent suggest that it is well on its way to returning to elite status. The fourth-place ranking by Josh Pate serves as a testament to Texas’ potential and its ability to reclaim its spot among the nation’s most prestigious programs.