The Hype is Real: Texas Longhorns Ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s Post-Spring Ball Rankings

The Texas Longhorns, a college football powerhouse with a storied history, have long been a team that generates conversation, excitement, and anticipation. As one of the most prestigious programs in the sport, Texas has frequently been a part of the national spotlight, from their dominance in the late 2000s to their most recent emergence as one of the top teams in the country.

This season, however, there seems to be a palpable energy surrounding the Longhorns that is different from past years. ESPN’s ranking of Texas at No. 3 in the country after spring ball is not just a reflection of their on-field talent; it’s a statement that this program is, once again, on the verge of greatness. The hype surrounding the Longhorns isn’t just speculation—it’s backed by a number of key factors that make Texas one of the most exciting and promising teams heading into the 2025 season.

In this article, we will break down why the Texas Longhorns are ranked so highly, the factors that are contributing to their rise, and what this means for the program as it moves forward. We’ll explore the major storylines from spring ball, key players to watch, the state of the program, and what fans can realistically expect as the season progresses.

Texas football has been synonymous with success. From the days of Darrell Royal and the national championships under Mack Brown, the program has been a constant in the college football elite. The Longhorns have won four national titles, made 58 bowl appearances, and have a long list of alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. However, after the departure of Mack Brown and the subsequent years of inconsistent performances, Texas has struggled to reclaim its spot among the true elite.

In recent years, however, Texas has begun to show signs of returning to its former glory. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have gradually rebuilt their roster, focused on recruiting top-tier talent, and established a program culture that values excellence, discipline, and competition.

Spring ball serves as the first real look at how well a program is progressing under its current leadership, and the excitement surrounding the Longhorns after this spring session is undeniable. Fans, analysts, and recruits alike are taking notice of the work Sarkisian and his staff have put in to turn Texas into a title contender once again.

At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is Steve Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021 after a tumultuous period under Tom Herman. Sarkisian came to Texas with a pedigree that included successful stints at Washington, USC, and Alabama. His time under Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, in particular, helped shape his approach to offensive football and recruiting. Sarkisian’s background in developing quarterbacks, designing explosive offenses, and building dynamic schemes has given the Longhorns a much-needed jolt.

While Sarkisian’s first two seasons in Austin weren’t without their bumps, they have laid a solid foundation. He’s done a remarkable job in recruiting, bringing in top talent at nearly every position. His ability to adjust and learn from his early mistakes has turned Texas into a more complete team, both offensively and defensively.

Spring ball served as a crucial proving ground for Sarkisian’s system to take full form, and the results have been promising. There are no longer questions about whether Sarkisian’s offense can work at Texas—it’s clear that it can. His ability to develop a quarterback like Quinn Ewers (more on him shortly) and utilize his skill players in a high-octane attack has fans buzzing about the potential of this team.

At the forefront of Texas’ rise is Quinn Ewers, the highly touted quarterback who transferred to Texas from Ohio State ahead of the 2022 season. Ewers arrived in Austin with lofty expectations and, despite some growing pains as a young quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance that left Longhorns fans hopeful for the future.

2024 was a year of growth for Ewers, but the consensus around Texas this spring was that Ewers had taken a major leap forward in his development. Throughout spring practices, Ewers showed off his improved decision-making, sharper accuracy, and greater command of the offense. He’s not just a big arm and flashy talent anymore; Ewers has matured into the type of quarterback who can lead a championship-caliber team.

Ewers’ growth is one of the primary reasons why the Longhorns are ranked No. 3. He has the potential to be a Heisman contender, and his development in 2025 will likely determine the ceiling for the team. Texas has a wealth of offensive talent around Ewers, but the offense will only go as far as he can take it. If Ewers continues to progress, Texas could find itself in the College Football Playoff discussion by season’s end.

One of the key aspects of Texas’ rise is the incredible talent that the Longhorns have been able to bring into the program, and that talent has only increased in recent years. Under Sarkisian’s watch, Texas has been a recruiting juggernaut, pulling in top-tier players at nearly every position group.

This spring, the Longhorns demonstrated just how deep their talent pool has become. On offense, they’ve added elite skill players like wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Isaiah Neyor, who both possess the ability to take the top off opposing defenses. In the backfield, running back Bijan Robinson’s departure may leave a void, but Texas is confident that they have the depth to make up for it with a trio of talented backs.

Defensively, Texas has been building a unit that can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the nation. The defensive line, led by powerful pass rushers and elite interior linemen, should be able to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In the secondary, the Longhorns have one of the most talented units in the country, with a blend of experience and young playmakers who can make game-changing plays.

The recruiting efforts have paid off in other ways as well. Texas has been able to attract top-tier assistant coaches who specialize in developing talent, both on the field and in the film room. This ensures that the players Texas brings in are not only talented but coached up to be ready for the demands of college football’s highest level.

Spring practice is an opportunity for teams to iron out their depth charts, identify areas of improvement, and establish some early chemistry. For the Longhorns, spring ball gave fans and analysts a closer look at how things were coming together ahead of the 2025 season.

Offensively, Texas showed a great deal of promise. Ewers’ development was undoubtedly the headline, but what was just as encouraging was the way the Longhorns utilized their playmakers. Worthy, Neyor, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders all had strong spring campaigns, and their ability to stretch the field in Sarkisian’s offense will give defenses fits all season long.

The offensive line also showed significant improvement. Texas has invested heavily in recruiting linemen, and the results are beginning to show. The line looked more cohesive, with players like Kelvin Banks Jr. emerging as future stars.

Defensively, the Longhorns were just as impressive. The pass rush looks like it can be elite, with players like Baron Sorrell leading the way. In the secondary, Jerrin Thompson and Austin Jordan provide stability and ball skills that will help Texas generate turnovers.

What was perhaps most encouraging was the depth that Texas has across the board. Injuries happen, and the Longhorns will need to rely on their depth in the trenches, in the backfield, and across the defense. The spring provided a preview of how the team can manage those situations while remaining competitive at a high level.

With all the hype surrounding Texas, the question that many are asking is whether or not the Longhorns can live up to it. ESPN’s ranking of Texas at No. 3 is no accident; it’s a reflection of the team’s talent, depth, coaching, and potential. But can they meet the high expectations and make a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff?

The path to the playoff for Texas will not be easy. The Big 12, while not as loaded as some other conferences, still features a number of competitive teams. The Longhorns will face tough tests against teams like Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Baylor. The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma will be especially crucial, as it always holds major implications for the conference standings.

Non-conference games like Alabama will also provide an early opportunity for Texas to make a statement on the national stage. A win in that matchup would propel the Longhorns into the national conversation, while a loss would likely leave them with little margin for error as they move through the rest of the season.

Ultimately, Texas’ success will depend on its ability to execute in key moments, stay healthy, and continue developing as a team. If Ewers lives up to his potential, if the offensive line continues to improve, and if the defense can maintain its high level of play, the Longhorns have all the tools to compete for a national championship.

The hype around Texas football is real, and the Longhorns’ ranking as No. 3 in the country after spring ball is a reflection of the program’s rapid ascension. With a talented roster, a top-tier quarterback in Quinn Ewers, and a coaching staff that is steadily building a contender, the future looks incredibly bright in Austin.

While the road to the College Football Playoff will be difficult, Texas has the talent and potential to rise to the occasion. The Longhorns are no longer just a team with promise—they are a legitimate national title contender. Whether they can meet the high expectations and bring a championship back to Austin remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Texas is back. The hype is real.