Dave Campbell’s Texas College Football Rankings Unveil Shocking Surprises, Rapid Risers, and Shifting Power Across the Lone Star State.
Every year, Dave Campbell’s Texas College Football Rankings are treated as a measuring stick for programs across the Lone Star State. From traditional bluebloods to emerging challengers, the rankings provide a snapshot of who’s thriving, who’s slipping, and who’s generating unexpected buzz as the college football landscape continues to shift. In the latest release, there’s no shortage of surprises, dramatic ascents, and a few humbling setbacks for programs thought to be on stable ground. The 2025 rankings reflect not just raw talent or past glory, but momentum, recruiting dominance, coaching stability, and program culture—making them a powerful statement about the present and future of Texas college football.
One of the most surprising developments in the latest rankings is the rise of programs outside the Power Five spotlight. While the University of Texas and Texas A\&M continue to dominate headlines and enjoy elite resources, schools like UTSA, Texas State, and Sam Houston are quietly building formidable rosters and delivering results that can’t be ignored. UTSA in particular has become a model of consistency and development under head coach Jeff Traylor. After stringing together multiple double-digit win seasons, the Roadrunners are no longer just a feel-good story—they’re a legitimate threat on any given Saturday. Their sustained success in recruiting within Texas and continued physicality on both sides of the ball has earned them a prominent place in this year’s rankings, surprising many who expected them to regress following recent conference realignment.
Meanwhile, Texas State has undergone a transformation of its own. Long regarded as a program with potential but little production, the Bobcats are finally turning promise into results. Their recruiting footprint has expanded considerably, and they’re now competing head-to-head with Group of Five and even Power Five programs for top-tier talent. Under the direction of a revitalized coaching staff and a renewed commitment to winning from university leadership, Texas State has made one of the largest jumps in the rankings. Their climb is a testament to the changing dynamics of Texas football, where brand and budget can be overshadowed by vision and execution.
Equally notable is the continued rise of SMU. The Mustangs’ return to the ACC has not just increased their national visibility—it’s ignited a new level of ambition within the program. SMU has become one of the most aggressive programs in the country when it comes to NIL and transfer portal strategy. Their offense continues to put up staggering numbers, but it’s the defensive improvement that has solidified their standing in this year’s rankings. Recruits are buying into what SMU is building, and Dallas is beginning to look like a destination once again, not a stepping stone. With boosters fully engaged and the program’s infrastructure steadily improving, SMU’s high placement is less about potential and more about production and upward trajectory.
Of course, no Texas rankings are complete without the drama surrounding the flagship programs. The University of Texas comes into 2025 with sky-high expectations and a roster many believe is among the most talented in the country. Quarterback play remains a question after the departure of Quinn Ewers, but the Longhorns have depth and experience across the board. Even so, Dave Campbell’s rankings reflect some skepticism—not of their ability to win, but of their ability to dominate. There’s a sense that Texas still needs to prove it can consistently handle the pressure that comes with lofty preseason expectations. A few missteps in high-leverage games over the past couple of seasons have left fans and analysts wondering if this team can take the final step from contender to champion.
Texas A\&M, on the other hand, continues to puzzle observers. The Aggies boast a top-tier recruiting class nearly every cycle and have all the tools for sustained success, yet they’ve struggled to translate talent into wins on the field. Despite the hiring of a new offensive coordinator and structural changes in the program, consistency remains elusive. Dave Campbell’s rankings reflect that ambiguity. A\&M still commands respect because of its potential, but it’s losing ground to faster-rising programs that are maximizing their resources and playing sharper football. The Aggies are at a crossroads—another middling season could lead to significant changes in College Station.
Baylor and TCU also find themselves in interesting positions. TCU, fresh off a national championship appearance not long ago, struggled to replicate that success in the following seasons. Their ranking reflects a program trying to stabilize after a whirlwind couple of years. Depth and quarterback play have been inconsistent, and the coaching staff faces growing pressure to reignite the fire that powered their magical run. Baylor, meanwhile, has quietly put together a rugged, defensively-sound team that thrives on fundamentals. While not flashy, the Bears have become a tough out in the Big 12 and have earned a solid position in the rankings based on their ability to punch above their weight and wear opponents down.
The rankings also shed light on the progress being made by some of the FCS and Division II programs within the state. Incarnate Word remains a powerhouse at its level, showcasing strong quarterback play and a high-scoring offense. Their consistent dominance over regional opponents has not gone unnoticed, and they continue to be a pipeline for players who later transition to FBS programs. Similarly, programs like West Texas A\&M and Texas A\&M-Commerce are steadily climbing due to improved coaching, better facilities, and a renewed focus on player development.
Even traditional underdogs like North Texas and Rice are refusing to be left behind. North Texas has put together a quietly effective program built around speed and toughness, showing that they can compete when given the right mix of coaching and support. Rice, historically more focused on academics than athletics, has made a noticeable investment in football, and the results are beginning to show. Their discipline and ability to play mistake-free football have moved them up the rankings and earned them respect from across the state.
One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s rankings is that there is no longer a single narrative dominating Texas football. Gone are the days when only Texas, A\&M, and maybe one or two others were worthy of statewide attention. The field is deeper, the competition is stiffer, and the margins between success and failure are razor-thin. The rise of NIL, the transfer portal, and conference realignment have democratized the sport to a certain extent, giving programs with vision and adaptability a chance to compete on more equal footing.
Dave Campbell’s Texas College Football Rankings also serve as a warning to complacent programs. With so many hungry programs nipping at their heels, even a slight dip in effort or focus can result in a tumble down the rankings. Programs can no longer rely solely on tradition or facilities to maintain status. They must innovate, adapt, and inspire belief—both in their locker rooms and in the living rooms of recruits across the state.
Perhaps the most exciting implication of this year’s rankings is what they suggest about the future. With Texas high school football continuing to produce elite talent year after year, and with in-state programs more willing and able to compete for that talent, the internal competition within Texas is only going to intensify. That internal pressure is a good thing. It forces programs to raise their standards, sharpen their recruiting strategies, and commit more fully to player development and culture. It raises the floor of Texas football and ensures that even the so-called mid-tier programs are producing nationally relevant teams.
Ultimately, Dave Campbell’s Texas College Football Rankings aren’t just a static list—they’re a snapshot of a rapidly evolving ecosystem. They reflect how ambition, innovation, and consistency are beginning to matter more than name recognition. As the 2025 season approaches, the programs that have positioned themselves well in these rankings will have the opportunity to prove that their rise is no fluke. The ones that have fallen or stagnated will be under the microscope, forced to respond or risk being left behind in a state where football isn’t just a game, it’s an identity.
From top to bottom, Texas college football is more competitive, more unpredictable, and more entertaining than ever before. That’s what makes these rankings so compelling—not just because of who’s ranked where, but because of what it says about where Texas football is going.
