Texas Longhorns maintain strong position in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 rankings, showcasing continued dominance and promise for upcoming season.

As the 2025 college football season draws closer, the Texas Longhorns remain one of the most talked-about programs in the country. A team with a rich history and a fanbase that demands success, Texas has been a prominent fixture in college football’s elite ranks for decades. Despite some ups and downs in recent years, the Longhorns have shown flashes of brilliance, and their continued rise in college football has been apparent—especially following the release of ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 rankings.

These rankings, which reflect the program’s progress during spring practices and offer a snapshot of the upcoming season, have kept Texas in the upper echelon of college football, indicating that the Longhorns are not just another contender, but a team to be reckoned with in 2025. Texas continues to be a top-tier program, and their sustained high position in ESPN’s rankings shows that the Longhorns are not only maintaining their dominance but also positioning themselves for long-term success.

In this article, we will examine why Texas remains high in the ESPN post-spring rankings, analyzing the factors behind their continued prominence and what to expect as the Longhorns head into the 2025 season. This includes evaluating the team’s roster, key players, coaching staff, and how their performance during spring practices may have influenced their rankings. With a program as storied as Texas, every move is scrutinized, and the Longhorns’ position in the rankings is a direct reflection of their potential and aspirations.

The Significance of ESPN’s Post-Spring Rankings

ESPN’s post-spring rankings provide an early indicator of the national perception of a team’s capabilities heading into the next college football season. These rankings are based on the observations of coaches, analysts, and insiders who evaluate the teams’ spring practices, spring games, and offseason progress. For a program like Texas, being ranked high in these early rankings is a testament to the strength of the roster and the overall trajectory of the team.

Spring practices offer valuable insights into the team’s depth, positional battles, and coaching adjustments. The coaching staff gets to evaluate how well their schemes and new recruits are fitting into the system, and the players get an opportunity to demonstrate their growth. The results of these spring practices are often a harbinger of what’s to come, with teams that perform well showing increased confidence and momentum going into the season.

For Texas, ESPN’s decision to keep them high in the rankings reflects both the expectations surrounding the program and the team’s actual performance on the field. These rankings suggest that the Longhorns have made significant strides, and they are well-positioned for success in the coming season.

Key Factors Behind Texas’ Strong Post-Spring Ranking

1. A Talented and Deep Roster

Texas’ roster is one of the most talented in college football, which has been a key factor in their sustained position in the rankings. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made significant improvements to both sides of the ball, bringing in top-tier recruits and building depth at nearly every position.

On offense, Texas is loaded with playmakers at the skill positions. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who took over as the starting quarterback last season, has shown immense potential and growth in his first season with the Longhorns. Ewers threw for over 3,000 yards in 2024, earning 31 touchdowns. His development during the spring practices has been closely watched, and many analysts believe that he could take another significant leap forward in 2025, with an even stronger supporting cast around him.

The receiving corps, which includes standout players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, is one of the deepest in the country. Worthy is a legitimate deep-threat and one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football, while Whittington brings versatility and reliability to the position. The addition of new playmakers and continued growth from the younger receivers is expected to only add to the depth of the offense.

The running back group, too, is a major strength for Texas, with several talented backs vying for significant playing time. This balance of the passing and running games allows the Longhorns to be one of the most dangerous and unpredictable offenses in the country.

Defensively, Texas has made remarkable strides under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. The Longhorns boast one of the best defensive lines in the nation, with elite pass rushers and stout run defenders. Linebackers like Jaylan Ford are expected to continue their strong play, while the secondary—led by standout cornerbacks and safeties—remains one of the more formidable units in the Big 12 and beyond.

What sets Texas apart is the sheer depth and talent at almost every position. The Longhorns have been able to recruit at a high level, filling gaps in their lineup and ensuring that they are equipped for long-term success. ESPN’s ranking reflects the perception that Texas has the players to compete at a high level across the board.

2. Quinn Ewers and the Quarterback Situation

Perhaps the most significant factor behind Texas’ continued high ranking is the performance of quarterback Quinn Ewers. After a successful 2024 season, which saw him throw for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, Ewers is poised for a breakout year in 2025. His physical tools—arm strength, mobility, and poise—have never been in question, but it is his continued development in Sarkisian’s offense that will make or break his future at Texas.

Ewers showed flashes of brilliance last season, particularly in the Longhorns’ high-profile games against top-tier opponents. If he can continue to develop his consistency, reading defenses, and making quick decisions under pressure, he could be one of the top quarterbacks in the country this season. This would only elevate Texas’ offense and keep them among the elite teams in college football.

Furthermore, Ewers’ growth during spring practices was a major storyline. Coaches and analysts have spoken about how he has taken significant strides in terms of leadership and command of the offense. The reports coming out of spring practices indicated that Ewers has become more confident, making quicker decisions and connecting with his wide receivers with greater accuracy. This development bodes well for Texas, and it’s clear that Ewers’ progress was a key factor in their high position in the ESPN rankings.

3. The Coaching Staff and System

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has been a transformative figure for Texas, and his coaching staff has played a major role in the Longhorns’ rise in college football. Sarkisian’s offensive acumen is widely respected, and he has demonstrated the ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks and skill players. His system, which emphasizes tempo, creativity, and explosive plays, fits perfectly with the strengths of the Longhorns’ roster.

Sarkisian’s ability to develop young talent and build a cohesive, well-rounded team has allowed Texas to be competitive against the top programs in college football. His focus on player development, combined with a deep knowledge of the game, has ensured that Texas remains a program to watch.

On the defensive side, Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense has been equally impressive. Kwiatkowski’s ability to bring out the best in his players and implement a defense that is both aggressive and disciplined has made Texas one of the top defensive teams in the Big 12 and beyond. The Longhorns’ defense is physical, fast, and opportunistic, making them a nightmare for opposing offenses. Their strong showing in spring practices suggests that they will remain a dominant force in 2025.

Together, Sarkisian and Kwiatkowski form one of the most potent coaching tandems in college football, and their ability to consistently elevate Texas to the top ranks of college football is reflected in their high post-spring ranking.

4. Recruiting and Depth

Texas’ continued success can also be attributed to the strength of its recruiting. The Longhorns have consistently brought in top-tier talent from all over the country, and the 2025 recruiting class is no exception. The infusion of young talent from the recruiting trail has further solidified the team’s depth, giving them the ability to withstand injuries and adapt to challenges throughout the season.

In addition, the competition for spots on the roster has pushed existing players to elevate their game. With a deep roster filled with elite recruits, Texas is poised to maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

5. Competitive Schedule and Big 12 Championship Aspirations

The Longhorns’ strong position in ESPN’s post-spring rankings is also a reflection of their competitive schedule and championship aspirations. As they transition to the SEC in the near future, Texas is keen to establish itself as a top contender in the Big 12. The Longhorns are expected to compete for a Big 12 Championship in 2025, with several key matchups against conference rivals that will test their ability to execute on both sides of the ball.

A strong showing in the Big 12 Championship race will only further solidify Texas’ position as a playoff contender, which is one of the primary goals for the program heading into the 2025 season.

 Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As the Texas Longhorns remain high in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 rankings, the program is poised for another successful season. With a talented and deep roster, a developing star in Quinn Ewers, an elite coaching staff, and a strong recruiting class, Texas has all the tools needed to contend for a championship. Their continued dominance in the rankings reflects not just their potential but their current strength as one of the premier programs in college football.

The Longhorns have the pieces in place to make a serious run at the Big 12 title and, potentially, the College Football Playoff. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Texas as they seek to fulfill their championship aspirations and continue their rise back to prominence in college football.