Texas Longhorns Emerge as College Football’s Fastest-Rising Powerhouse According to ESPN

The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the most recognizable brands in college football, with a storied past and a passionate fan base. But now, after years of unmet expectations and rebuilding efforts, the Longhorns appear to be not just back — they’re surging. According to ESPN, Texas has become the fastest-rising program in the nation, leading the pack in projected growth and success over the next two college football seasons.

The recognition from ESPN isn’t just ceremonial — it’s backed by a combination of analytics, recruiting rankings, and recent on-field success. The Longhorns have climbed the national ranks with a potent blend of elite talent, coaching stability, and a powerful performance in the 2024 season that has put the rest of the college football world on notice.

Texas’ Rise: A Mix of Talent and Tenacity

The resurgence of Texas football under head coach Steve Sarkisian has been nothing short of remarkable. After some rocky early seasons, Sarkisian has solidified his program with discipline, a modern offensive scheme, and a dynamic locker room culture that players have fully bought into.

Central to this rise is Texas’ impressive showing in the 2024 season, where they reached the College Football Playoff and demonstrated that they can not only compete with — but beat — the sport’s perennial heavyweights. Victories over blue-blood programs and strong showings in marquee matchups have built national credibility for the Longhorns.

But what’s really driving Texas into elite company is the future. ESPN’s projection model — which takes into account recruiting classes, returning production, transfer portal gains, and coaching continuity — has Texas firmly atop the list of programs with the brightest outlook through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

It’s no secret that recruiting is the engine that powers any elite program, and Texas has built one of the strongest pipelines in the country. The Longhorns consistently haul in top-5 recruiting classes, and Sarkisian’s staff has proven particularly adept at identifying and developing blue-chip quarterbacks and explosive skill players.

One of the crown jewels of Texas’ recent recruiting efforts is five-star quarterback Arch Manning, who chose Texas over a host of elite programs. While Manning hasn’t yet taken over the starting role, his presence on the depth chart adds another layer of promise to the future. Texas also added several elite wide receivers and linemen in the last two cycles, building a foundation that projects well into the next two seasons.

Additionally, the Longhorns have been aggressive and successful in the transfer portal, landing immediate impact players who filled key positional gaps. This adaptability — blending high school recruiting and transfer additions — has made Texas not just talented but well-balanced and deep.

One often-overlooked aspect of a program’s rise is the continuity of its coaching staff. Texas has kept its core staff intact, and that stability has paid dividends both on and off the field. Players know what to expect, schemes remain consistent, and recruits feel more confident committing to a long-term vision.

Sarkisian, in particular, has won praise for the way he’s rebuilt the culture in Austin. Gone are the days of inconsistency and underperformance. Today’s Texas team plays with toughness, confidence, and an edge. The Longhorns have embraced the pressure of expectations and responded with poise and maturity — hallmarks of a team on the verge of something big.

Another key element in ESPN’s assessment is Texas’ impending full transition into the Southeastern Conference. While some skeptics initially questioned how the Longhorns would fare against SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, recent matchups have proven Texas is ready.

In fact, the Longhorns defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa during the 2024 season, a statement win that altered national perceptions and helped reinforce the idea that Texas isn’t just joining the SEC — they’re ready to thrive in it. Their physicality, recruiting success, and depth across the roster make them a perfect fit for the SEC gauntlet.

With Texas projected as the fastest-rising program in the country, expectations have skyrocketed. Anything short of consistent College Football Playoff appearances over the next two years would now be seen as a letdown. But the foundation is there: elite players, forward-thinking coaches, a strong NIL program, and the fan support to push the Longhorns back into true national prominence.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but for the first time in a long time, Texas fans can look to the future with optimism that feels grounded, not speculative. According to ESPN’s data and analysis, the Longhorns are no longer a team “on the verge” — they are the team that everyone else is chasing.

The Longhorns’ rise isn’t just hype — it’s data-backed and built on sustained growth. ESPN’s label of Texas as the fastest-rising program over the next two years may be bold, but if recent performance and recruiting are any indication, it’s also accurate. The Horns are indeed up — and rising fast.