Longhorns Land in Top 15 of Sporting News 2023 Rankings
Even though we are still several months away from the start of college football season there are going to be dozens upon dozens of way-too-early top 25 polls and post-spring practice power rankings.
Where a certain team is ranked in a poll released in May, though, obviously has no impact on how well they do or don't play, and especially not on how many games they win. Despite that, they are still useful as a temperature check on where you sit entering the season.
For the Texas Longhorns the offseason entering year three under coach Steve Sarkisian has been met with arguably the highest expectations to date in his tenure. To some, it is a Big 12 championship appearance or bust.
Those expectations have led to the Longhorns being seen by some as contenders for the College Football Playoff. To Sporting News, though, the Longhorns aren't quite there yet, as they come in ranked No. 15 in their 2023 college football rankings.
"Quinn Ewers settled in at quarterback in spring practice, and that will allow for five-star freshman Arch Manning to develop," Sporting News wrote. "Georgia transfer A.D. Mitchell, Xavier Worthy and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders give Ewers an NFL-caliber receiving corps.
"Freshman linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. pairs well with Jaylen Ford at linebacker. Texas will be the Big 12 favorites in its farewell tour. The Longhorns have five losses of eight points or less each of the last two seasons. Sarkisian needs to change that now."
The talent is undeniably there for the Sarkisian and the Longhorns, with their entire offense returning minus star running back Bijan Robinson and his reliable backup Roschon Johnson.
Yes, losing Robinson and Johnson will hurt but the Longhorns should have the talent to account for it - both in the passing game and from a stable of talented running backs.
Defensively, losing key players such as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and defensive tackles Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo will make life difficult. Just like the offense though the Longhorns have playmakers across the defense to help take another step forward.
On paper, this is a Longhorns roster that should be a serious contender to win the conference and become a dark horse College Football Playoff team. Games aren't played on paper, though, and now they have to go out this fall and win those games on the field.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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