Longhorns vs. Owls Week 1: How to Watch, Betting Odds

The Longhorns kick off the 2023 campaign against Rice in their final year as members of the Big 12

Author:
Cole Thompson
Aug 31, 2023 8:33 PM EDT

In this story:

Year 1 was about building a culture. Year 2 was meant to establish an identity. So what happens in Year 3 for Steve Sarkisian with Texas football?

Fans are about to find out Saturday when the No. 11 Longhorns open the season at home against Rice.

There are high expectations on the Forty Acres for Texas under Sarkisian —locally and nationally. The Longhorns are favored to win the Big 12 in their final years as members for the first time since 2009. They're no longer a dark horse to make the College Football Playoff but rather a fan and voter favorite.

There's consistency on offense. Quinn Ewers returns at quarterback for his sophomore season and is looking to build off his Big 12 Newcomer of the Year status. There's talent everywhere in the receiving corps, including preseason first-team All-Big 12 receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. Not to mention, the Longhorns return all five starting offensive linemen and have quality depth led by Kyle Flood.

Texas last faced Rice in 2021 and dominated its way to a 58-0 win. What is the difference this time around? Quarterback. Former five-star passer JT Daniels is on his fourth team in six seasons, but has been a consistent option under center when healthy.

Daniels, who began his career at USC, makes his third start at DKR since 2018. As a freshman, he went 30-for-48 for 322 yards and an interception in a 37-14 loss. Last season while starting for West Virginia, Daniels finished 29-for-48 for 253 yards with a touchdown in a 38-20 defeat.

The Longhorns have won their last four season openers dating back to 2019. In Week 2, national eyes will be set on Tuscaloosa, Ala., when Texas travels to Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on Nick Saban and the No. 4 Crimson Tide.