In the summer of 2021, it was announced that the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners would be joining the SEC starting in the 2025 season. However, in February of 2023, it was announced that this move would be happening prior to the 2024 fall season.
The Southeastern Conference has some of the biggest names and talents in college football, such as University of Alabama and Georgia. This means that UT will face more competition for the 24-25 season than in the Big 12 last year, increasing the pressure on the Longhorns’ football season. UT’s success in their first SEC season will depend on their ability to compete in the trenches, as the conference is known for its physical style of play. Even with this pressure, the Longhorns are still expected to play well due to the top-tier recruiting class. Even with the loss of players like Xavier Worthy (wide receiver), Jonathan Brooks (running back), and T’Vondre Sweat (defensive tackle) to the NFL draft, the Horn’s offense and defense are not expected to falter. Last season, they barely missed the mark to go to the National Championship, and fans are hoping for an even better ending this year.
In their first season in the SEC, Texas is likely to face a steep learning curve. The Longhorns will be playing against some of the best teams in the country on a weekly basis, and success in their inaugural season will likely be measured by their ability to be competitive in these matchups, rather than by a specific win-loss record. A realistic expectation for Texas would be to secure a winning season and potentially challenge for a top spot in the conference, but immediate domination is unlikely given the strength of the SEC.
The Longhorns’ first game of the season took place on August 31st against the Colorado State Rams. Texas was predicted to take home the first win of the season and dominated the game, proving that they are, indeed, back. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw three touchdown passes, showcasing a strong arm that will lead the offense this season. The Longhorns’ defense was unstoppable, keeping the Rams from putting points on the board, leading to a final score of 52-0. The score margin was so big that Steve Sarkisian put in backup quarterback, Arch Manning, in the third quarter. Manning proved successful, throwing his first touchdown. Quinn Ewers’s performance entered him into the Heisman conversation, starting the season off strong and throwing for 248 yards.
In the game following Colorado State, Texas played the University of Michigan. With Michigan winning the National Championship for the 2023-2024 season, the stakes were high, but Texas showed out, beating the Wolverines 31-12 in Ann Arbor. The Longhorns play UTSA this coming Saturday, September 14th.