18. Texas
After Oklahoma, the Big 12 appears to be wide open in the middle of the league. Will the Longhorns emerge as the biggest threat to the Sooners? Or is this team another year away? Coach Tom Herman reeled in a standout class on the early signing period, so help is on the way for a team losing five key players to the NFL Draft. Linebacker Malik Jefferson, punter Michael Dickson, safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Holton Hill and tackle Connor Williams leave big shoes to fill next fall. While the Longhorns averaged only 5.2 yards a play in 2017, the offense should improve next fall. Herman’s team returns two quarterbacks with starting experience (Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger), running back Daniel Young and the team’s top three receiving targets. Finding a replacement for Williams at left tackle and generating overall better play from the line that gave up 34 sacks has to be a priority this offseason. Coordinator Todd Orlando is one of the best defensive minds in college football and should keep the defense playing at a high level despite some key players moving onto the NFL. The schedule also is manageable for Herman’s team. The Longhorns open the year with a neutral-site game against Maryland and have road trips to Kansas State and Oklahoma State on tap. However, USC, TCU, West Virginia and Iowa State all visit Austin next year.
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