Texas opens the 2026 season ranked No. 4 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, placing the Longhorns behind Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia.
Texas received two first-place votes in the poll released Tuesday. The ranking gives Steve Sarkisian’s team an early measure of respect, but also adds to the expectations that come with a roster built to contend.
The Longhorns finished last season 10-3 and enter this year looking to turn preseason recognition into results. Texas will have a chance to test that standing early with a demanding schedule and several opportunities to strengthen its résumé.
For Texas, the No. 4 ranking is a starting point, not a finish line. The Longhorns have the talent to stay in the national conversation, but the games ahead will determine whether this team lives up to the billing.
Steve Sarkisian’s team opens up play against Texas State on September 5th against Texas State in Austin.
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