Texas College Sports: The Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Season
The 2025 college football season is just around the corner, and Texas is buzzing with excitement. With 13 FBS programs, the Lone Star State is home to some of the most talented teams in the country. But which teams will come out on top? Does Texas go into the season ranked No. 1 in the nation because the Longhorns led the nation in final four appearances the last couple of years, or is it simply because of Arch Madness? Can Marcel Reed do what no Texas A&M quarterback has done since Johnny Football? Is Texas Tech building the best team money can buy? Or will SMU reclaim its title?
These are just a few of the questions on everyone’s mind as college football ramps up in Texas. With so many talented teams, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. But one thing is for sure: Texas college sports are going to be exciting this season.
Introduction to Texas College Sports
Texas has a rich history of producing talented football teams, and this season is no exception. From the Longhorns to the Aggies, each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. But what sets Texas apart from other states is the sheer number of FBS programs. With 13 teams, Texas has nearly twice as many programs as California and Florida, and more than Alabama.
So, would the Texas programs at the top of the food chain compete at a higher level nationally if the state had fewer FBS entries, thus funneling more talent to the flagships? Probably. Would the smaller schools be better served competing against lesser competition? Possibly. But one thing is for sure: Texas loves its college football, and the more teams, the merrier.
The Best in Texas Rankings
So, who are the top teams in Texas this season? Here are the inaugural Best in Texas rankings for the 2025 season:
1. Texas
The Longhorns don’t have to beat Ohio State in a rematch of the CFP semifinals to hold this spot, but they need a better showing than what they gave the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. Can Arch Manning ultimately lead Texas where Quinn Ewers couldn’t? Saturday’s dive into the deep end will provide our first clue.
Next game: at Ohio State.
2. Texas A&M
Mike Elko has softened his stance since his frustrations boiled over after the Aggies lost four of their last five games to ruin a hot start. The good news is he continues to recruit well and knows how to fix a defense. If Reed improves as a passer, he won’t be as entertaining as Johnny Manziel, but he might be as effective.
Next game: UTSA.
3. Texas Tech
Behren Morton, one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, is finally healthy, and the Matador Club has expensed the nation’s second-best transfer portal haul. Time to take the next step and win the Big 12.
Next game: Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
4. SMU
The Mustangs were considered the CFP’s Cinderella team before the clock turned midnight, but, the fact is, no Texas school has won more games since 2019. Rhett Lashlee needs to figure out how to get the best from Kevin Jennings in big games.
Next game: East Texas A&M.
5. Baylor
Sonny Dykes likens this team to his national title contender, and why not? Returns nine starters on both sides of the ball. Josh Hoover is another reason the Big 12 will lead the nation in quarterbacks.
Next game: at North Carolina.
6. TCU
Over the last five seasons, Dave Aranda has won 2, 12, 6, 3 and 8 games. The only thing more unpredictable than his team is what he’ll say afterward. Sawyer Robertson gives the Bears a chance on offense.
Next game: Auburn.
7. Houston
Conner Weigman gets a reset with Willie Fritz and the Cougars, in desperate need of an offensive upgrade after finishing next-to-last in FBS in scoring.
Next game: Stephen F. Austin.
8. UTSA
Owen McCown, son of former SMU quarterback Josh McCown, is the second-best reason the Roadrunners will compete for a title in the American. Best reason? Jeff Traylor, who’ll once again trend in coaching searches.
Next game: at Texas A&M.
9. Texas State
In G.J. Kinne’s third season and their last tour of the Sun Belt before jumping to the Pac-12, the Bobcats will try to leave an impression with a roster that may not be as talented.
Next game: Eastern Michigan.
10. North Texas
Eric Morris, who can coach up an offense, is counting on Skyler Cassity to do the same with his defense. A winning record for the first time since 2018 depends on it.
Next game: Lamar.
11. UTEP
Former USC and Boise quarterback Malachi Nelson — the nation’s No. 1 recruit in ’23, four spots ahead of Manning — will give Scotty Waldren’s home-grown talent a dose of star power.
Next game: at Utah State.
12. Rice
The Owls, who haven’t posted a winning season in a decade, are pinning their hopes on a new coach with an option offense. Best of luck.
Next game: at Louisiana.
13. Sam Houston
The Bearkats, who went 10-3 in K.C. Keeler’s last season, are 0-1 after dropping their opener to Western Kentucky and rebuilding from the ground up in more ways than one. They’ll play home games in Houston while Bowers Stadium is under renovation.
Next game: UNLV.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season in Texas is shaping up to be an exciting one, with many talented teams vying for the top spot. From the Longhorns to the Bearkats, each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, one thing is for sure: Texas college sports are going to be thrilling this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which team is ranked No. 1 in the Best in Texas rankings?
A: The Texas Longhorns are ranked No. 1 in the Best in Texas rankings.
Q: Who is the quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies?
A: Marcel Reed is the quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies.
Q: Which team has the most experienced quarterback in college football?
A: The Texas Tech Red Raiders have the most experienced quarterback in college football, Behren Morton.
Q: Which team is considered the Cinderella team of the CFP?
A: The SMU Mustangs were considered the Cinderella team of the CFP before the clock turned midnight.
Q: Who is the head coach of the Houston Cougars?
A: Willie Fritz is the head coach of the Houston Cougars.
Q: Which team has the nation’s No. 1 recruit in ’23?
A: The UTEP Miners have the nation’s No. 1 recruit in ’23, former USC and Boise quarterback Malachi Nelson.
