Brian Kelly Predicts Texas Longhorns as SEC Favorite for the 2026 College Football Season

Former head coach Brian Kelly, now a CBS Sports analyst, has singled out the Texas Longhorns as the team most likely to top the SEC when the 2026 season begins. Kelly argues that the focus on quarterback Arch Manning has shifted, giving Texas a balanced roster capable of competing with the conference’s traditional powerhouses.

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The SEC is described as an “absolute gauntlet,” with several coaching changes shaping the field. Lane Kiffin has taken over at LSU, Pete Golding leads Ole Miss, Kalen DeBoer enters his third year at Alabama, Jon Sumrall heads the Florida Gators, Mike Elko continues at Texas A&M, and Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs remain perennial contenders. These dynamics contribute to the difficulty of forecasting the conference champion.

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Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning, completed his first year as Texas’s starter with 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. The Longhorns finished 10-3 and missed the College Football Playoff. In the offseason, Texas added transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman, receiver Ryan Wingo, offensive tackle Melvin Siani, running back Hollywood Smothers, and defensive lineman Ian Geffrard, bolstering both offense and defense.

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Kelly’s assessment emphasizes that Texas’s “team from top to bottom” is now positioned to challenge the SEC’s elite programs. He notes that if Manning continues his development and becomes more comfortable in his second year as starter, Texas could emerge as the conference’s leading contender.

Newsweek

“Last preseason, all the talk was about Arch Manning. It's less about Arch, and I think that's a good thing. I think Coach Sarkisian has a really good football team from top to bottom. I think if Arch Manning continues his growth and plays to the level that he knows he's capable of — I think in Year 2 he's a lot more comfortable — I think Texas is the team to beat,” — Brian Kelly, former college coach

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