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Texas Starts No. 4, Faces Ohio State, Eyes SEC Title

8/6/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Texas Longhorns began the 2026 season ranked No. 4 in the USA Today coaches poll, the SEC’s second-highest seed, and sit in the AP top 5.
Their schedule features seven ranked opponents, including four top-10 teams, with only two games at home.
Texas will host preseason No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2.
Analysts project Texas to reach the SEC Championship and chase a playoff berth after acquiring quarterback Arch Manning.

History

Historical Context

In the 2005 season Texas entered the Jan. 4, 2006 Rose Bowl undefeated and defeated USC 41-38, snapping the Trojans’ 34-game streak and delivering Texas its 800th win and first national title since 1969. The game featured Heisman winners Vince Young and Reggie Bush. Now in the SEC, 2026 Longhorns led by Arch Manning open ranked No. 4 with a slate of top-10 foes, recalling that 2005 blueprint.

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Story summary

Texas Longhorns began the 2026 season ranked No. 4 in the USA Today coaches poll, the SEC’s second-highest seed, and sit in the AP top 5.
Their schedule features seven ranked opponents, including four top-10 teams, with only two games at home.
Texas will host preseason No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2.
Analysts project Texas to reach the SEC Championship and chase a playoff berth after acquiring quarterback Arch Manning.

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