One of the final landmarks before the season starts is here: the AP Poll is out. The Longhorns checked in at No. 5 this season, after starting last season as the top team in the country in 2025.
As has been the case with seemingly every ranking, it continued to enforce the idea that Texas is up against one of the toughest schedules in the country. The Longhorns will face off against seven of the Top 25 teams, including five teams in the Top 11.
According to AP Poll, Texas will get its toughest opponent in Week Two, when No. 1 Ohio State comes to Austin. They get just one week before facing another Top 25 team, going to Knoxville, Tennessee to take on the Volunteers.
BREAKING: Preseason College Football AP Poll🚨https://t.co/JL3USE6MnTpic.twitter.com/wImUOmUUg5
— On3 (@On3) August 17, 2026
After a bye in Week Five, they’ll face off against five preseason ranked opponents in the final eight weeks of the season, starting with Red River. The month of November continues to shape up as a very tough road, playing at No. 25 Missouri, at No. 11 LSU and at No. 8 Texas A&M.
Now, outside of Ohio State, none of these are guaranteed to be ranked matchups for Texas. However, I fully expect Texas to race at least six ranked opponents this season. There are seven ranked preseason but that doesn’t include a team like Florida, who many are tabbing to be a “sleeper” this season. Point being, Texas is going to have to navigate at least six ranked games, going at least 4-2, to lock up a CFP spot.
#Texas plays five of the top 11 teams in the country in 2026 —
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) August 17, 2026
#1 Ohio State
#8 Texas A&M
#9 Ole Miss
#10 Oklahoma
#11 LSU
#20 Tennessee
#25 Missouri
Right now, Texas is slated to play two ranked teams in September, two in October and three in November. This season isn’t just about reaching their potential, it’s about playing consistent football week-to-week. That’s been a concern of Steve Sarkisian teams in the past and needs to be a thing of the past this season. It’s going to be a tough path but if the Longhorns can navigate it, they’ll be in the CFP with a real chance at a national championship.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas set to face seven Preseason Top 25 AP teams, five in the Top 11