In 2005, the University of Texas Longhorns’ quarterback Vince Young led his team to win the Rose Bowl, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Now, nearly 20 years later, the nationally ranked number three Longhorns, with a record of 9-1, will reclaim their long-lost title.
After years of disappointing seasons, the Longhorns finished their 2023 season with a 12-2 record, losing to the University of Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff. Now, in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference, all eyes are on Texas as playoffs draw near.
“Texas is my pick to win the national championship. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it,” College Gameday host Lee Corso said during Saturday’s broadcast.
Like Corso, many predict Texas has the potential and the momentum to win the national title. Currently ranked first in the SEC, Texas boasts the number one defense in the country.
With key offensive players such as quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Jayden Blue, and wide receiver Matthew Golden, Texas has built a strong foundation. Their aggressive defense has been a deciding factor in many road victories this season, including wins over The University of Michigan Wolverines, Vanderbilt University Commodores, and The University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Texas defense, led by middle linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., defensive end Colin Simmons, and cornerback Jahdae Barron, has held opponents to an average of 249 yards per game, according to Fox Sports. This ranks them as the nation’s top defensive unit.
Despite their success, critics point to Texas’s occasional struggles with executing explosive offensive plays and injuries sustained by Ewers earlier in the season.
According to the website Burnt Orange Nation, Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2021, has fostered a culture of maturity and experience among his teammates. As college football has become increasingly dependent on seasoned leadership, experienced players like Ewers add value to championship aspirations.
In recent years, top quarterbacks such as Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and Oregon’s Bo Nix, have shown how staying an extra year in college before heading to the National Football League can help bolster a team’s strength and title chances.
The 2024 season also introduced significant changes to both the conference structure and playoff format. In previous years, the College Football Playoff selection committee chose the top four teams nationwide. This season, the playoffs have expanded to a 12-team conference-wide bracket, benefitting Texas and other teams within the division.
Four automatic playoff spots will go to the winner of each conference — the SEC, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Twelve, and Big Ten. The remaining eight teams will be selected by a committee based on factors such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, and overall performance throughout the season.
With only one loss in conference, Texas is poised to enter the playoffs either as the SEC champion or as an at-large selection. While many argue Texas has the capability to win the national title, the final outcome will ultimately be decided on the field.
The Longhorns’ 2005 Rose Bowl victory against the University of Southern California Trojans — ending their 25 game winning streak — remains one of college football’s most iconic games. Now, the 2024 Texas team looks to rival the greatness of Vince Young’s team.