Arch Manning, Texas sit atop preseason AP college football poll

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian joins Colin Cowherd to discuss the Longhorns' season opener against Ohio State and how to plan for dynamic WR Jeremiah Smith, who reminds Sark of Julio Jones. He then shares his expectations for Arch Manning vs. the Buckey...

Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns sit atop the first Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll as the rankings were released on Monday.

Manning is entering his first season as the starting quarterback, taking over for Quinn Ewers, who elected to turn pro and enter the NFL Draft. It’s the first time the Longhorns were ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll.

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Texas tight end Jordan Washington (84), coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive back Barryn Sorrell (88) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrate after defeating Arkansas, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)

It’s far from an easy task to be voted as the No. 1 team in the nation and keep that undefeated record all the way through the College Football Playoff. 

For the Longhorns, it will be almost impossible right off the bat. Texas will start its season on Aug. 30 on the road against Ohio State. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 3 in the first poll and enter the 2025 season as the defending national champions. Texas also has Florida and Georgia on its SEC docket this season. The Bulldogs are No. 5 in the poll and the Gators are No. 15.

Penn State was ranked No. 2 in the nation. Drew Allar returns to lead the Nittany Lions under center. Nicholas Singleton will be in the backfield to provide some extra firepower on the ground. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton will lead the charge on the defense.

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