The book on the 2020 season is now officially closed with Alabama winning the national championship on Monday night. Regardless, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the future of Texas football, and that starts right here.
The state is getting a makeover in 2021 with several of the state’s most recognizable quarterbacks gone and a new face at the state’s flagship program. However, the new generation of stars is ready to take over.
This is not a lookback to credit a job well done. The slate is wiped clean. This ranking is only based on what we believe each team in this state can – and will – accomplish in 2021.
That said, there’s still plenty of moving parts. One program still has several players who could opt to return for another senior season. Another is stockpiling transfers and the market has not dried up. Plus, the NCAA could pass a one-time transfer waiver and make things even crazier.
Here is our way-too-early ranking of the FBS programs in Texas for 2021. Please note, teams are ranked relative to competition.
12. UTEP Miners
2020 Record: 3-8
Key Returners: DL Praise Amaewhule, RB Deion Hankins, WR Jacob Cowing
Key Losses: DB Dy'Vonne Inyang, DB Broderick Harrell
UTEP finally looked on the path to growth in 2020. The offense took a new shape with QB Gavin Hardison and receiver Jacob Cowing grew into a real difference maker. The Miners won multiple games for the first time in four years.
And then, UTEP coach Dana Dimel announced that both coordinators will not return.
To be clear, major strides have happened in the Dimel era, but the Miners unquestionably have the most questions heading into 2021. What systems will they run? Will the development continue? There’s so many unknowns for a team that’s probably not talented enough to assume improvement.
11. North Texas Mean Green
2020 Record:
Key Returners: OL Jacob Brammer, LB KD Davis, RB Oscar Adaway III
Key Losses: WR Jaelon Darden
For the second offseason in a row, North Texas is in the market for a defensive coordinator. By any measure, the Mean Green were among the worst in the country on that side of the ball.
In some ways though, the offense is even more concerning. Seth Littrell's knack for working with quarterbacks did not pay off as the starters combined to complete just 54 percent of their passes. With Jaelon Darden off to the NFL, things won't get any easier.
Littrell is a good coach and has built a solid foundation at North Texas. However, his last two teams have been unequivocal disappointments. Littrell has to turn the tide in 2021.
10. Texas State Bobcats
2020 Record: 2-10, 2-6 Sun Belt
Key Returners: QB Brady McBride, WR Marcell Barbee, DL Nico Ezidore
Key Losses: LB Hal Vinson, WR Jah’Marae Sheread, WR Jeremiah Haydel
If Jake Spavital was hoping for a quick turnaround at Texas State, the 2020 season was a dose of reality. After some legitimately encouraging performances early in the year, the Bobcats fell to worst in the state.
Now, Spavital has turned to the transfer wire, adding eight FBS transfers, an FCS All-American and JUCO – and no high schoolers. It’s a daring move to sell out and try to compete instantly.
Thankfully, the schedule is much more manageable in 2021 with FIU, UIW and Eastern Michigan on the docket. The Bobcats also get South Alabama, ULM and Troy at home. There’s upside for these Bobcats, and they need to find it quickly.