Spring practices has wrapped up around the state and most of the transfer portal movement is in the rearview mirror. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football spoke with all 13 FBS head coaches and watched practices across the state throughout April. Here is how we rank the teams heading into the summer. 

1. TEXAS LONGHORNS 

The Horns hand the keys to Arch Manning after consecutive trips to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. They are a combined 25-5 over the last two seasons and enter 2025 as one of the betting favorites to claim the national title. Texas bolstered the roster in the spring portal with tight end Zach Endries, wide receiver Emmett Mosley IV, kicker Mason Shipley, and defensive tackles Maraad Watson and Lavon Johnson. The Week 1 clash against defending champion Ohio State looms. 

2. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS 

The Red Raiders went all-in heading into 2025 with one of the best transfer portal classes and a pair of new, hotshot coordinators. Tech hopes to claim its first conference championship since 1976. Spring additions like defensive end David Bailey and wide receivers Micah Hudson and Roy Alexander added to what must be the most expensive roster in the Big 12. With this must investment and head coach Joey McGuire in Year 4, it is conference title game or bust in Lubbock. The schedule sets up for 10-plus wins. 

3. BAYLOR BEARS 

Baylor won six straight to close the regular season last year as Dave Aranda staved off termination. His Bears return their starting quarterback, running back, top two wide receivers, and four of the five starters along the offensive line. The defense added the C-USA Defensive Player of the Year at linebacker to play next to All-American candidate Keaton Thomas and multiple potential starters along the defensive line and in the secondary. The Bears are legit Big 12 contenders.

4. TEXAS A&M AGGIES 

The Aggies lost their final four games against Power Four competition in Year 1 of the Mike Elko era. The schedule is even tougher in 2025 as Texas A&M bets on quarterback Marcel Reed and a strong offensive line. The rushing attack could be the best in the SEC with Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and Reuben Owens back. Elko believes a second year in the defensive system will help the Wrecking Crew eliminate the big plays that plagued the unit last season.  

5. SMU MUSTANGS 

Quarterback Kevin Jennings returns as the Mustangs try to replicate a Cinderella run to the ACC championship and College Football Playoff in Year 2 as a Power Four program. SMU has won 54 games since 2019, most in Texas. The road to the ACC championship game is tougher with Clemson and Miami on the schedule. The non-conference slate includes Baylor and a trip to TCU. The Ponies must replace running back Brashard Smith and multiple experienced pass catchers on offense, as well as the starting defensive line and linebackers on defense. 

6. TCU HORNED FROGS 

Josh Hoover returns to lead a high-octane offense that hopes to provide more balance in the run game. TCU won six of its last seven in 2024 and are betting on continuity in a world of transfers. The Frogs only added a handful of potential starters through the portal and signed the best high school class in the Big 12. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles enters Year 3 and defensive coordinator Andy Avalos is back for a second season. Don’t be surprised if TCU is a Big 12 contender and smashes preseason expectations, including the spot on this list. 

7. HOUSTON COUGARS 

Willie Fritz’s program hit the reset button after Year 1 while replacing both coordinators and adding over a dozen potential new starters in the transfer portal, including former five-star quarterback Conner Weigman. The defense lost two stars in the secondary after spring practice when safety A.J. Haulcy left for LSU and cornerback Jeremiah Wilson transferred to Florida State. 

8. UTSA ROADRUNNERS 

The Roadrunners could return to conference contention because Owen McCown might be the best quarterback in the AAC and has plenty of help at the skill positions. The Roadrunners lost a lot of experience and production on defense. 

9. NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN

A favorable in-conference schedule that doesn’t include Memphis or Tulane coupled with the hiring of defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity could set up the Mean Green for a run at the AAC crown in Year 3 under Eric Morris. 

10. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS 

G.J. Kinne has led Texas State to eight wins in both seasons in charge of the Bobcats and holds the program’s only two bowl victories. The next step for Texas State is competing for a Sun Belt West crown.  

11. UTEP MINERS 

The Miners have signed the top recruiting class in Conference USA in consecutive cycles to start the Scotty Walden era. The Miners won two of their last three conference games to close 2024 and expect to go bowling in 2025. 

12. RICE OWLS

Rice wanted a new head coach that ran a unique offensive system and held previous experience winning at elite academic institutions. The Owls found just that in Scott Abell, who brings his unique option attack to South Main.  

13. SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS 

Former Bearkat offensive coordinator and Air Raid disciple Phil Longo returns to Huntsville as head coach after K.C. Keeler took the Temple job. Repeating the 10-win season of 2024 is a tough challenge with a new roster.