For the third time in four seasons, the Texas Longhorns football team is poised to compete for a national championship, a testament to their resurgence as a powerhouse in college football. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have solidified their place among the elite, reaching the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals in 2025, with a chance to claim their fifth national title. This remarkable achievement underscores the program’s storied history and its relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Texas Longhorns, established in 1893, are one of college football’s most historic programs, with four claimed national championships (1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005) and 33 conference titles. Their journey to the 2025 CFP semifinals began with a stellar 2024 season, where they transitioned to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and finished with a 12-2 record, including victories over Clemson and Arizona State in the playoffs. Despite losses to Georgia in the regular season and the SEC Championship, Texas earned a No. 5 seed in the expanded 12-team playoff, showcasing their resilience and depth. Led by junior quarterback Quinn Ewers, who opted to return for another season, the Longhorns have demonstrated offensive firepower and a formidable defense, ranked third nationally in yards per play allowed.
This marks Texas’ second consecutive CFP appearance, following their 2023 debut where they fell to Washington in the Sugar Bowl, 37-31. The 2023 season saw Texas defeat No. 3 Alabama and win the Big 12 Championship, signaling their return to national prominence. The 2024 season built on that momentum, with key wins and a challenging SEC schedule preparing them for high-stakes matchups. Their 2025 semifinal clash against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl is a chance to avenge past near-misses and secure a spot in the national championship game, a feat they last achieved in 2005 with a 41-38 Rose Bowl victory over USC, led by Vince Young’s iconic performance.
Historically, Texas’ national titles have been defined by legendary moments. In 1963, under coach Darrell Royal, the Longhorns went undefeated, defeating Navy 28-6 in the Cotton Bowl. The 1969 “Game of the Century” against Arkansas, attended by President Richard Nixon, saw Texas rally for a 15-14 win, securing the title. In 1970, despite a Cotton Bowl loss to Notre Dame, Texas shared the title with Nebraska and Ohio State. The 2005 championship, however, remains the gold standard, with Young’s 467 yards of total offense etching his name in Longhorn lore.
The 2025 season reflects Texas’ ability to overcome challenges, including a high turnover rate and red-zone struggles. With returning stars like Arch Manning and a bolstered roster via the transfer portal, the Longhorns are early favorites for the 2025 title. As they face Ohio State, Texas carries the weight of tradition and the hope of adding to their 66 all-time national championships across sports, ranking fourth among NCAA programs. Win or lose, the Longhorns’ return to the national stage is a historic milestone, proving that “Texas is back.”
