Fansided

College Football Rankings: FanSided preseason Top 25

By Andrew Hammond

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 25: Texas Longhorn QB Shane Buechele (7) passes during NCAA game featuring the Texas Longhorns and the TCU Horned Frogs on November 25, 2016 at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the Texas Longhorns 31 – 9. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 25: Texas Longhorn QB Shane Buechele (7) passes during NCAA game featuring the Texas Longhorns and the TCU Horned Frogs on November 25, 2016 at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the Texas Longhorns 31 – 9. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Texas Longhorns 5-7

I will not make the claim to say Texas is back like ESPN’s Joe Tessitore did following the season opening win vs. Notre Dame last September. However, the claims of the Longhorns returning to their seat among the heavyweights in college football are not far off. In 2016, Texas was decent on defense and less than decent on offense. With 10 starters returning on defense, Tom Herman will accept nothing less than decent if the Horns want to be highly ranked in during the season, not just in recruiting.

The strength of any Texas football team, ever since the days of Mack Brown has been at quarterback. In 2017, Herman will have to decide between the incumbent Shane Buechele against highly touted freshman Sam Ehlinger. It will be something to watch as Buechele will look to gain more consistency in 2017. Even though he scored 21 touchdowns last season, he was inconsistent at times which resulted in 11 interceptions. It’s possible that Buechele can flourish in Herman’s offense, not only is it possible but it’s necessary. If Ehlinger has to take over we may see Texas take a step back in the Big 12 for yet another season.

What makes a team like Texas come off as a contender is that there is potential, from both sides of the ball. There have been too many times, especially during the Strong era where Texas would come up short or fall flat at a certain time during the season. Herman demands that you show maximum effort each and every game so the days of pushing around the Horns may be long gone.