The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners announced their move to the SEC three years ago, and now that the transition is official as of July 1st, it’s still hard to believe that it’s happening. Initially, many believed that the Sooners would easily adapt to the SEC, while the Longhorns would face challenges. However, the perception has shifted.
Brent Venables and the Sooners are coming off a 10-3 season but are facing one of the toughest schedules in the country this year. To make matters worse, Heisman Trophy candidate QB Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon Ducks, and new starting quarterback Jackson Arnold struggled in his lone game last year with three interceptions against Arizona.
On the other hand, Texas is thriving with a Big 12 title and a CFP berth under their belt. QB Quinn Ewers will be returning for his third year as a starter and is projected to be a future first-round draft pick. The Longhorns also added standout wide receiver Isaiah Bond from the transfer portal this offseason. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the country, with Texas widely considered a top-five pre-season team this year.
As the first season of the 16-team SEC approaches, CBS Sports ranks Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian at No. 3 in the conference and No. 5 in all of college football. They note that Texas has shown continuous improvement under Sarkisian, culminating in a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. With quarterback Quinn Ewers leading
