Dave Campbell’s Texas College Football Rankings Reveal Surprises, Rising Programs, and New Power Shifts Across the Lone Star State
The release of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football college rankings is always a highly anticipated moment each offseason, and 2025 is no different. With college football entrenched in the hearts of Texans from El Paso to Beaumont, and with dozens of programs spanning the FBS, FCS, Division II, and III levels, there’s no shortage of passion, rivalry, or opinion about who truly rules the state. But this year’s rankings have sparked more debate than usual, thanks to unexpected risers, established giants facing questions, and a few dark horses suddenly demanding attention.
At the top of the FBS rankings, there’s little surprise: the Texas Longhorns have claimed the No. 1 spot heading into 2025. Steve Sarkisian’s program is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and is fully embracing life in the SEC. With a loaded roster headlined by quarterback Arch Manning and defensive anchor Jaylan Ford, the Longhorns are stacked with NFL-caliber talent and national title aspirations. But what truly separates Texas from the rest in these rankings is their recruiting success, depth in the trenches, and experienced coaching staff—all vital ingredients in the brutal world of the SEC.
But Texas’ perch at the top wasn’t unchallenged. The Texas A&M Aggies made a strong case for the top spot as well. Under new head coach Mike Elko, the Aggies have seemingly turned the page on the turbulent Jimbo Fisher era. Elko, a defensive-minded coach with prior ties to the program, has instilled discipline and structure—two elements that had gone missing in recent seasons. A&M’s defense is expected to be one of the best in the country, and if the quarterback situation stabilizes, the Aggies could find themselves in the SEC title hunt. For now, they hold firm at No. 2 in Dave Campbell’s rankings.
Coming in at No. 3 is the TCU Horned Frogs, a team that continues to recover and rebuild after their Cinderella run to the national championship game in 2022. Sonny Dykes has kept the Horned Frogs competitive, and their roster features enough returning talent on both sides of the ball to remain a top-tier Big 12 contender. TCU’s offensive identity remains strong, and their recruiting pipeline across the Metroplex has kept them stocked with speed and skill.
Perhaps the most eye-opening spot in the top five belongs to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who landed at No. 4. Joey McGuire’s program has become one of the fastest-rising in the state, with a clear vision, strong NIL backing, and an identity that resonates with fans and recruits alike. Texas Tech’s mix of explosive offense and an increasingly physical defense has them on the radar for a Big 12 title push in 2025, and their fan base is responding with record season ticket sales and rising expectations.
Rounding out the top five is the SMU Mustangs, now officially a member of the ACC. That’s right—Dave Campbell’s rankings reflect the new-look college football landscape, and SMU’s conference upgrade has brought new resources, national exposure, and an uptick in recruiting. Head coach Rhett Lashlee has built a potent offense and has quietly elevated SMU into one of the most competitive Group of Five-to-Power Five transitions in the country. The Mustangs are no longer just a feel-good story—they’re a legitimate contender.
Further down the list, Houston and Baylor found themselves battling for relevance. The Cougars’ first year in the Big 12 was rocky, but there’s optimism that with Dana Holgorsen’s replacement at the helm and a renewed focus on recruiting local talent, Houston can bounce back. Baylor, meanwhile, continues to regress after its Big 12 title run just a few years ago. Dave Aranda is under pressure, and the Bears’ lack of consistency on both sides of the ball has pushed them outside the top five in the state for the first time in years.
UTSA, however, continues to defy expectations. Under Jeff Traylor, the Roadrunners have emerged as a model for how to build a competitive program in a major metro area. Their blend of veteran leadership, aggressive defense, and offensive creativity has kept them not just bowl-eligible, but also nationally respected. While they sit just outside the top five in Dave Campbell’s rankings, many argue that UTSA is the best team in the state not in a Power Five conference—and possibly better than a few that are.
At the FCS level, the rankings once again highlight the dominance of Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin. Despite Sam Houston’s recent move to FBS and their struggles adapting to the higher level of play, they remain respected in the Texas football hierarchy. SFA continues to build under Colby Carthel, with their rivalry against Sam Houston keeping the FCS spotlight alive in Texas.
In Division II, the spotlight shines on Angelo State, a program that has become a powerhouse in the Lone Star Conference. Their dominance in recent seasons has made them a top pick in their division, while schools like Texas A&M–Commerce and West Texas A&M remain competitive forces. Division III isn’t left out either—Mary Hardin-Baylor remains the gold standard, with a national title-caliber team once again returning to Belton this fall.
One of the key themes throughout Dave Campbell’s 2025 rankings is change. The conference realignments, coaching shifts, and new NIL dynamics have all contributed to a shifting power structure. Programs that once sat at the top of the mountain—like Baylor or Houston—are now being challenged by upstarts like UTSA and Texas Tech. Meanwhile, SMU’s rise into the Power Five signals a new era for Dallas football.
The rankings also reflect how talent is spreading more evenly across the state. No longer is success confined to Austin or College Station. Programs from Lubbock to San Antonio to Denton are all building serious rosters, driven by local recruiting, improved facilities, and increasing fan investment. Texas State, for example, has quietly become a program to watch under G.J. Kinne. Their offense has evolved, recruiting has picked up, and the school is making the kind of long-term investments that could pay off in the Sun Belt Conference.
Still, there’s no denying that Texas and Texas A&M are the two flagbearers for the state. Their performances on the national stage—and especially in the SEC—will define how the rest of the country views Texas football in 2025. If both teams make deep postseason runs, it will reaffirm the state’s dominance at the highest level of college football. But if they falter, it opens the door for programs like TCU or Tech to claim the title of “Best in Texas.”
Beyond the rankings themselves, Dave Campbell’s annual release serves as a snapshot of the state’s football health. And if 2025’s edition reveals anything, it’s that the sport in Texas is thriving at every level. Talent is booming. Rivalries are intensifying. And more teams than ever are capable of making noise nationally.
Perhaps most importantly, these rankings remind fans that greatness isn’t just about five-star recruits or flashy facilities. It’s about culture, development, and identity. From blue bloods like Texas to underdogs like UTSA and rising programs like SMU, the Lone Star State is full of teams carving out unique paths to success.
In the end, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football rankings are more than just numbers—they’re a roadmap to another thrilling college football season in the state where football is more than a game. It’s a way of life.
