The Texas Longhorns have once again found themselves in the national spotlight — this time in the offseason, as a major college basketball insider placed the program among the top contenders heading into the 2025-26 season. The ranking comes as validation for head coach Rodney Terry and his staff, who have worked relentlessly since the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign to reshape and reload a roster that fell short of expectations in March but showed tremendous promise.
Following a season filled with flashes of brilliance, inconsistency, and an earlier-than-hoped NCAA Tournament exit, Texas entered the offseason with several pressing questions. Could they rebuild quickly? Would they retain enough core talent? And how would they fare in the competitive transfer portal? One by one, those questions have been answered — and the Longhorns are now being rewarded for it by trusted insiders who closely monitor the sport’s power dynamics year-round.
The rankings in question were compiled by one of the sport’s most respected national analysts, who cited a blend of strong returning talent, elite transfer additions, and program stability as key reasons for Texas’s inclusion. Though offseason rankings are inherently speculative, they often serve as a reliable preview of which programs are best positioned to contend when the season tips off in November. In Texas’s case, the inclusion underscores a broader sense that the Longhorns are not merely surviving the chaotic modern landscape of college basketball — they’re thriving in it.
Perhaps the biggest storyline behind Texas’s offseason momentum is the transfer portal. In an era where roster turnover is the new norm, few programs have used the portal more strategically or effectively than Texas. This spring, Terry and his staff have reeled in some of the top names on the market, including players with proven production at the high-major level. The additions not only fill gaps left by graduating seniors and NBA Draft departures but elevate the overall ceiling of the team.
Among the newcomers, one name that has Longhorn fans buzzing is former Michigan State guard Tre Holloman. Known for his perimeter defense and ability to control tempo, Holloman brings both experience and toughness to the Texas backcourt. His leadership and defensive tenacity will be vital for a team aiming to make a deep tournament run. Alongside Holloman is another high-profile addition: Virginia Tech forward Tyler Nickel, a dynamic scorer who adds shooting depth and frontcourt versatility. The coaching staff has raved about Nickel’s work ethic and ability to stretch the floor — qualities that will fit perfectly into Texas’s offensive scheme.
Complementing the transfers is a strong returning core led by Dillon Mitchell, the former five-star recruit who made notable strides in his sophomore campaign. Mitchell’s decision to return for another season surprised many, but it sends a clear message: he believes Texas is on the cusp of something special. His length, athleticism, and improved shooting touch make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If he takes the next step in his development, he could very well emerge as one of the Big 12’s most impactful players.
Also returning is point guard Chendall Weaver, whose steady presence and improved decision-making gave Texas a spark down the stretch last season. While he may not command headlines like some of his peers, Weaver is the type of glue guy every contending team needs. His chemistry with the new arrivals has reportedly developed quickly, a promising sign for a group still learning to play together.
Perhaps what separates this Texas team from previous versions is the depth. In recent seasons, the Longhorns have leaned heavily on a short rotation, often finding themselves out of gas in high-leverage moments. This year’s squad, however, is deeper across all positions. From athletic wings to versatile bigs, Texas can throw different looks at opponents and stay fresh late into games. That depth will be critical in a Big 12 Conference that remains one of the most grueling in college basketball.
Rodney Terry deserves significant credit for orchestrating the rebuild with such efficiency. When he took over as head coach following Chris Beard’s departure, many questioned whether Terry could sustain Texas’s momentum on the national stage. But after stabilizing the program, winning key recruiting battles, and now earning respect in offseason rankings, Terry appears to have silenced the doubters. He has proven adept not only at Xs and Os but also at navigating the modern recruiting ecosystem, blending traditional scouting with NIL negotiations and portal timing.
Recruiting has also played a role in Texas’s rise. While the Longhorns didn’t land a top-five high school class this cycle, they did bring in a handful of under-the-radar prospects with long-term upside. In particular, freshman forward Jabari Hill has drawn early praise for his high motor and rebounding instincts. Though not expected to start immediately, Hill could earn valuable minutes as the season progresses and become a key contributor by March.
Texas’s offseason work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the analytics community either. Early projections by advanced stat models have the Longhorns ranked inside the top 15, with particular praise for their defensive potential. The additions of Holloman and Nickel are expected to significantly raise the team’s efficiency metrics, especially in transition defense and pick-and-roll coverage. Combined with Mitchell’s ability to protect the rim and switch onto guards, Texas could emerge as one of the stingier defenses in the country.
Still, while offseason rankings are encouraging, the Longhorns know that preseason accolades don’t win games. The program is focused on turning potential into production — a lesson learned from last season’s ups and downs. Inconsistent shooting and lapses in concentration proved costly during Big 12 play, and Terry has emphasized mental toughness throughout summer workouts.
One major area of improvement has been offensive execution late in games. Too often, Texas settled for isolation plays and low-percentage shots with the clock winding down. To combat that, the coaching staff has implemented new late-game sets designed to maximize spacing and put the ball in the hands of their most reliable scorers. Expect a more disciplined, deliberate Texas offense this season — one capable of closing out tight contests against top-tier opponents.
Off the court, the program continues to benefit from robust support and investment. The Moody Center has become a recruiting asset in its own right, with players citing the energy and atmosphere as a major draw. The arena gives Texas one of the best home-court advantages in the country, and if the team meets expectations, it could become a fortress for marquee wins this season.
NIL resources have also helped Texas remain competitive in a landscape where financial backing often determines a program’s ceiling. The Longhorn Foundation and other collectives have ensured that players are compensated fairly and transparently, which has boosted both morale and retention. In a sport where rosters can change overnight, that kind of organizational stability is invaluable.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns face a demanding non-conference schedule that includes matchups with powerhouses like Duke, Arizona, and Purdue. While those early tests will challenge the new-look roster, they also provide an opportunity to build a résumé worthy of a top NCAA Tournament seed. If Texas can emerge from that stretch with confidence and cohesion, they will be well-positioned to chase their first Final Four appearance since 2003.
For now, the mood in Austin is one of cautious optimism. The Longhorns know the journey back to national relevance is far from over, but the steps taken this offseason have clearly put them on the right track. With a balanced roster, elite coaching, and a chip on their shoulder, Texas is shaping up to be a team that no one wants to face come March.
And if the insiders are right — if this ranking is more than just offseason chatter — the Longhorns could be on the verge of something truly special. Not just a rebound. Not just relevance. But a legitimate run toward a national title.
