The balance of power in Texas college football is shifting, and Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns are now facing a new in-state challenger. The SMU Mustangs, fresh off their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, are no longer just a feel-good underdog story—they’re coming for the Texas football throne. With bold offseason moves, a high-powered offense, and a hunger to dethrone the Longhorns, SMU is making a serious case as the next football powerhouse in the Lone Star State.
For years, Texas football has been synonymous with the Longhorns’ dominance, but SMU has been steadily building a contender. Under head coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs put the country on notice with an 11-1 regular season, an ACC Championship appearance, and a historic College Football Playoff berth in 2024. No longer just a program on the rise, SMU is now a legitimate national competitor.
Their offensive firepower, led by standout quarterback Kevin Jennings, has turned heads across the country. SMU’s fast-paced, electrifying system has torn through defenses, proving that the Mustangs are more than just a passing trend—they’re built to win.
Determined to build on their success, SMU wasted no time making waves in the transfer portal. One of the most significant moves of the offseason was the signing of former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, an ACC Rookie of the Year who reunites with Coach Lashlee in Dallas. His experience and leadership will be critical in keeping the Mustangs in contention for another playoff push.
Recruiting has also seen a massive surge. SMU is now pulling in top-tier talent, competing with Texas and other major programs for elite prospects. The program’s newfound credibility is making it harder for the Longhorns to claim dominance in the state.
While Texas remains the flagship football program in the state, they are entering a season full of uncertainty and transition. The departure of quarterback Quinn Ewers to the NFL Draft means the torch will likely be passed to Arch Manning, one of the most highly anticipated recruits in college football history. While Manning carries immense potential, the pressure of leading a program like Texas will be an entirely new challenge.
With the Longhorns set to join the SEC in 2025, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Sarkisian’s ability to keep Texas at the top of the food chain will be tested, especially with SMU threatening to take a piece of the Texas spotlight.
The landscape of Texas football is changing, and the Longhorns can no longer afford to ignore the Mustangs. With a hungry, high-flying offense, a fearless head coach, and a rapidly growing reputation, SMU is no longer just a Cinderella story—they are a real contender.
Texas must now prove that they are still the undisputed kings of college football in the Lone Star State. But if they slip, SMU is ready to take the throne.
With the 2025 season approaching, the battle for Texas supremacy is heating up. Will Sarkisian’s Longhorns hold their ground, or will the Mustangs charge ahead and claim the Texas football crown? One thing is certain—this fight is just getting started.
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