Being ranked No. 1 means more than just bragging rights. It places Texas squarely in the national spotlight while also setting the Longhorns up as the team everyone wants to beat. This is even more significant as the Longhorns start their second season in the SEC, where every week is a test against elite opponents.

Earlier this month, Archie Manning said that his grandson, Arch Manning, would not declare for the 2026 NFL draft and instead would remain at Texas next year. Arch pushed back against that comment at his media availability on Wednesday.