One analyst is ingesting the Texas Longhorns‘ Kool-Assist.
On Monday, Texas formally moved from the Huge 12 to the Southeastern Convention. Although the Longhorns will face much better competitors this upcoming season, Fox Sports activities’ Joel Klatt believes they’re going to excel instantly.
“[The Longhorns] rank second [in the SEC]. Simply second,” Klatt mentioned on “The Subsequent Spherical” podcast. “I do not know if there is a shut third truly. The highest two groups [Georgia and Texas] are literally far superior than anyone else.”
Klatt’s declare is a bit shocking, contemplating the SEC is stacked with powerhouse applications comparable to Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach placed the Rebels (No. 6), Crimson Tide (No. 7) and Tigers (No. 14) in his post-spring high 25 rankings.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban — who gained six nationwide titles in 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa — retired in January, however Alabama in all probability will not backtrack beneath his alternative, Kalen DeBoer. ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index provides it a 57.2 percent chance to make the Faculty Soccer Playoff for a 3rd straight season.
Nonetheless, Texas — coming off of a Faculty Soccer Playoff journey — has a number of starters returning, together with quarterback Quinn Ewers, offensive deal with Kelvin Banks Jr. and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
The Longhorns additionally restocked their roster by each the switch portal and conventional recruiting. On3 ranks their switch portal and recruiting class No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.
Solely time will inform whether or not the Longhorns snap their 19-year nationwide title drought. Regardless, it is clear they should not be a pushover of their first season within the SEC. As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook provides Texas the convention’s second-best title odds (+320) behind Georgia (+200).