Sad news: The Texas Longhorns might be losing a host of talent to the upcoming NFL Draft this spring.

The Texas Longhorns will be in the thick of the conversation in the 2024 college football season.

The Texas Longhorns might be losing a host of talent to the upcoming NFL Draft this spring, but according to the pundits, they will still be right in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation.

Texas, football coach Steve Sarkisian agree to 4-year contract extension - Yahoo Sports

In the recent release of their way-to-early pre-spring Top 25, On3 Sports has high hopes for the Longhorns, bringing them in at No. 4 in the nation, and No. 2 in the SEC behind only Georgia.

Among the reasons for the high optimism surrounding coach Steve Sarkisian and his program? First and foremost, their ability to reload their lost talent via the transfer portal.

Said On 3:

The Longhorns did lose a slew of talent to the NFL Draft (defensive linemen T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, playmakers JT Sanders, Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell), but Sarkisian went shopping in the transfer portal, bringing in Alabama tight end Amari Niblack, Alabama wideout Isaiah Bond and Oregon State receiver/returner Silas Bolden.

Texas also shored up its defense with the additions of UTSA pass rusher Trey Moore (14.0 sacks, No. 3 nationally), Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba and Arizona defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea.

Then of course, there is also the fact that the Horns are returning arguably the best quarterback in the SEC in Quinn Ewers, one of the nation’s top running back duos in Jaydon Blue and Cedric Baxter, and an elite offensive line led by future first-round pick Kelvin Banks.

Not to mention, the elite recruiting class that Sarkisian was able to land in the 2024 cycle, which comes complete with multiple players who should see the field early and often next season.

Among those players, are five-star freshmen Colin Simmons, Xavier Filsaime, Ryan Wingo, Kobe Black, and Brandon Baker – each of whom can help bolster positions of need from last season.

Steve Sarkisian describes his offensive evolution and RPO-based attack - Burnt Orange Nation

Combine that with the experienced talent on the roster, as well as the number of elite transfers coming in, and it is no wonder the Horns are one of the favorites to make the SEC Championship game and the CFP.

You can see On3’s full top-25 below (SEC teams in bold):

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Oregon
4. Texas
5. Alabama
6. Ole Miss
7. Notre Dame
8. Michigan
9. Penn State
10. Missouri
11. LSU
12. Utah
13. Oklahoma
14. Kansas State
15. Tennessee
16. Florida State
17. Clemson
18. Miami
19. Oklahoma State
20. Kansas
21. Louisville
22. NC State
23. Texas A&M
24. Arizona
25. SMU

Longhorns’ Steve McMichael Talks ALS Battle Amid Journey to Hall of Fame – Tracker

Keep up to date with all the latest news surrounding the Texas Longhorns and college football.

FEB 11 LONGHORNS LEGEND TALKS ALS BATTLE Texas Longhorns legend and former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Thursday at NFL Honors.

But amid his lengthy journey to Canton, McMichael has been battling ALS since announcing his diagnosis in April 2021.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared an emotional mini-documentary of McMichael detailing his journey with the disease.

Take a look:

FEB 8 STROUD OVER BIJAN Texas Longhorns star and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had a stellar rookie season.

However, it wasn’t enough to earn him the post season honor of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, with Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud taking home the award on Thursday night.

Robinson was up for the award alongside Stroud, Lions standouts Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

FEB 7 SABAN TO GAMEDAY After more than a decade and a half with the Alabama Crimson Tide, legendary head coach Nick Saban is set to join the cast of ESPN’s College Game Day next fall alongside Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso

“ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team,” Saban said in a release. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.” and Pat McAfee.

ESPN has yet to announce his first assignment.

“Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football. He is also an extremely gifted communicator, who will immediately add even more credibility, authority and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said.

FEB 6 LONGHORNS ANNOUNCE STAFF PROMOTIONS The Texas Longhorns are making some changes within their recruiting and player personnel staff.