The Texas Longhorns achieved a significant victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores, winning 34-31 on October 14, 2023. This win not only marked their fourth consecutive triumph but also propelled them up the rankings. In the latest AP Top-25 poll released on October 15, the Longhorns advanced from No. 20 to No. 13. The Coaches Poll mirrored this movement, with Texas climbing from No. 19 to No. 13 as well.
Despite the Longhorns’ impressive performance, the game took an unexpected turn in the fourth quarter. After dominating for most of the match, Texas faced a late surge from Vanderbilt, which scored 21 unanswered points, making the outcome uncertain for Longhorns fans. Consequently, the Commodores fell from No. 9 to No. 15 in the AP Poll and to No. 16 in the Coaches Poll.
Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Longhorns, has successfully guided the team through a challenging schedule, and they now enter their second open week. Following this break, Texas will face a formidable opponent in Georgia, currently ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll after defeating Florida. The Longhorns will also host Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M in upcoming home games.
Texas Longhorns’ Ranking Overview
The latest rankings reflect the competitive nature of college football. In the AP Top-25, Texas is now positioned among elite teams, including Ohio State, Indiana, and Alabama. The full AP rankings are as follows:
1. Ohio State
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Oregon
7. Ole Miss
8. BYU
9. Texas Tech
10. Notre Dame
11. Oklahoma
12. Virginia
13. Texas
14. Louisville
15. Vanderbilt
16. Georgia Tech
17. Utah
18. Miami
19. Missouri
20. USC
21. Michigan
22. Memphis
23. Tennessee
24. Washington
25. Cincinnati
The Coaches Poll provides a similar ranking, emphasizing Texas’s upward trajectory as they continue to gain recognition on the national stage.
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns prepare for their upcoming matches, the anticipation builds not only for the game against Georgia but also for the challenges posed by Arkansas and Texas A&M. With the team riding a four-game winning streak, expectations are high for Texas as they aim to solidify their standing in the national rankings.
In summary, the Texas Longhorns have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, and their recent victory over Vanderbilt has further established them as a force to be reckoned with in college football. The coming weeks will be critical as they seek to maintain their momentum and continue their climb up the rankings.
