Texas Longhorns: The National Titles That Got Away

For the first time in history, the University of Texas is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason poll. That might come as a surprise, especially for a program with such a storied past.

Yes, Texas has finished the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll three times:

• 1963: The Longhorns go undefeated and defeat Heisman winner Roger Staubach and Navy in the Cotton Bowl to claim their first national title.
• 1969: They rally to beat Arkansas in a dramatic No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash, then take down Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl to seal another perfect season.
• 2005: No. 2 Texas stuns No. 1 USC in the Rose Bowl, with Vince Young scoring the winning touchdown on fourth down in one of the greatest college football games ever.

But today, we’re not focusing on those legendary seasons. We’re looking at the four times Texas came painfully close to another national title — only to fall short at the final hurdle.

1970: Streak Snapped, Title Slipped

Fresh off their 1969 championship, Texas extended its winning streak to 30 games heading into the 1970 Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame. A win would have secured back-to-back AP national titles. Instead, the Irish rolled 24-11. Though the coaches poll had crowned Texas before the bowl game, the AP dropped them to No. 3.

1977: A Heisman Season Ends in Heartbreak

In Fred Akers' first year as head coach, Heisman-winning running back Earl Campbell powered Texas to a No. 1 ranking. Once again, it came down to a Cotton Bowl showdown with Notre Dame. And once again, the Irish crushed the Longhorns’ dreams — this time in a 38-10 rout. Texas finished No. 4.

1983: The One That Hurt the Most

Texas went undefeated in the regular season, including a road win over Auburn and Bo Jackson. They entered the 1984 Cotton Bowl needing a win over Georgia and a Nebraska loss in the Orange Bowl to secure the title.

They almost had it. But a fourth-quarter muffed punt by Texas’ Craig Curry handed Georgia a chance — and they capitalized, winning by one point. That night, Miami upset Nebraska. The 'Canes leapfrogged Texas to win their first national title, and the Longhorns slipped to No. 5.

2009: Colt McCoy Goes Down, Hopes Go With Him

Texas returned to the Rose Bowl in a highly anticipated matchup with Alabama. The Longhorns started strong, but on the opening drive, quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a shoulder injury and never returned.

Backup QB Garrett Gilbert was thrust into the spotlight. Texas battled, but couldn’t overcome Alabama’s defense. The Tide won 37-21, claiming Nick Saban’s first title in Tuscaloosa. Texas finished No. 2 — and didn’t return to national relevance for over a decade.

What Will Happen in 2025?

Now, in 2025, Texas opens the season ranked No. 1 for the first time ever. The roster includes star defenders Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill, plus a quarterback with a famous last name: Manning.

But preseason rankings don’t mean much. Going wire-to-wire as No. 1 is rare.

Will Texas finally capitalize on its lofty start? That’s why they play the games.

And that’s what makes college football so thrilling.