January 31, 2025

The Texas Longhorns receive an intriguing mark on USA TODAY’s final 2024 season report card.

The Texas Longhorns’ 2024 football season was marked by significant achievements and pivotal moments, culminating in a 13–3 overall record and a 7–1 conference record in their inaugural Southeastern Conference (SEC) season.

Wikipedia

Season Highlights

  • SEC Debut: Transitioning to the SEC, the Longhorns faced formidable opponents and demonstrated resilience, finishing with a commendable 7–1 conference record.
  • Top Ranking: On September 15, Texas achieved the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press poll for the first time since 2008, reflecting national recognition of their performance.
  • Championship Pursuits: The team advanced to the SEC Championship Game but narrowly lost to Georgia with a score of 19–22. They secured a victory in the Peach Bowl against Arizona State (39–31) and proceeded to the Cotton Bowl (CFP Semifinal), where they were defeated by Ohio State (14–28).

Coaching and Leadership

Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, in his fourth year, continued to build upon the program’s foundation, leading the team through a challenging schedule and into the College Football Playoff.

Wikipedia

Player Contributions

The Longhorns benefited from the return of key starters, including quarterback Quinn Ewers and offensive linemen Jake Majors and Kelvin Banks. Their experience and leadership were instrumental in navigating the rigors of SEC competition.

Wikipedia

Season Assessment

While specific details from USA TODAY’s final 2024 season report card are not available in the provided information, the Longhorns’ performance suggests a positive evaluation. Their successful transition into the SEC, attainment of a No. 1 AP ranking, and progression to the College Football Playoff underscore a season of noteworthy accomplishments.

Looking Forward

The 2024 season set a strong precedent for the Texas Longhorns in the SEC. With a solid core of returning players and a coaching staff committed to excellence, the program is poised to build upon this success in the coming years.