Phil Steele explains picking Texas to win the Big 12

Is Texas back? That’s the question going around Austin right now as the Longhorns head into a season where many expect them to win the Big 12 for the first time in almost a decade and a half and fight for a spot in the College Football Playoff as a conference champ.

Those notions are lofty. In the end, though, Phil Steele agrees with them, at least when it comes to the Big 12 title. In his preview of the upcoming season, he sees several stats that suggest that could be the result for Texas. That’s especially so considering how close all five of their losses were with four of them coming against Top-12 teams.

“They finished 8-5 with all five losses by seven or less,” wrote Steele. “A lot of signs are pointing up this year. They had three Net Close Losses, are +19 in All-Conference points returning. And (they) were +72 ypg. in Big 12 play last year.”

Steele thinks the Big 12 gave the Longhorns a “conference gift” with their last schedule before going to the SEC. Even so, their talented roster suggests to him that Texas will reach double-digit wins for the second time in the last 14 years. He also thinks it suggests that they will be winning their program’s 31st conference title.

“The offense is stronger despite losing RB Bijan Robinson. And six of their eight units rank in my Top-15,” continued Steele.

“All nine sets of my power ratings call for double-digit wins (one has 12-0). They are my pick to win the Big 12 and are my number three surprise team!,” stated Steele.

Ahead of Steve Sarkisian’s third season on The 40 Acres, people across the sport think this is the season that will determine whether or not they’re legit or not. After going 5-7 in ’21, they stepped up to a good enough record of 8-5 in ’22. The wonder now is whether or not that’s the place where they plateau or if they have another level that they can still reach.

Still, Steele isn’t alone in seeing Texas as a team that can contend across the board this season. With the numbers he used to back it up, it should only add to the excitement for the Longhorn once the fall officially arrives.