Big 12 Football Power Rankings | #4 Texas Longhorns

There is no doubt that the Texas Longhorns have questions surrounding the program especially after nearly two decades with Mack Brown. Now, Charlie Strong is taking over and expected to clean up the mess that has been left behind.

#4 Texas Longhorns

2013 Finish | 8-5 (7-2)

Regardless of your opinion toward the program, there is no doubt that Texas continuously pulls in talent on both sides of the ball. Although David Ash has suffered the aftereffects of a concussion, excitement at the quarterback position continues swirling around Tyrone Swoopes. Anything is possible when it comes to a new signal caller as a new offense will be installed this upcoming season.

At the skill positions, the Longhorns return Malcolm Brown, a second all-conference selection, alongside Joe Bergeron and Jonathan Gray. To say that's a stacked backfield may be an understatement as the Longhorns boast the best group of backs in the conference...at least in my opinion. Adding to them, Jaxon Shipley and Kendall Sanders provide proven experience at the receiver position.

All signs currently point to Ash retaining his starting role. But, with spaces to fill on the offensive line, health could once again be the deciding factor on his season.

On the other side of the ball, this is a defense that improved as the season wore on. Possibly the best defensive back on the roster in Quandre Diggs will return for another season. However, shoring up two holes in the secondary due to departures may take some time.

When it comes down to it, the potential sits on the roster for the this team. Question remains, will they be able to stay healthy through conference play?