Texas college football rankings: The Longhorns don't have to simulate being No. 1
· Yahoo Sports
Texas passed its first SEC test with what turned out to be a nail-biting 20-17 win over Tennessee in Knoxville. Texas A&M didn't fare quite as well on the road with a 35-6 loss at LSU but by all accounts behaved better.
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The Chronicle's rankings for the 13 FBS teams in Texas:
1. Texas (4-0) | Last week: 1
You have to wonder about the Longhorns. In the first half against No. 14 Tennessee, edge rusher Colin Simmons was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for "simulating using the restroom" after a sack of Faizon Brandon. Simmons did apologize after the game, and Steve Sarkisian said they addressed it but he wasn't going to give him 'the death penalty' over it. Then, after Texas had escaped with a 20-17 win after allowing a late touchdown and allowing the Volunteers to recover an onside kick and launch a Hail Mary into the end zone, the Longhorns decided to light up cigars in the locker room and share on social media. But hey, the defense did dominate and Arch Manning was on target when he needed to be. So, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.
Colin Simmons was called for an unsportsmanslike conduct penalty after a sack on 3rd down. pic.twitter.com/JO0CH6aeOf
- ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 26, 2026
2. Texas Tech (4-0) | Last week: 2
Austin Romaine became the first FBS player in 13 years to return interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive passes in the Red Raiders 49-14 win over Sam Houston. He was able to celebrate in the end zone with just his hands on hips.
3. Houston (3-1) | Last week: 3
Conner Weigman passed for four touchdowns and ran for two more in a 42-28 win over Georgia Southern. This No. 1 celebrated responsibly after each.
4. SMU (3-1) | Last week: 5
Credit Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee for an honest assessment of the Mustangs, who had to rally from an early 10-point deficit to beat Missouri State 34-24. "The reality of it is, four games in we're 3-1. We're thankful for that, but if just honest, we don't make ourselves hard to beat." Have a cigar, coach.
5. Texas A&M (2-2) | Last week: 4
"We are at rock bottom," A&M quarterback Marcel Reed said after the Aggies 35-6 loss at LSU. We won't drop the Aggies that far but there's not much to celebrate.
6. UTSA (3-1) | Last week: 6
UTSA didn't get $1.7 million to play Colorado State but instead got an early wakeup call in the 11 a.m. start. But after being down 14-0, UTSA won 59-45. It's never too early to celebrate.
7. Baylor (3-1) | Last week: 7
Dave Aranda is now 39-38 in his career at Baylor after the 23-13 win over Colorado. The Bears expect more so no time for victory cigars.
8. TCU (2-2) | Last week: 8
After the Horned Frogs' 21-13 loss to UCF, we're not sure what the Horned Frogs are simulating.
9. Texas State (2-2) | Last week: 9
The Bobcats play their first Pac-12 game next week at San Diego State, also making its Pac-12 debut in the new-look conference. Texas State warmed up with a 63-10 win over Incarnate Word. Party in San Marcos.
10. North Texas (2-2) | Last week: 10
The Mean Green have certainly played an interesting non-conference schedule. From defending national champion Indiana in the opener to Houston Christian from the FCS. The 63-14 win over Houston Christian was a lot easier.
11. Rice (1-3) | Last week: 11
Jacurri Brown had his second 100-yard rushing game in a row for the Owls with 141 yards on 19 carries in a late-night loss to Fresno State. The path to a bowl is getting harder.
12. Sam Houston (1-3) | Last week: 12
In their fourth season of FBS play, the Bearkats have faced two top 25 teams. Last year a 55-0 loss to No. 8 Texas and then Saturday's 49-14 loss to No. 11 Texas Tech. Probably don't want to celebrate that.
13. UTEP (1-3) | Last week: 13
The Miners were the third Texas school to play Oregon State (after UH and Texas Tech beat the Beavers) and the only one to lose.
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