Texas Longhorns and Penn State Nittany Lions Clash in a Nail-Biting 5-Point Preseason AP Top 25 Showdown—Who Will Surge Ahead?

Penn State and Texas both lost in the college football payoff semifinal. The Horns lost to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl and the Nittany Lions lost to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Both teams return a lot of veterans. Penn State’s QB Drew Allar returns to Happy Valley for his senior year, while Texas is breaking in new QB Arch Manning.

It’s been nearly three decades since the AP Preseason Top 25 saw a showdown this tight — and here we are, with Texas nabbing the national No. 1 spot by the slimmest margin ever against Penn State. Just five points separated these titans, signaling a season ripe with drama and anticipation. Both teams, fresh off semifinal heartbreaks, are geared up to rewrite their stories — with Penn State’s seasoned QB Drew Allar leading the charge back in Happy Valley, while Texas rolls out their promising new QB, Arch Manning. Coaches Steve Sarkisian and James Franklin, two of college football’s finest strategists still chasing that elusive national title, add another layer of intrigue. As Penn State opens against Nevada and Texas takes on a formidable No. 3 Ohio State squad, the stage is set for a thrilling kickoff to the season. Curious for more insider insights? LEARN MOREBoth Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Penn State’s James Franklin are considered two of the best coaches in college football that have never won the national title.

Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.In the closest race since 1998, Texas is the No. 1 team in the nation in the AP Preseason Top 25 poll. The Longhorns beat out the Penn State Nittany Lions for the top spot by a mere five points, the closest the voting between the top two teams has been in 27 years.

Penn State opens against Nevada on Aug. 30, while Texas travels to No. 3 Ohio State on the same day.