Texas Longhorns emerge as national title contender amid Nike NIL deals, ESPN FPI projections

Texas has become one of the most discussed programs in college football this offseason, with national title projections, high-profile NIL activity, and a wave of pre-camp scouting notes converging to elevate the Longhorns' profile ahead of the 2026 season.

Early ESPN Football Power Index projections for the 2026 season have drawn attention to Texas's chances, with analysts pointing to the numbers as a basis for optimism in Austin. The Longhorns have also been identified among programs that could realistically compete for a national championship, with observers outlining three specific things Texas would need to accomplish to make a deep playoff run — areas including on-field execution and roster cohesion that the program will look to demonstrate once fall camp opens.

Nike Expands NIL Roster With Longhorns Talent

Off the field, Texas received a notable endorsement boost when Nike signed name, image, and likeness deals with defensive end Colin Simmons and wide receiver Cam Coleman. The brand also extended an NIL agreement to 2028 Texas recruit Neimann Lawrence, signaling long-term investment in the program's pipeline. Simmons, Coleman, and Lawrence join an existing group of Longhorns under the Nike umbrella that includes Dia Bell, Ryan Wingo, and Jonah Williams.

Nike's football roster has always been defined by the athletes who are shaping the game.

— Nike, per Yahoo Sports CFB

The NIL activity underscores the program's recruiting and retention standing as it attempts to return to the College Football Playoff. A detailed offseason breakdown published by On3 Texas catalogued 20 things learned about the Longhorns before fall camp, drawing on credible source opinion and sentiment gathered during the offseason question-and-answer cycle. The report acknowledged that the regular season will ultimately reveal more than offseason reports, but noted that a meaningful body of facts has accumulated around the 2026 roster.

Texas is not alone in generating national championship conversation. Texas A&M was separately named among 16 teams considered capable of winning a title in 2026, with ESPN FPI projections for the Aggies also drawing coverage this week. The parallel attention to both programs reflects the broader competitive landscape of the Southeastern Conference and the expanded playoff format, which has widened the field of legitimate contenders entering the season.