Being ranked No. 1 means more than just bragging rights. It places Texas squarely in the national spotlight while also setting the Longhorns up as the team everyone wants to beat. This is even more significant as the Longhorns start their second season in the SEC, where every week is a test against elite opponents.

Arch Manning puts it simply: "I think for greatness you have to be a leader and you have to win games. And so I'm going to try to do both."