So, you're looking for the current "UT" football ranking. It’s a bit of a trick question, isn't it? Depending on whether you’re wearing Burnt Orange or Power T orange, the answer changes completely. Honestly, the term "UT" is a battleground between Austin and Knoxville. If we are looking at the most recent data from the 2025-2026 season—specifically the final polls hitting the wire this January 2026—both programs have a lot to talk about, though they finished the year in very different neighborhoods.
Let’s be real: ranking a team isn't just about one number. It’s a mess of AP voters, the Coaches Poll, and that high-stakes College Football Playoff (CFP) committee.
Where the Texas Longhorns stand right now
Texas had a rollercoaster. After a huge Citrus Bowl win against Michigan (41–27) on December 31, the Longhorns surged. As of January 17, 2026, the Texas Longhorns are ranked No. 14 in both the AP Poll and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll. They finished with a solid 10–3 record.
It’s kinda wild to think they started the season at No. 1. Seriously. They held that top spot for a minute before a tough loss to Ohio State in late August cooled things off. They hovered in the top 10 for most of the season, stumbling against Georgia and Florida, but Steve Sarkisian’s crew managed to stay relevant. In the final CFP rankings of the season, they landed at No. 13.
Basically, Texas is a top-15 program. They are consistently "back," even if they didn't snag the SEC title this time around.
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Texas 2025-2026 season snapshot
- Final AP Rank: 14
- Final CFP Rank: 13
- Record: 10–3
- Big Win: Defeating Texas A&M 27–17 in the regular-season finale.
The Tennessee Volunteers: A different kind of UT
Now, if you’re asking about the "other" UT, the Tennessee Volunteers, the vibe is a little more "work in progress." The Vols finished the season with an 8–5 record.
If you check the Coaches Poll as of today, Tennessee is ranked No. 23. They barely scraped back into the top 25 after some late-season struggles. The AP voters weren't quite as kind—Tennessee is currently sitting just outside the AP Top 25, though they are receiving a significant number of votes (essentially No. 26 or 27).
Josh Heupel’s offense is still a points machine, averaging over 37 points per game. But man, that defense. Ranking 92nd in points allowed? That’s why they’re sitting at the bottom of the top 25 instead of the top 10. They ended the year on a two-game losing streak, which definitely hurt their standing in the eyes of the committee.
Tennessee 2025-2026 season snapshot
- Final Coaches Rank: 23
- AP Ranking: Receiving Votes (approx. 26th)
- Record: 8–5
- Stat to watch: No. 1 in the nation for 4th down conversion percentage (76.47%). They're gutsy, you’ve gotta give 'em that.
Why what is UT football ranking matters for 2026 recruiting
Rankings aren't just for bragging rights on Twitter. They are the ultimate recruiting tool. And this is where things get interesting for the upcoming 2026 season.
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Right now, Tennessee is actually outperforming Texas in the 2026 recruiting class rankings. On3 and 247Sports have Tennessee's 2026 class ranked at No. 9 nationally. They’ve got 27 commits already, including two 5-star prospects.
Texas is right on their heels at No. 10 for the 2026 cycle. Sarkisian has 23 commits, including three 5-stars like QB Dia Bell. It’s a total arms race. When someone asks "what is UT football ranking," the answer might be "14th on the field, but top 10 in the living room."
Top 2026 recruiting classes (As of Jan 2026)
- USC
- Notre Dame
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Oregon
... - Tennessee
- Texas
Misconceptions about college football rankings
People think these rankings are purely mathematical. They aren't. Especially the AP Poll. It’s a group of 60+ journalists who have their own biases and "eye tests."
You've also got the "SEC bump." Both Texas and Tennessee benefit from playing in the toughest conference. A 3-loss Texas team is almost always going to be ranked higher than a 1-loss team from a Group of Five conference like the Mountain West. Is it fair? Maybe not. But it’s how the system works.
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Also, don't confuse "Standings" with "Rankings." In the SEC standings, Texas finished 6th and Tennessee finished 8th. The rankings (AP/Coaches) take into account the entire body of work, including those non-conference games and bowl performances.
Actionable insights for fans
If you’re trying to keep track of these numbers throughout the month, here is what you need to do.
First, ignore the CFP rankings after the National Championship—they’re basically "dead" until next November. Focus on the AP Final Poll and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll for the definitive end-of-season mark.
Second, if you're looking at the 2026 season outlook, keep your eyes on the "Transfer Portal Rankings." Texas currently has a top-5 portal class for 2026, which will likely push their on-field ranking much higher by the time the preseason polls drop in August.
Lastly, bookmark a composite site like 247Sports or On3. They average out all the different recruiting services so you don't get skewed data from just one source. Whether you're rooting for the Longhorns or the Vols, the "UT" brand is clearly still a powerhouse in the college football landscape.