# LIVE: You’re Not Playing at Texas — You’re Playing FOR Texas | Why the 2026 Longhorns Feel Different

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/on-texas-football-4354167/live-you-re-not-playing-at-texas-you-re-playing-for-texas-why-the-2026-longhorns-feel-different
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/on-texas-football-4354167/live-you-re-not-playing-at-texas-you-re-playing-for-texas-why-the-2026-longhorns-feel-different.md
Podcast: [On Texas Football](https://stenobird.com/podcast/on-texas-football-4354167)
Published: 2026-07-24T21:55:31+00:00
Episode link: https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/
Audio file: https://claritaspod.com/measure/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/441/injector.simplecastaudio.com/985468fe-1f6f-430c-8eb4-17f8ca8c6046/episodes/a1bd8d80-a3e2-426b-8e34-cc6d51d21fb3/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=985468fe-1f6f-430c-8eb4-17f8ca8c6046&awEpisodeId=a1bd8d80-a3e2-426b-8e34-cc6d51d21fb3&feed=oflDcJp_
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/on-texas-football-4354167/episodes/live-you-re-not-playing-at-texas-you-re-playing-for-texas-why-the-2026-longhorns-feel-different
Duration seconds: 3167

## Resource

Rod Babers and Jeff Howe react to the SEC preseason poll and debate where Texas truly belongs in the conference hierarchy. Is Georgia still in a tier by itself, or does Steve Sarkisian finally have the roster capable of overtaking Kirby Smart? The guys break down the strengths and potential “tragic flaws” of the SEC’s top contenders, including Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss and an improving Florida program that could ruin another contender’s season. The conversation also examines the growth of Arch Manning and Colin Simmons as leaders, Texas’ plan to correct its costly penalty problem and the offensive-line adjustments that could determine whether the running game improves. Plus, Rod and Jeff discuss John Meredith’s reclassification, how the five-star cornerback could contribute on special teams, the importance of Texas’ new assistant coaches and whether any future national championship could ever surpass the unforgettable 2005 title team.

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## Transcript

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