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.

As revealed by Wickersham, then Alabama defensive coordinator and current Ole Miss coordinator Pete Golding attempted to prevent Manning from going to Texas by bringing up head coach Steve Sarkisian’s previous battle with alcoholism, which cost him his job at USC.

Texas tops the preseason Top 25 with Arch Manning, but Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are close, putting pressure on the Longhorns to prove they belong.

A cold remark made by a former Nick Saban assistant regarding Steve Sarkisian didn't help Alabama's case in its recruitment of Arch Manning.