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.

Texas starts the season ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history and a betting favorite to win the national championship.

Not long ago, Manning's grandfather, Archie Manning, spoke out and said that his grandson would not be taking his talents to the NFL next season. "Arch isn't going to do that," the older Manning said. "He'll be at Texas."