Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2023-24 season

2. Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns locked up their future by removing the interim tag from head coach Rodney Terry two weeks ago. Terry was exceptional in stepping up after former head coach Chris Beard was let go mid-season following domestic violence allegations, not just preventing the team from spiraling out of control, but elevating the Longhorns into being one of the best teams in the country.

Texas won the Big 12 Tournament and reached the Elite Eight, but it will be losing its two best players, First-Team Big 12 point guard Marcus Carr and conference Sixth Man of the Year Sir’Jabari Rice. This will leave a massive hole in the backcourt, but Terry will count on Tyrese Hunter, Arterio Morris, and former five-star recruit Dillon Mitchell to step up in their absence. The addition of five-star combo guard AJ Johnson should also help, plus Terry figures to land a big name or two in the transfer portal.

Power forward Dylan Disu became an integral part of the team as the year went along, and the Longhorns sorely missed him in their loss to Miami in the Elite Eight. The senior has one year of eligibility left, and if he returns it could help Texas once again challenge for a Big 12 title.

We haven’t even mentioned the other five-star recruit in Texas’ class, power forward Ron Holland. Howard’s enrollment signals that even though Texas is losing a ton of talent, this is a program that now has the ability to restock each year and stay relevant on the national stage. Expect Rodney Terry and Texas to build on their success and be a player for years to come. If Disu returns, they could contend for a national championship.