Texas gets an early chance to prove it belongs. A showdown with the No. 2 Buckeyes in the season opener on Aug. 30 in Columbus looms large as a potential defining moment in the Longhorns' pursuit of their first national title in two decades.

Despite consecutive 10-plus win seasons, the Missouri Tigers found themselves outside the US LBM preseason College Football Coaches Poll released on Monday.

Thomas Jones is the University of Texas beat reporter for the Austin American-Statesman covering Texas football, Texas men's basketball, Texas volleyball, Texas softball and other things Bevo. Reach out at [email protected] and follow along at @ThomasJonesAAS.