The Texas Longhorns look to begin their 2021 season with a bang against La Lafayette on September 4th. They begin this season after finishing 2020 with a 7-3 record, going 5-3 against opponents from the Big 12. They went on to claim a win at the Alamo Bowl against the Colorado Buffaloes, finishing 19th in the nation.
Fourth-year coach, Tom Herman, will look to improve on their 2020 season this year. Currently, they have the third-best odds to win the Big 12, just behind Iowa State. With a strong offseason and solid recruits, the Longhorns just might have a shot at winning the Big 12. Let’s take a look at what the Longhorns bring to the 2021 season.
2021 Texas Longhorns Futures Betting Odds
Texas Longhorns National Championship Odds: +5000
Texas Longhorns Conference Champion Odds: +600
Texas Longhorns Win Total Odds: Over 8 (+110) Under 8 (-139)
The odds for the Texas Longhorns being a stronger team this year than last year are looking good. They have a great-looking schedule, the only troublesome game being against the Oklahoma Sooners. Not to mention, Tom Herman had a better showing last season than years past. As it stands, you should be more apt to take them to win the Big 12 over Iowa State.
From an odds perspective, the win total is a great bet. Believing that the Longhorns will win less than eight games is ridiculous. It’s shocking to see that they’re actually favored to win less than eight games, considering last season’s performance. There’s a good chance, aside from their game against Oklahoma, the Longhorns have a perfect season.
2021 Texas Longhorns Offseason Grade: B
Key Additions: (RB, Jaydon Blue), (S, Bryan Allen Jr.), (RB Jamarion Miller), (WR, Armani Winfield)
Key Departures: (S, Brandon Jones), (WR, Devin Duvernay), (WR, Collin Johnson)
The Longhorns only had three players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although some might say this is an indication of poor development, we beg to differ. Over the last three drafts, Tom Herman has produced four top-100 picks. The Longhorns had only produced five top-100 picks in the five years prior to Herman taking the helm. Although many thought Herman’s job was on the line early in his stay. It’s clear now, especially after the 8-3 2020 season, that Herman knows what he’s doing. Not only was he able to produce a winning team, but he also built players ready for the NFL. This shows the development of players under Herman’s system.
The biggest loss is Safety Brandon Jones, but the Longhorns did a great job replacing him with Bryan Allen Jr. Unfortunately, they lost both of their best wide receivers to the draft, but Texas was able to remedy that. They did some research and grabbed a highly sought-after prospect at wide receiver in Armani Winfield. After a solid offseason and giving the players time to work with coaches, Texas is set for success. Overall, it was a great recruiting year for the Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns Preview 2021
The Longhorns were able to capture a bowl win last season, and you should expect another great performance in 2021. Under the guidance of Tom Herman, this is a team that could rival the Sooners in the Big 12. They’ve had a strong offseason, secured some star recruits, and developed current players.
The trouble for the Longhorns will be overcoming the Oklahoma Sooners, a team that is known for leading the Big 12. Iowa State claimed the title last year, but the Sooners are looking to bounce back. This year, the dark horse to take the Big 12 is Texas, who Iowa State and Oklahoma are both underestimating.
Texas Longhorns 2021 Futures Best Bets
One bet you should immediately place is the +110 that the Texas Longhorns will have an over 8 win season. Aside from their game against the Oklahoma Sooners, the Longhorns’ schedule is perfect for them. This team has taken some time to build but is now in a prime position to contend in the Big 12. Head Coach Tom Herman has prepared well enough to ensure nine wins at a minimum this year.
If you feel like being a little riskier, the +600 for them to win the Big 12 is a great bet, again based on the schedule. Oklahoma and Iowa State both have tougher schedules and could lose a couple of games, leaving a door open for Texas. With the third-best odds to take the Big 12, don’t hesitate to bet that future, for you might regret it.
Lastly, the big one, the +5000 to win the National Championship odds. Unfortunately, this team isn’t quite ready yet, and there are better options to take here. However, after the 2021 season closes, Texas should be on your radar to take in the following season.