People keep saying turnover margin is random luck and you just have to hope the bounces go your way. That's lazy analysis. Texas Longhorns ranked 14th nationally in turnover margin last season at plus-9 and they did it with a formula that travels. The defense generated 23 takeaways, which was 8th in the FBS, and that was with losing multiple early-round draft picks to the NFL. But here's where the real story lives: the Longhorns offense only turned it over 14 times despite running over 950 plays. That's a 1.5% turnover rate, which is elite by any standard.
Calling it now: Texas finishes top 5 nationally in turnover margin again in 2026. The portal additions to the secondary give them more ballhawking options on the back end, and the offensive system is built around high-percentage throws and smart decision-making. The new QB under center might not have the same raw arm talent as last year's starter, but the scheme protects him from forcing balls into coverage. When you combine a de...