The Longhorns made a mini-leap in 2017, winning seven games and securing the program's first bowl win in half a decade. The season wasn't perfect by any means, but a strong finish provided head coach Tom Herman some momentum heading into the offseason. And after adding the nation's No. 3 recruiting class per the 247Sports Composite, expectations have continued to rise on the 40 Acres.
So why are the burnt orange faithful so confident in their squad? Here are five reasons for optimism heading into the 2018 season:
Added experience at QB
Texas was unsettled at the quarterback position for much of 2017, toggling between Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele as each battled myriad injuries.