Pete Thamel Names Key Difference That Makes Texas Ready For The SEC

The Texas Longhorns ended their final season in the Big 12 with a conference title, 12 wins, and a trip to the College Football Playoff. Texas and the Oklahoma Sooners officially joined the SEC July 1.

Pete Thamel appeared on ESPN at SEC media days Wednesday to discuss the move from the Texas perspective. He explained that Texas is ready for the SEC due to its commitment to building the offensive and defensive lines during the Steve Sarkisian era.

To support his claim, Thamel mentioned how Texas played the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2021 and lost 40-21. Since then, the Longhorns have continued building their offensive and defensive lines, which is why Thamel was confident Texas could succeed in the SEC.

"If we can hop back in the time machine a little bit to Steve Sarkisian's first season in 2021, they played at Arkansas and got curb-stomped 40-21. It was clear that they needed to upgrade their lines. Obviously, over the years in the SEC, as that conference has separated itself, the offensive and defensive lines have been the difference maker. Entering 2024, Texas returns four starters on the offensive line."

Kelvin Banks Jr., DJ Campbell, Hayden Conner, and Jake Majors are among the returning starters on Texas's offensive line this season.

Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell, Alfred Collins, and Justice Finkley are some of the key returners on the defensive line for Texas.

Texas will begin its first season in the SEC Aug. 31 against the Colorado State Rams. The game will be broadcast at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals Pick For Game Of The Year In SEC