The dust from the 2024 college football season and the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has barely settled, but yet, it’s once again time to predict what’s to come in 2025.

Per SEC analyst Paul Finebaum’s imagination, that prediction points towards Texas Longhorns success in the near future, according to Finebaum’s comments earlier this week.

“I would pick Steve Sarkisian,” Finebaum said during a morning show appearance this week, per Inside Texas. “I think he’s probably set up the best of any of those who don’t have a title. We’re still getting used to Ryan Day being a national champion It changes the narrative a little bit, doesn’t it?”

Doesn’t it?

We can only hope.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: March Madness bracketology: Is Texas men’s basketball on the bubble?

Austin American-Statesman: Golden: Tre Johnson could be Texas basketball’s second-beat one and done

Austin American-Statesman: How does Texas look at RB with CJ Baxter back from injury?

Austin American-Statesman: Why Texas athletics set school records for revenue, expenses in 2024

247Sports: Tre Johnson shows when the moment calls for it, he’s capable of going ‘Kevin Durant’ mode

Inside Texas: Offensive storylines at each position after Texas’ first Junior Day

Inside Texas: Ranking the Texas Longhorns’ wins from the 2024 season

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

Recapping the Texas Junior Day weekend

Texas hosted Ohio State transfer DT Hero Kanu over the weekend

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Prosper Top247 OL Zaden Krempin schedules Texas OV and recaps Junior Day visit to Austin

247Sports: Texas continuing to stand high for Temple Top247 EDGE Jamarion Carlton following Junior Day trip to Austin

247Sports: Texas Junior Day Recruiting Notebook: Longhorns make a big move for a ton of top targets

247Sports: Texas remains leader for in-state OT Max Wright following Junior Day visit

247Sports: Two SEC rivals are setting pace for Top247 WR Jabari Mack

Inside Texas: More Texas Longhorns Recruiting: New offer, two new OL targets, two DBs on the radar

SEC SHOWDOWN

Dallas Morning News: Watch: Tramon Mark hits game-winner as Texas completes wild comeback vs. Texas A&M

Inside Texas: Who the Texas Longhorns need to step up for the rest of SEC play

Rock M Nation: Offense position group confidence levels for 2025

Red Cup Rebellion: Here’s an updated look at the SEC basketball standings

Rocky Top Talk: A look at the Tennessee offensive depth chart following the first transfer portal period

Anchor Of Gold: Vanderbilt men’s basketball ranked 24th in new AP Poll

Roll ‘Bama Roll: 2025 Alabama Softball Preview: Who’s who? No, really. Serious question.

A Sea Of Blue: Andrew Carr will play vs. Tennessee; Lamont Butler out

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: 27 Senior Bowl observations from Day 1 at practice for 2025 NFL Draft hopefuls

SB Nation: Amen Thompson doesn’t need a jump shot to be an NBA star for Rockets

SB Nation: Jake Paul vs. Logan Paul is happening and rigged for your pleasure

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Will this actually go down?

Animals at Houston Zoo were treated to a rare frosty treat last week when a snowstorm swept through Texas.

In adorable video footage, an Asian elephant was seen trotting through the snow, while a North American river otter slid across icy terrain.

Nearby, sea lions seemed unbothered by the cold, splashing in their temperature-controlled pool as the snow drifted down around them.

For Houston residents, snowfall is a rare phenomenon. Historical records from the National Weather Service show that Houston has seen snow accumulations of more than an inch on just 11 occasions since 1920. The city’s most significant snowfall occurred in 1895, when 20 inches fell, shutting down the city in a once-in-a-lifetime event.

More recently, Houston experienced a light dusting of snow in February 2021 during a devastating winter storm that paralyzed much of the state.

This year’s snowfall was lighter, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches reported across parts of Southeast Texas, including Jefferson, Orange, and Harris counties.

The National Weather Service had issued blizzard warnings for some regions, cautioning against travel due to whiteout conditions. Schools, highways, and airports were temporarily shut down, disrupting daily life for millions.

Houston Zoo officials shared videos and images of the animals—including those from climates not used to such conditions—enjoying the rare snow day and the entertainment the white stuff provided.

Lions made paw prints, while capybaras were given a pile of snow to examine—and taste.

In a post on its own site, Houston Zoo said: “During the weather event, a group of 66 dedicated staff members stayed at the Zoo to ensure the security of the campus and watched as animals enjoyed the snow in a fun and enriching way.

“Each animal at the Houston Zoo receives specialized care tailored to their species’ needs, ensuring they remain comfortable during colder months. All animal buildings, barns, and night houses are equipped with heaters and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.”

The snow has since melted in Houston and the current forecast predicts no further snowfall for the city, with temperatures now hovering around 44°F (7°C). Rain is expected on January 29 and 30, followed by a return to sunny skies.

This isn’t the first time animals at a zoo have had the chance to enjoy snow. In 2022, zoo animals including bears and wallaby Bennet enjoyed themselves when heavy snow fell in Washington, D.C.