Texas Basketball: Ranking the Longhorns' 7 Toughest Opponents This Season

In the college basketball world, the Longhorns are usually one of the top squads in the country.

Coach Rick Barnes has been there for years, molding recruits into capable players on and off the court, leading the program to 12 consecutive 20-win seasons. 

With big-time players hailing from UT such as Kevin Durant, DJ Augustin and TJ Ford, Barnes has shown his ability to steal some solid recruits both in and out of state. This season is no different as three freshmen start, but all play like they've been there for years.

A rough start to this year, however, as the Longhorns only have a 10-4 record. Their four losses have come to Oregon State, NC State, UNC, and most recently, in conference play, Iowa State. For the first time in a while, times will be tough on this young Texas team to perform down the stretch.

We take a look at the top seven most-grueling opponents on UT's schedule. 

No. 7 UCLA

UCLA is a household name in college basketball, owning the most NCAA Championships with 11.

They are always one of the toughest squads in the nation and will continue to be for a long time.

This season, the Longhorns have already visited the Bruins and walked away with a victory, 69-59.

They matched up well with UCLA, and even with some young talent on the road, were able to snag a W.

No. 6 Kansas State

Having to take on the Wildcats twice since both reside in the same conference, K-State will first host UT and then visit them later on in the year.

Only seeming to improve under Frank "Crazy-Eyes" Martin, Kansas State is a dangerous squad with a lot to prove.

Conference victories in the Big 12 are never easy, even when you face off against teams like Iowa State and Texas Tech. A secure win is something of a gift, and the Wildcats will be looking for one of those when the Longhorns come to visit. 

A lot of talent combined with some great size is exactly what K-State has, and they know it.

Using the Texas' quickness will be Barnes advantage, forcing turnovers and fast-break points.

No. 5 Texas A&M

As Texas' rival, the Aggies are making what could be their final appearance in Austin this season. A&M's move to the SEC has both universities in a holdout, waiting to see who gives first. 

With two games this season, Texas A&M will first visit for their last time followed by hosting UT. Emotions will be running high in both arenas as these two rivals will fight it out to the death. 

A&M has a lot of experience with tons of speed. Size is the problem for the Aggies, and UT will have a lot of trouble trying to get big on them.

Honestly, talent is Barnes' way of taking down his school's rival, and fortunately for him, he's up to his eyeballs in it. 

No. 4 Kansas

As I've said before, Kansas is all about basketball.

The sport is the state's only true attraction, and when the Jayhawks put on a game, everyone is watching. UT will host KU early on and then have to visit Lawrence for their last conference game of the season.

Kansas is just good all-around. Trying to find a weakness in Bill Self's team is like trying to water in a desert, and Texas will have a rough time in both matchups.

Just considering that a storied program like Kansas ranks in at fourth in this list just gives you an idea of how tough their schedule really is.

A win in either game would be like gold for this young and inexperienced squad. Toppling a giant such as KU could inspire future season or tournament success, and that could be the difference in the Longhorns' year...

No. 3 Missouri

One of the few undefeated teams left, Mizzou is one of two in the Big 12 who still retain that title.

Under first-year head coach Frank Haith, the Tigers have done amazingly well in non-conference play. Texas should provide a challenge, however, for Missouri.

Mizzou hosts the Longhorns early on in the season and then quickly visit Austin just two weeks later. Considered one of the best all-around squads in the country, Missouri has more experience than almost anyone out there. 

Barnes and company would grab a huge boost from knocking off the Tigers, but the likelihood of that is minimalistic.

Look for a great clash here but no magic.

No. 2 UNC

Visiting North Carolina just before Christmas, UT wasn't able to knock off the highly ranked UNC Tar Heels.

As one of the most storied programs nationwide, a win certainly wasn't expected, but a 82-63 loss was a little worse than most thought.

Coach Roy Williams was able to exploit the Longhorns' youth by pressing and pushing the ball up the court. Easily one of the toughest venues Texas will have to visit all year, UNC is a memory most Longhorns would like to forget.

Perhaps, a win against the No. 1 team on this list could help with that.

No. 1 Baylor

The other Big 12 squad who still remains undefeated.

This program has risen from the ashes of despair to really come back strong and take the spotlight. Scott Drew's company are some of the most talented and best coached young players on this side of the Mississippi without a doubt.

Baylor will host the Longhorns in Waco first while later visiting to finish out the year. The Bears are some of the most highly motivated teams in the country and will play like it's their last, every time they step out onto a court. 

Texas' youth will once again hurt them in these matchups. Baylor is strong and has a lot of size, making them more than formidable down in the paint than a lot of other teams in the conference.

Watch out for an upset here, but don't expect any.