As we count down 50 days until the start of the 2014 college football season, ESPN Insider Travis Haney is answering at least one big question a day until South Carolina and Texas A&M’s kickoff Aug. 28.

Heisman contenders, breakout freshmen, conference winners -- it will all be covered as part of Insider’s Ultimate Season Preview.

Today’s question: Could the Texas Longhorns be a surprise contender in the Big 12?

It feels a little early to project the Longhorns as a viable threat in Charlie Strong’s first season. But when you start looking around the league, it doesn’t feel all that far-fetched.

Assuming the Oklahoma Sooners and Baylor Bears are the favorites, that next tier is rather open.