My son is in about the same boat as you and we are also from TX. He is sitting at top 11% of his class so that kicks out UT. We visited A&M and were very impressed BUT it is a very competitive program - I’m almost afraid to send him there and then after a year if he doesn’t have top grades he may not get into Chemical. (he’d be auto admit top 25%plus scores) We are also about to visit Texas Tech and he will probably also apply to U of Houston. His top choice at this point is U of Arkansas. With his grades he will pay almost instate rates. He would be in the Honors College. My Hubby graduated from Arkansas w/ChemE degree and is now in management in the oil and gas industry. When Hubby looks to hire new kids out of school that list of top schools does not even come into play.
Look at what is affordable and work hard wherever you end up and you will be fine.