What's Happening?
The Texas Longhorns, once ranked as the number one team in the country before the 2025 college football season, are now projected to miss the college football playoffs. Despite a challenging schedule, the Longhorns have started the season with a 2-1 record and are currently ranked eighth. Analysts had high expectations for quarterback Arch Manning, but his performance has been underwhelming, with a QBR of 49.6, ranking him 88th in the country. The Longhorns face a difficult schedule ahead, including games against Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M. If Texas's only loss is against Georgia, they might still make the playoffs, but further losses could jeopardize their chances.
Why It's Important?
The potential exclusion of the Texas Longhorns from the college football playoffs is significant for several reasons. It would be a major disappointment for the program and head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had high hopes for this season. The Longhorns' performance impacts their reputation and future recruitment prospects, as well as the SEC Conference dynamics. Missing the playoffs could affect the team's financial opportunities, including sponsorships and media coverage. The situation also highlights the pressure on young athletes like Arch Manning to perform at high levels consistently.
What's Next?
The Longhorns must navigate their remaining schedule carefully to secure a playoff spot. Key games against Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M will be crucial in determining their fate. The team needs to address issues such as penalties, third-down conversions, and red zone efficiency to improve their chances. Coach Sarkisian and the coaching staff will likely focus on refining Manning's gameplay and boosting team morale. Stakeholders, including fans and alumni, will be closely watching the team's performance and potential playoff implications.
