What's Happening?
Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian has announced that the team will honor its commitments to play nonconference games against Ohio State in 2026 and Michigan in 2027. However, Sarkisian is reconsidering
the team's future nonconference scheduling strategy due to concerns about the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection criteria, particularly the emphasis on strength of schedule. Despite finishing the season with a 9-3 record, Texas was left out of the CFP, prompting Sarkisian to question whether the committee is adhering to its stated principles. He argued that the Longhorns should not be penalized for scheduling tough opponents like Ohio State, which they lost to 14-7. Sarkisian emphasized the need for the CFP committee to value strength of schedule, as it directly impacts future scheduling decisions.
Why It's Important?
The decision by Texas to potentially alter its nonconference scheduling could have significant implications for college football. If major programs like Texas begin to prioritize easier schedules to improve their playoff chances, it could lead to a shift in how teams approach nonconference games. This change could affect the overall competitiveness and appeal of college football, as marquee matchups between top programs might become less frequent. Additionally, the CFP's criteria and its application are under scrutiny, which could lead to calls for reform in how teams are selected for the playoffs. The outcome of this situation could influence other programs' scheduling decisions and potentially impact the future structure of the CFP.
What's Next?
Texas will continue to monitor the CFP committee's decisions over the next two years to determine if changes to their nonconference scheduling are necessary. Sarkisian has indicated that the team will evaluate whether the committee values quality wins and strength of schedule or simply focuses on win-loss records. This assessment will guide Texas's scheduling strategy beyond 2027. The Longhorns are also preparing to face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, aiming for a third consecutive season with double-digit wins. The outcome of this game and the committee's future decisions will likely influence Texas's approach to scheduling and its efforts to secure a spot in the CFP.
