What's Happening?
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has reignited a rivalry with Texas Tech by criticizing the Red Raiders' non-conference schedule for 2026. Sarkisian's comments, made during an appearance on 'Always College Football with Greg McElroy,' suggested
that Texas Tech's schedule lacks the strength needed to fairly compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). He pointed out that some elite programs, like Texas Tech, have an easier path to the playoffs due to weaker non-conference opponents, such as Abilene Christian, Oregon State, and Sam Houston. Sarkisian emphasized that Texas faces a more challenging schedule, including eight top 20 ranked teams, which complicates their playoff chances. The remarks have sparked a back-and-forth between fans and officials from both schools, with Texas Tech expressing a desire to play Texas in the first game of the season.
Why It's Important?
The debate over non-conference scheduling highlights a broader issue in college football regarding the fairness of playoff selections. Programs with weaker schedules may have an easier path to the CFP, potentially disadvantaging teams like Texas that face tougher opponents. This situation underscores the ongoing discussions about how playoff spots are determined and whether the current system adequately rewards teams based on their strength of schedule. The rivalry between Texas and Texas Tech also reflects the competitive nature of college football, where scheduling decisions can have significant implications for a team's postseason opportunities.
What's Next?
While it remains unlikely that Texas will alter its non-conference schedule to include Texas Tech, the conversation initiated by Sarkisian may influence future scheduling decisions. Both schools and the broader college football community may continue to debate the merits of scheduling tougher opponents versus securing more wins. The outcome of these discussions could impact how teams approach their schedules in the coming years, potentially leading to changes in how playoff qualifications are assessed.
