We’re only three weeks into the 2025 college football season, and thus it’s likely an inappropriate time to talk about whether or not the Texas Longhorns are bound for the cusp of the College Football Playoff.
But we’re going to do it anyway.
Apparently, so is ESPN.
From ESPN:
“In the latest top 12 projection, the No. 12 Longhorns would be out of the playoff to make room for projected American champion South Florida. Let that sink in for a minute: The most hyped team in America this preseason is now
projected to watch the playoff from home. ESPN Analytics gives Texas the fourth-best chance to reach the SEC championship game (26%) behind Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama. The Longhorns’ season-opening road loss to Ohio State isn’t the problem — it’s the product on the field. Quarterback Arch Manning has a QBR of 49.6, No. 88 in the country. He completed 44% of his passes against UTEP on Saturday and threw an interception in the end zone. It’s not just Manning. Penalties. Third-down conversions. Red zone efficiency (or lack thereof). ESPN’s FPI projects Texas will win each of its remaining games except the Nov. 15 trip to Georgia. If that comes to fruition, and Texas finishes as a two-loss SEC team without a conference title, the Longhorns will likely be in the selection committee’s top 12. Whether they are seeded in the playoff, though, depends on if they can improve enough to be ranked in the top 10, where there’s no danger of getting knocked out in favor of the fourth- and fifth-highest-ranked conference champions that might be ranked outside of the top 12.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Texas Football Depth Chart: Longhorns reserves hope for chance vs SHSU
Austin American-Statesman: Is Jack Endries the next NFL-bound tight end for the Texas Longhorns?
247Sports: A few more new faces for Texas who could see the field for the first time Saturday against Sam Houston
Inside Texas: Look to Texas special teams to determine the young players on the cusp of more snaps
Inside Texas: Michael Taaffe is one of the best tacklers in the nation in 2025
Inside Texas: Why Colin Simmons’ lack of sacks doesn’t mean a sophomore slump
Inside Texas: Inside the Program: Players back from injury, O-Line spotlight, RB depth check
Inside Texas: They’ll Find You: A few Longhorns are suiting up in the CFL
ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION
No. 2 Texas vs. No. 21 Baylor volleyball preview
WATCH: Texas releases ‘Under the Lone Star’ hype video for Sam Houston game
Reacts Results: Livingstone, Littleton impressing Longhorn Nation early on
Texas Longhorns Offense Under Fire: Arch Manning’s struggles, O-Line issues, and Sam Houston
SEC will reveal conference members’ protected opponents on Tuesday
RECRUITING ROUNDUP
Austin American-Statesman: Texas begins filling class of 2026 with California’s Amalia Holguin
247Sports: Texas head coach Sean Miller talks recruiting: ‘I think we’re in a good place. We’ll see where we land’
247Sports: Four-star big man Darius Ratliff previews Alabama official visit, talks Texas, Arkansas and Creighton
247Sports: Visitor list for Texas-Sam Houston
247Sports: Official visit primer: Arkansas, Duke, Indiana, KU, Maryland, Texas hosting key recruits
Inside Texas: Recruiting Humidor: Texas set to host big names and commitments on Saturday
SEC SHOWDOWN
Dallas Morning News: Watch: Stadium architect Bryan Trubey discusses the Cotton Bowl’s $140 million makeover
Good Bull Hunting: Texas A&M bye week viewing guide
Rock M Nation: Mizzou has an opportunity to seize the respect they deserve
And The Valley Shook: Three very specific predictions for LSU vs. Southeast Louisiana
A Sea Of Blue: Andrija Jelavic details commitment to Kentucky basketball and Mark Pope
WHAT WE’RE READING
SB Nation: Mike McDaniel is the Michael Scott of the NFL
SB Nation: Fever use resilience of ‘special group’ to stun Dream in WNBA playoffs
SB Nation: Tua Tagovioloa’s contract hinders Miami Dolphins beyond 2025
NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND
- For those who are showing up in Austin tomorrow:
