The Texas Longhorns would officially be in the College Football Playoffs if they started today, according to the Selection Committee's updated CFP rankings. Though the 2025 season started rough for Steve Sarkisian and Co., Texas now looks like a dangerous team as we advance towards the postseason.
If they're also able to defeat No.5 Georgia and No.3 Texas A&M over the next few weeks, it could potentially vault them into a top-four spot and a first-round bye. Even if they only beat one of those two teams, the Longhorns could be an incredibly high-octane dark horse heading into the playoffs based on several factors.
The offense has looked much better as of late.
Arch Manning and Texas' offensive line have been improving each and every week throughout the season, and it's not outlandish to think that this can be sustained going forward. The Longhorns have been consistently able to move the ball against everyone over the past four games, and they may be able to continue doing so against a surprisingly underwhelming Georgia defense this weekend.
One of the most impactful adjustments that the team made along the offensive line was moving Cole Hutson to left guard and keeping Connor Robertson at center. This undoubtedly made a huge difference up front, and the interior finally looks to have been "fixed".
Texas' defense is still elite.
There's honestly not much to say here. The Longhorns' defense led by Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill Jr., and Michael Taaffe continues to be one of the best in all of college football.
The craziest thing about it is that they've actually been banged up on the defensive side of the ball over the past few games, and now they appear to be at full health heading into week 12. Both starting safeties, Taaffe and Jelani McDonald, should be back and ready to go against Georgia.
Any offensive unit should be nervous to face Pete Kwiatkowski's defense this year.
Steve Sarkisian has coached on the biggest stages in all of football.
One of the most underrated traits of a good football team is the history and experience that a head coach has. Steve Sarkisian has coached on the biggest stages, from taking Texas deep into the College Football Playoffs to guiding Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons' offense to double-digit wins and one of their best seasons in team history.
Sarkisian knows how to be successful on offense, and Pete Kwiatkowski obviously knows how to be successful on defense. Both of these guys head an incredible group of assistant coaches as well. Texas having one of the most tenured and talented coaching units in the league will definitely play a key role in taking the Longhorns to the "promised land" if they get the opportunity.