Once No. 1, Texas Longhorns Falls Out of Playoffs as A&M and Texas Tech Advance

The Texas football team will not be the frontrunner many anticipated in this year's quest for the national championship—the Texas Longhorns, starting the season with no. 1 ranking and a Heisman contender at quarterback, early defeats and a massive loss in November have dashed their playoff hopes. In an important development, Texas A&M and Texas Tech have both clinched postseason berths, positioning themselves to represent the state in the playoff field.

Texas is scheduled to face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on December 31, a significant drop from the high expectations surrounding quarterback Arch Manning and a seasoned lineup at the beginning of the season. The Longhorns experienced a considerable drop, falling from their top ranking to unranked status in just the first month, following defeats against Ohio State and Florida.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed his disappointment, noting that the team “didn’t meet the standard we set.” However, he highlighted late-season victories against Oklahoma and Texas A&M as indicators of progress.

In a surprising turn of events, Texas A&M, initially forecasted to secure the eighth spot in the SEC, has exceeded expectations and is set to host Miami on December 20 for a first-round playoff matchup. Although the Aggies secured only a single win against a ranked foe, their early triumph over Notre Dame propelled them into the national spotlight. A staff member from A&M remarked this week, “Nobody expected us to be here back in August.”

Texas Tech heads into the playoffs riding high after clinching the Big 12 championship and securing a first-round bye. The Red Raiders are set to compete on New Year’s Day, facing off against the victor of the matchup between Oregon and James Madison. The recent overhaul of Tech's roster has captured national headlines following reports of significant financial investments in player acquisitions.

For fans in the Dallas area—who closely track the football fortunes of Texas and Oklahoma—the postseason landscape presents a surprising twist on expectations. Texas, poised for a national title run, faltered at crucial junctures. A&M and Tech, often underestimated on the national stage, made a significant leap at a critical moment.

The Longhorns are aiming for a solid bowl finish, yet the state's championship aspirations hinge on outcomes in College Station and Lubbock. The outcomes of both playoff games carry significant weight for the conference's reputation and will undoubtedly influence future recruiting efforts throughout Texas.