Can Texas make College Football Playoff? Longhorns' chances after Florida loss
Can Texas make College Football Playoff? Longhorns' chances after Florida loss
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAYSat, October 17, 2026 at 7:47 PM UTC
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Texas' hopes of making the College Football Playoff are starting to fade away.
What was supposed to be a big season for the Longhorns is quickly unraveling after they suffered their second straight loss against an unranked team. Texas faced a Florida team starting a backup quarterback and blew a 17-3 lead, again sputtering in the second half as the Gators pulled off the road victory by capitalizing on Texas' mistakes — most notably an Arch Manning fumble at the 2-minute timeout that gave Florida the ball.
REQUIRED READING: Arch Manning stats: How did Texas QB play in collapse vs Florida?
It's the first time Texas has lost back-to-back games since 2021, Steve Sarkisian's first season in Austin.
With the loss, Texas is now 4-2 and 1-2 in conference play, and after looking like a playoff lock, it's not so certain Texas will return to the field following another disappointing outing.
Here's a look at their chances moving forward:
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Can Texas make College Football Playoff after Florida loss?
The season isn't over for Texas, but it's on the brink of ending in failure, if it's judged on making the playoff.
Texas still has a shot at the College Football Playoff, given the fact it still has a remote shot to win the SEC Championship. History shows two-loss SEC teams can make the 12-team field, as well.
However, the margin for error is basically zero from here on out for Steve Sarkisian and Co.
The Longhorns can't afford to lose anymore games if they want to control their fate, as a third loss would mean Texas would need to rely on other teams losing so it can jump them in the rankings when they are released. In summary, Texas needs to end the season winning its last six games — and it's going to be a difficult task.
Texas football remaining schedule
Texas next plays Mississippi and Mississippi State at home before it travels to Missouri and LSU, all currently ranked teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll going into Week 7. It then closes the season with against Arkansas and the rivalry game at Texas A&M.
While still in the hunt, people were quick to say Texas doesn't have the look of a team destined to make the CFP, and should instead wait for the likely 24-team field coming next season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can Texas make College Football Playoff? Longhorns' chances after Florida loss
Source: “AOL Sports”
