Texas A&M Win Unlikely to Boost Longhorns’ Playoff Chances

Austin’s Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium witnessed a memorable clash as the Texas Longhorns secured a 27–17 win against No. 3 Texas A&M. This victory not only raised the spirits of the Longhorns’ fans but also highlighted their journey from a promising start to a challenging season. With this win, Texas completed the regular season with an impressive record, bringing their season total to 9–3.

Playoff Picture Shift

The College Football Playoff selection committee’s approach has evolved significantly this year. In 2025, the committee has focused on minimizing the importance of losses. This shift emphasizes that teams can lose opportunities based on underperformance against lesser opponents. As a result, Texas A&M entered the matchup against Texas with a seemingly secure playoff spot due to its previous accolades.

Longhorns’ Competitive Edge

Despite their three losses this season, Texas still believes in its playoff potential. Head coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the team’s capabilities, citing their unique achievement of defeating three Top 10-ranked teams during the regular season. Notably, the Longhorns triumphed over Oklahoma, a team currently ranked eighth in the playoff standings.

• Key Victories:
  • Texas defeated Oklahoma (Ranked No. 8)
  • Texas beat Vanderbilt, a strong playoff contender
  • Texas A&M, an undefeated team prior to facing Texas
• Notable Stats:
  • Longhorns ended the season at 9–3
  • Defeated three Top 10 teams
  • Sarkisian’s first win against Texas A&M since taking charge

Texas’s performance against Texas A&M included limiting them to a mere ten points through three quarters. The Longhorn defense was pivotal, forcing turnovers and preventing momentum shifts. Quarterback Arch Manning concluded the game strong, completing six of his last seven passes, including a crucial game-sealing touchdown run, showcasing the team’s resilience.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Although the Longhorns’ victory solidified a commendable end to their season, the road ahead remains uncertain. The committee will evaluate Texas among other contenders, including potential rivals like Alabama and Notre Dame. Sarkisian maintains that their performance against top-ranked teams should be acknowledged rather than penalized.

As the Longhorns await the committee’s decision, they hope their recent performance has positioned them favorably for playoff contention. The narrative around their losses points to the potential for growth and success in the future, further complicating this year’s playoff discussion.

In the ongoing evolution of college football’s postseason, Texas aims to carve its path, establishing itself as a formidable program capable of overcoming past adversities.