Texas Longhorns 2026 Football Schedule: Ranking Opponents from Easiest to Hardest
The 2026 football season could be a defining one for the Texas Longhorns. Their schedule? It’s already been called the toughest in the nation.
The Longhorns will have to run a gauntlet of tough opponents if they want to keep their College Football Playoff (CFP) dreams alive. Rematches, historic rivalries, and some brand-new conference foes are all on the slate.
Every game will test Steve Sarkisian’s squad in a different way. Let’s take a closer look at Texas’ 2026 football schedule and see what’s really in store.
Contents
The Importance of the Schedule
A team’s schedule can make or break its shot at the CFP. Last year, Texas had a brutal road slate that ended up crushing their title chances.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech caught a break with a softer schedule and actually made the playoff. So for the Longhorns, 2026 is shaping up to be a real test of both resilience and skill.
Non-Conference Games
Texas kicks things off with two non-conference games worth watching:
- UTSA: The Roadrunners aren’t quite Texas State, but they’re no pushovers either. It should be a competitive start, even if it’s considered a warm-up.
- Ohio State: This is the big one. The Buckeyes come to town to finish their home-and-home series, and they’re expected to be a top team nationally. Texas will have to bring their A-game early.
SEC Matchups
Since joining the SEC, Texas has mixed it up with both old rivals and unfamiliar faces. The 2026 slate keeps that trend going.
Familiar Foes
- Texas A&M: The regular season wraps up in College Station, which is never an easy place to play. The Aggies should be right up there among the SEC’s best.
- Arkansas: The Razorbacks have seen better days, honestly. With the game in Austin, you’d think the Longhorns have the edge.
- Oklahoma: The Red River Showdown—always wild, never predictable. Oklahoma’s getting better under Brent Venables, so circle this one.
New Conference Opponents
There are also a few SEC teams Texas hasn’t faced since joining the league:
- Tennessee: The Volunteers, led by Josh Heupel (remember him from Oklahoma?), should be a handful—especially at Neyland Stadium.
- Missouri: The Tigers have a knack for beating up on weaker teams, but they’re inconsistent against top-tier squads. Still, you can’t sleep on them at home.
- LSU: Baton Rouge at night? That’s a nightmare for just about anyone. Lane Kiffin will have LSU ready for this one, no doubt.
Key Games to Watch
A few games on the schedule just feel bigger than the rest.
Ohio State
This early matchup could set the whole tone for Texas. If they can beat the Buckeyes, their playoff hopes get a serious boost.
Florida
Texas gets a shot at payback after the Gators knocked them out of the CFP last year. It’ll be their first crack at new Florida coach Jon Sumrall, too.
Texas A&M
The finale against the Aggies? That one could decide everything. Texas will need to be sharp if they want to leave College Station with a win.
Conclusion
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a real test for the Texas Longhorns. Their schedule? It’s ranked the toughest in the country, so, yeah, every matchup matters.
There are those non-conference battles, then the SEC rivalries—honestly, it’s a gauntlet. If Texas wants to keep their CFP hopes alive, they’ll have to be sharp all season.
Curious about the full breakdown? You can check out more details on Texas’ 2026 football schedule in the complete article over at Texas 2026 football schedule ranking.
