Texas Longhorns Eye College Football Playoff Despite Three Losses

The first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of the season have kicked up a storm of debate about Texas football’s postseason hopes. The committee’s approach this year seems to have shifted, especially when it comes to teams with tough nonconference schedules.

Joel Klatt, on his Joel Klatt Show podcast, made a point that’s got people talking: Texas, even if they finish 9-3, might still have a real shot at the playoff. That’s a big statement and has folks questioning whether the committee is setting a new standard for rewarding teams that take risks outside their league.

Texas Football’s Postseason Prospects

Klatt’s comments have definitely stirred things up. He argued that the committee’s logic this year shows a real change in how they see things.

Texas, sitting at No. 11 in the first CFP rankings, is behind BYU and Ole Miss, but they’re still in the hunt. This seems to suggest the committee is looking at who you play, not just how many wins you rack up.

The Importance of Nonconference Scheduling

Klatt admitted he’d kind of forgotten how much the committee cares about nonconference opponents. He thinks the model actually favors teams like Texas that aren’t afraid to schedule big games, even if they lose a few.

This might push more schools to take on tougher early-season matchups instead of just padding their record with easy wins. Klatt threw out a hypothetical point system: if Texas goes to Ohio State and loses, they’d get five points, but beating Louisiana Monroe at home would net them nothing.

That kind of thinking could totally change how teams plan their schedules. Quality over quantity, right?

Reading the CFP Rankings Through a New Lens

Klatt says you really have to look at this first CFP ranking with fresh eyes. The way the committee is treating Texas shows they respect a tough schedule.

So, a 9-3 Texas team isn’t just alive—they might actually have a good shot at the playoffs. Every game left on Texas’ schedule suddenly matters a lot more.

Upcoming Challenges for Texas

Texas is on a bye right now, but the road only gets tougher from here. Next up: a trip to Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs on November 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC.

That’s a massive game for Texas. Even if they don’t win, a strong showing could boost their playoff case and back up Klatt’s theory about the committee’s priorities.

The Broader Implications for College Football

Klatt’s take isn’t just about Texas. If the committee keeps prioritizing strength of schedule, we could see a real shift in how teams put together their seasons.

More schools might start chasing tough opponents, hoping the committee rewards that ambition. That could mean more interesting, competitive games all season long—who wouldn’t want that?

A New Precedent in CFP Selection

If a three-loss Texas team sneaks into the CFP, that’s a big deal. It would show the committee is willing to reward teams for taking risks and playing the best.

That kind of move could push more programs to follow suit, raising expectations across the board. Honestly, it feels like a more fair way to judge teams—don’t you think?

Teams that go out and face real challenges deserve some credit, even if the record isn’t spotless. It might make the playoff race a little wilder, but maybe that’s exactly what college football needs right now.

The first CFP rankings just dropped, and honestly, it’s shaken up the whole playoff conversation. Joel Klatt thinks Texas, even with a 9-3 record, could still make the cut.

That’s a bit surprising, right? The committee seems to be weighing strength of schedule and those nonconference games more than usual.

Maybe this signals a shift in how teams get evaluated. Texas has Georgia next, and, well, that’s a huge one.

Every game now feels like it matters just a bit more. If you want to dive deeper, check out the full article on SI.com.