The College Football Playoff committee has officially placed the Texas Longhorns at No. 7 in the inaugural CFP rankings, a significant recognition that underscores the program’s resilience despite a 5-2 record. While the Longhorns have dropped two games, the committee clearly valued their three signature victories, distinguishing them from other mid-tier contenders. This placement signals that the Big 12’s powerhouse is viewed as a legitimate at-large candidate, even as they navigate a challenging schedule that includes a critical upcoming matchup against an underrated and complete Missouri squad.
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In a notable shift for Texas football, the state’s other major programs have also climbed the ladder, with Texas Tech entering the top 15 at No. 17 and Houston reaching No. 17. For the Cougars, this marks the highest ranking in school history within the CFP framework, highlighting a sustained improvement in their competitive standing. Meanwhile, the top of the table remains dominated by elite programs, with Miami (8-0), Georgia (7-1), Utah (8-0), Indiana (8-1), and Alabama (6-2) occupying the top five spots, setting a high bar for the remaining at-large spots.
The structure of the new 12-team playoff means these rankings will directly determine which teams secure a berth, consisting of four conference champions, seven at-large bids, and the highest-ranked Group of Six team. Currently, Boise State holds the sole Group of Six spot at No. 25, while UTSA (7-1) sits just outside the top 25. As the season progresses, every remaining game will carry immense weight for teams like Texas, Texas Tech, and Houston, who must continue to accumulate wins against quality opponents to solidify their positions in the final committee vote.
Source: Yahoo Sports
