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Texas Longhorns Eye 2026 Playoff, Arch Manning Shines

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Texas Longhorns are projected for the 2026 College Football Playoff, potentially facing Ohio State in the first round.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's team finished the 2025 season 7-1 in their last eight games.
Arch Manning earned a spot on the Davey O’Brien Awards Postseason Great 8 for Citrus Bowl against Michigan.
Texas A&M Aggies, under coach Mike Elko, aim for success after historic 2025 season despite losing key coordinators.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) replaced the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to create a more inclusive postseason format for NCAA Division I FBS football. The inaugural CFP featured four teams selected by a 13-member committee, addressing criticisms of the BCS's limited access. In 2023, the CFP announced an expansion to 12 teams, set to begin in 2024, further reshaping college football's competitive landscape.

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Story summary

The Texas Longhorns are projected for the 2026 College Football Playoff, potentially facing Ohio State in the first round.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's team finished the 2025 season 7-1 in their last eight games.
Arch Manning earned a spot on the Davey O’Brien Awards Postseason Great 8 for Citrus Bowl against Michigan.
Texas A&M Aggies, under coach Mike Elko, aim for success after historic 2025 season despite losing key coordinators.

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