Texas Longhorns' Playoff Exclusion Sparks Controversy

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed his frustration over the team's exclusion from the College Football Playoff after finishing the season with a 9-3 record. Sarkisian argues that the Longhorns are being unfairly punished for losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes in week one, a game he believes should not have impact on their playoff eligibility.

However, critics point out that Texas also suffered two conference losses, including a particularly embarrassing defeat to a Florida Gators team that only won three games against non-FCS opponents this season.

Following the playoff snub, there's been speculation from fans and boosters that Texas should consider canceling its scheduled game with Ohio State in 2026. Sarkisian addressed this during a press conference, stating that while Texas will honor its commitments to Ohio State and Michigan, discussions about future scheduling are warranted.

He noted that the Longhorns need to reassess their non-conference games now that they are part of the Southeastern Conference and will face a nine-game conference schedule. Sarkisian acknowledged that the committee's emphasis on a team's record in recent years necessitates a strategic look at future scheduling.

He expressed excitement for the upcoming games against Ohio State and Michigan but indicated that any non-conference games beyond that are open for discussion. Critics argue that instead of blaming the playoff selection committee, Sarkisian and Texas should take responsibility for their poor performance against inferior teams, which ultimately contributed to their exclusion from playoff contention.

The situation has raised broader questions about the fairness and implications of the playoff selection process in college football.