The College Football Playoff Selection Committee dropped its second-to-last rankings last night, and barring some serious last-minute chaos, it looks like Texas is headed to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to face Michigan on December 31 in Orlando.
Now, let’s be real-this isn’t what Texas fans had in mind back in August. The Longhorns came into the season riding high, ranked No. 1 in the country, and carrying the weight of championship expectations.
The goal wasn’t just to make the playoff-it was to win the whole thing. So seeing Texas outside the top 12 in early December?
That stings.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this season didn’t unfold the way Texas hoped. A couple of key losses and some unfortunate breaks along the way have knocked the Longhorns off the playoff path. And unless the committee makes a surprising pivot in the final rankings, Texas will be on the outside looking in when the CFP field is officially set.
That said, a bowl matchup against Michigan isn’t nothing. The Citrus Bowl is still a respected New Year’s Six-adjacent game, and Michigan is a storied program that brings national attention. It’s not the playoff, but it’s a chance for Texas to close the year on a high note-and set the tone for what’s next.
And if you’re looking for a silver lining, look no further than Arch Manning. The young quarterback didn’t just get a full season of starting reps-he grew into the role week by week. Against tougher competition, he looked increasingly comfortable, showing flashes of the poise and playmaking ability that made him one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory.
That experience? It’s invaluable.
Texas may not be in the playoff this year, but with Manning gaining confidence and command, the Longhorns’ future remains as bright as ever. This season might not end with a trophy, but it could very well be the foundation for something bigger in 2026.
So yeah, the mood in Austin might be a little sour right now. But with a bowl game against a top-tier opponent on deck and a franchise quarterback in the making, the Longhorns aren’t far from where they want to be.