Texas coach Steve Sarkisian hints at possibility of 3-loss Longhorns scheduling weaker opponents

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has suggested that his Longhorns, who finished the season with three losses, may reconsider future non-conference scheduling to potentially face less formidable opponents. While Texas is committed to games against Michigan and Ohio State over the next two seasons, Sarkisian indicated that the long-term schedule could be flexible.

Despite a recent win over previously undefeated Texas A&M, the No. 13 Longhorns remain unlikely to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, currently sitting three positions short of the final at-large berth. With Alabama and Georgia set to contest the SEC championship, Texas path into the 12-team playoff appears highly improbable.

After the A&M victory, Sarkisian emphasized the significance of Texas close loss to No. 1 Ohio State in Week 1, a 14-7 defeat that he argued should be recognized by the playoff committee. He also suggested that the team may modify its approach to scheduling if such games are not given proper credit.

During his early signing period press conference, Sarkisian explained Texas non-conference plans. The Longhorns will visit Michigan in 2024, host Ohio State in 2026, and welcome Michigan back in 2027. Beyond these commitments, Sarkisian left the door open for future scheduling changes.

"We will honor our commitments to Ohio State and Michigan," Sarkisian stated. "For anything beyond that, its open for discussion. We need to carefully evaluate our non-conference schedule considering our move to the SEC and the shift to nine conference games. Our priority is creating the best opportunities for our players and positioning ourselves favorably for the College Football Playoff."

Beginning in 2026, SEC teams will play nine conference games and are required to schedule at least one Power Five opponent in their three non-conference matchups. Texas currently has a home-and-home series with Notre Dame through 2029 and games against Arizona State in 2032 and 2033, though Sarkisians comments leave open the possibility of replacing these future matchups with other programs.

While the Longhorns loss to Ohio State was significant, committee feedback indicates that an October loss to a 4-8 Florida team is what most negatively impacted Texas playoff chances. CFP committee chair Hunter Yurachek and other officials have noted that nearly all top-15 teams losses came against ranked opponents, highlighting that Texas defeat to an unranked Florida squad is a critical factor.

Sarkisians remarks suggest that Texas may explore scheduling strategies that balance challenging opponents with realistic opportunities to maintain strong records and improve playoff positioning in coming seasons.

Analysis: Texas Longhorns' Non-Conference Scheduling and Playoff Implications

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's comments about re-evaluating the Longhorns' non-conference scheduling signal a shift in the team's approach to future matchups. Despite a recent victory over Texas A&M, the team's slim chances of making the College Football Playoff highlight the importance of strategic scheduling. Sarkisian acknowledged that Texas’ narrow loss to Ohio State in Week 1 had merit, but the team's 4-8 loss to Florida significantly hurt their playoff hopes, according to the College Football Playoff committee.

Sarkisian's openness to modifying future non-conference schedules comes in response to the upcoming transition to the SEC and the new format requiring teams to play nine conference games starting in 2026. This change will likely influence how Texas plans its non-conference matchups to ensure a competitive edge while still aiming for playoff contention. With games against Michigan and Ohio State on the horizon, it is clear that Texas is prioritizing top-tier opponents. However, Sarkisian's suggestion to reconsider the balance between challenging teams and favorable outcomes could lead to adjustments, especially as Texas aims for a strong playoff push in the future.

Ultimately, as the Longhorns move into the SEC, adapting the non-conference schedule to enhance playoff chances without compromising the program's integrity or competitiveness will be crucial. Sarkisian’s comments underscore the need for a strategic, data-driven approach to non-conference games to better position Texas for playoff success.

Sources:

• Texas coach Steve Sarkisian leaves door open for 3-loss Longhorns to start scheduling lesser power conference opponents

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.