Why Texas keeping future tough out-of-conference games is right move

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As Texas CFP hopes look all but lost, there have been many conversations among the Longhorn faithful, and even Steve Sarkisian, about changing the schedule moving forward. Falling to Ohio State to start the Longhorns season seems to have hurt the Longhorns CFP chances and (possibly) kept them from a third straight trip. Naturally, the benefit of keeping the game scheduled for next year was called into question. 

Now, Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that they intended to play both Ohio State in 2026 and Michigan in 2027, but games beyond that are up for debate. That is very good news not only for college football at large, but I believe there is plenty of benefit for the Longhorns to keep these marquee games in the out of conference schedule. 

The CFP Is Still Changing 

This is the biggest reason to see through the next two years of marquee OOC games. The CFP is currently at 12-teams, something most people believe will change as soon as next year. Once that happens, it will be nearly impossible to avoid teams like Texas who schedule tough OOC games, whether or not they lose or win. Don’t forget, scheduling Ohio State is a major reason the Longhorns metrics look as strong as they do. As the size and maybe even the selection process continue to evolve, I believe these OOC games bring more upside and than downside overall. 

A Win Brings Massive Benefit 

Now, this doesn’t need to be explained, but it is the case. Imagine if in Week 2 of 2026, Texas is able to get revenge on Ohio State, beat the Buckeyes and head into SEC play with TONS of leeway. Not only could Texas fall once in conference, but they could easily fall once and still be in the mix for a bye in the CFP, or at least a home playoff game. It’s easy to see the negatives of the game when you are on the losing side, but the positives following a win outweigh the potential downfalls. 

You Are Texas 

This sounds elitist and a little silly, but it’s true. The Texas Longhorns football program is one of the most historic and best college football programs. They are a program that should never look at a way to “make paths easier” or shy away from competition. Now, obviously programs and coaches are defined by their appearances in the CFP and chances to win a national title, so there’s an argument on the other side. I’m of the opinion that these games against Ohio State, Michigan and hopefully Notre Dame in the future will not only make the program better, but will give Texas overall a BETTER shot to win a National Championship. 

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas should keep playing tough non-conference games despite CFP

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