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Texas Longhorns Get Controversial CFP Ranking as Playoff Picture Takes Shape

The College Football Playoff committee released its initial rankings for the 2026 season, placing the Texas Longhorns at No. 7, a position that puts them ahead of the Ole Miss Rebels, whom they defeated in Austin.

Despite this standing, the Longhorns face a critical path forward, needing to secure victories over both the Missouri Tigers and the LSU Tigers to potentially earn a first-round bye. The stakes are high because the highest-ranked team with three losses currently sits at No.

21, meaning any additional defeat for Texas would likely eliminate their playoff chances.

Elsewhere in the field, the Ohio State Buckeyes were the first team to drop out of the top 12, a move attributed to concerns over their remaining schedule and the injury to quarterback Julian Sayin. The committee also showed limited support for the ACC, ranking the Wake Forest Demon Deacons below teams with two losses, even though Wake Forest’s only defeat came against the No.

1 Miami Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish must beat Miami this weekend to secure their spot, and the UCLA Bruins hold the lowest position among undefeated teams at No.

8 despite a weaker strength of record.

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