The Texas Longhorns are one of the heavy favorites in the 2026 College Football Playoff race. After an underwhelming 2025 season that ended just short of the College Football Playoff, Texas has reloaded its roster. MORE: College football analyst believes Kalen DeBoer was dealt bad situationFinebaum's assessment is understandable, though there are legitimate reasons for hesitation. Texas has repeatedly fallen short, including in multiple College Football Playoff appearances. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesAdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementStill, Texas hired Steve Sarkisian to restore the program to the top of college football.