Texas Falls Out of CFP Race, Undermining Preseason No. 1 Ranking and Arch Manning Hype
ATHENS, Ga. – The Texas Longhorns, who entered the season as the preseason No. 1 team and carried high expectations around quarterback Arch Manning, have seen their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes evaporate after recording three losses and falling out of contention.
Texas began the year with a perfect record, riding a wave of optimism fueled by Manning’s pedigree and a roster stacked with top‑rated recruits. However, setbacks emerged early when the Longhorns suffered a narrow defeat on the road against a mid‑tier opponent, exposing vulnerabilities in their offensive line and secondary. Subsequent losses to conference rivals deepened the crisis, leaving the team with a 6‑3 record and eliminating them from the top‑four CFP spots.
Analysts note that the Longhorns’ decline reflects a combination of factors: inconsistent defensive play, a learning curve for Manning at the college level, and injuries to key defensive starters. “The early-season hype set unrealistic expectations,” said a senior conference analyst, who preferred to remain unnamed. Coaching staff members have acknowledged the need for adjustments, emphasizing a focus on fundamentals and a more balanced offensive scheme in the final stretch of the schedule.
Looking ahead, Texas will aim to finish the regular season with a strong showing in its remaining games, hoping to secure a spot in a major bowl rather than the CFP. The setback serves as a cautionary tale about preseason rankings and the pressure surrounding high‑profile recruits. While the Longhorns’ season may not end as envisioned, the experience gained by Manning and his teammates could lay the groundwork for a more competitive campaign next year.
