Texas football ended the 2025 season with a 10-3 record but did not qualify for the College Football Playoff, which expanded to 12 teams that year, despite entering the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls [1]. The Longhorns sought to build around their highly touted starting quarterback Arch Manning, who was unproven at the collegiate level in 2025 [1].
The team’s offensive struggles contributed to their failure to reach the playoff. Manning faced heavy pressure behind an unstable offensive line, including six sacks during a loss at Florida, one of the worst teams in recent memory [1]. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said the issues reflected Texas’s inexperience and lack of cohesion, explaining, "I think it goes back to finding rhythm of playing with one another and trusting one another. And then I think ultimately it's experience. And right now, we're just not an experienced group, especially not an experienced group playing together. And so we've got to keep pushing those guys to be the best that they can be. I know there's more in there. I know there's better play in there, and it's our job to get it out." [1]
Texas also suffered a close loss in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal after a late strip-sack fumble prevented a potential tying score [1]. In November 2025, a tight game against Georgia was decided by key fourth-down conversions made by the Bulldogs, leaving Texas short of a signature win late in the season [1].
Texas will look to correct these errors in 2026, focusing on improving offensive line stability and building experience among the roster. Coach Sarkisian’s remarks indicate the team’s priority is developing rhythm and trust as they prepare for the forthcoming season [1].