Why did Arch Manning's Texas Longhorns miss the College Football Playoff in 2025?

The Longhorns missed the CFP due to a 9-3 record, including key losses early in the season and inconsistent offensive play.

What were the main reasons for Texas's offensive struggles in 2025?

Key reasons included issues with the offensive line, leading to a high pressure rate, and struggles in the running game.

Which bowl game will Texas play in after missing the CFP?

Texas will play against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Home / Sports / Texas Longhorns' CFP Dreams Shattered in 2025

Texas Longhorns' CFP Dreams Shattered in 2025

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Texas, preseason No. 1, missed College Football Playoff despite a late win.
Offensive line struggles and inconsistent quarterback play plagued the team.
Key losses to Florida and Ohio State significantly impacted their resume.

Texas Longhorns' CFP Dreams Shattered in 2025

The Texas Longhorns, once the preseason No. 1 team with Heisman favorite Arch Manning at quarterback, were left out of the College Football Playoff despite a strong finish, including an upset win against Texas A&M. Their 9-3 record landed them in the Citrus Bowl, a disappointing outcome given the initial championship aspirations.

Several factors contributed to Texas missing the expanded 12-team field. Early season losses to Ohio State and Florida significantly damaged their resume. Inconsistent offensive line play, which resulted in a high pressure rate, and struggles in the running game further hampered the team's performance throughout the season.

Quarterback Arch Manning experienced growing pains in his first full year as starter, battling accuracy issues. However, he showed improvement as the season progressed. Despite the CFP snub and comparisons to teams like Alabama that did make the field, Coach Sarkisian emphasized focusing on future wins and achieving a third consecutive 10-win season.