© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian wants the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff.
On Friday, the 22nd-ranked Texas Longhorns stunned the college football world when they beat the undefeated, third-ranked Texas A&M Aggies at home.
After the game, an impassioned Sarkisian pleaded with the college football playoff committee to put Texas in the playoffs despite having three losses on their record.
“It would be a disservice to our sport if this team is not a playoff team when we went and scheduled that non-conference game,” Sarkisian said. “Because if we’re a 10-2 team, it’s not a question. But, we were willing to go play that game. So, is that what college football is about? Don’t play anybody and just have a good record, or play the best and put the best teams in the playoff. And, we’re one of the best teams.”
“It would be a disservice to our sport if this team is not a playoff team.”
Steve Sarkisian made his case for why No. 16 Texas should be in the College Football Playoff 😤 pic.twitter.com/bMjcBv5waf
— ESPN (@espn) November 29, 2025
During his postgame press conference, Sarkisian doubled down on his comments.
“I think we’re absolutely a Playoff team.”
“I think we have the No. 5 ranked toughest schedule in the country. We played the No. 1, the No. 3, and No. 4 ranked teams in the country. We went on the road to Ohio State in week one and lost to them in a one-score game. We have the ball at the end of the game. We outgained them by nearly 200 yards and no one else has been close to a one-score game against them. I think more importantly, it’s the message that, what do we want to send to the head coaches and athletic directors around the country? You want us to not schedule Ohio State? Because if we’re a 10-2 team right now, this isn’t a discussion. We’re in the Playoff, but we were willing to go up there and play that game.”
“I have no doubt in my mind that the team we have in that locker room downstairs is a Playoff football team worthy of an opportunity to play for a national championship.”
#Texas HC Steve Sarkisian rather emphatically defends his team, saying the Longhorns are absolutely a College Football Playoff team.
“I think we are absolutely a playoff team.”@ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/Lqf2M2zGlb
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) November 29, 2025
College football fans did not seem to agree with Sark’s take.
It would not be a disservice in any way.
Congrats on the win, but we don’t get to ignore the losses either. https://t.co/8jW1J3cbkx
— MD (@ReaLitY_Siege) November 29, 2025