It’s been 165 days since the Texas Longhorns were left out of the 12-team College Football Playoff and consigned to playing the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl.
Consider head coach Steve Sarkisian still frustrated about the selection committee not considering strength of schedule as highly as the committee’s principles intend, ultimately ignoring three top-10 victories for the Longhorns — on Thursday at the Houston Touchdown Club, when asked about scheduling, Sarkisian fired off a statement that instantly ignited controversy.
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“There’s a team in our state in another conference with a schedule that I would argue if I played with our twos and threes, we could go undefeated, and they’ll probably make the CFP this year,” Sarkisian said.
According to ESPN’s strength of schedule metric, that in-state school, Texas Tech, played the No. 46 schedule nationally, well behind the No. 9 schedule faced by Texas.
After playing Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State in its non-conference schedule last year, head coach Joey McGuire’s program will face off against Abilene Christian, Oregon State, and Sam Houston in 2026.
In the two ensuing seasons, the Red Raiders have one opening each year in addition to schedule games against UAPB, New Mexico, Stephen F. Austin, and Wyoming.
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Texas Tech mega booster Cody Campbell fired back at Sarkisian, calling for a series between the longtime conference opponents.
