Before Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian took his team on the road to play Ohio State at the beginning of the 2025 season, he expressed his hope that the College Football Playoff selection committee wouldn’t punish the loser of arguably the biggest nonconference game in the country this year. 

In his mind, his Longhorns were willing to do something most power conference teams weren’t: go play the defending national champions on the road to open the season. 

Article continues below this ad

“The goal is to be rewarded for playing these games,” Sarkisian said in August. “… I just don’t think either us or Ohio State is going to get punished for playing in this game from a CFP standpoint.” 

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Young Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Fireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRandy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Randy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

A Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanA young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanActor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Actor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Sarkisian turned out to be right. The Longhorns (7-2) came in at No. 11 in the first CFP rankings release of the season Tuesday. Only Notre Dame, with two defeats to ranked teams, is above Texas in the two-loss team category. The Longhorns came in above three different one-loss ACC teams that have played substantially easier schedules, too. 

So what does UT’s placement mean for Longhorns’ CFP outlook this season?

Article continues below this ad

Here are three questions facing Texas after Tuesday’s news:

NO. 11 TEXAS AT NO. 5 GEORGIA

When/where: 6 p.m. Nov. 15 in Athens, Ga.

TV/radio: ABC; 1300 AM, 98.1 FM, 105.3 FM (Spanish)

RYAN WINGO: Steve Sarkisian on Texas football WR’s outlook for Georgia game

Texas can improve its positioning, but by how much?

The Longhorns are the only team in the field with multiple games remaining against top-10 foes, with No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Texas A&M still on the slate for Sarkisian’s team. That’s scary if you’re a Longhorns fan interested in cracking the field, but it also provides Texas with an opportunity to position itself well in the bracket should it qualify. 

Article continues below this ad

The top four teams in the rankings receive a first-round bye. Reaching those heights seems unlikely, but maybe not impossible for the Longhorns, who also could play their way into the SEC title game and find themselves with another opportunity to pick up a quality win there. 

Perhaps it’s more reasonable, though, to evaluate UT’s odds of landing between fifth and eighth in the final poll, which would award the Longhorns a home game in the first round. Just last season, Boise State came in at No. 12 in the first rankings release and finished No. 8, so that’s well within the range of outcomes for Texas. 

MORE: Big buyouts for coaches part of big business, says coach Steve Sarkisian

Can Texas football lose again and still make the field? 

Last season, when No. 7 Tennessee took a trip to Athens and received a 31-17 thumping from No. 12 Georgia in Week 11, the Volunteers dropped only four spots in the rankings the following week. Of course, that outcome didn’t happen in isolation. Other events occurred that week to help shape that reality.

Article continues below this ad

But, if the Longhorns lose in Athens, Ga., next week and fall four spots just like Tennessee did last year, would that be fatal to their CFP hopes?

Take, for instance, SMU, which was 13th in Week 12 last year, lost in the ACC title game and still claimed the final at-large spot in the playoff bracket. Texas would need some help to get in, but all would not be lost if the Longhorns can’t win at Sanford Stadium, where the Bulldogs have lost twice since 2017. 

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

What role will head-to-head results play for Texas football?

By the time the regular season comes to a close, Texas will have played five teams in this initial iteration of the rankings. The Longhorns are 2-1 in those games thus far, holding wins over No. 12 Oklahoma and No. 16 Vanderbilt while losing to No. 1 Ohio State. The rankings, for now, align with those outcomes. Texas is ahead of the teams it has beaten and behind the Buckeyes. 

Article continues below this ad

How attached is the committee to keeping things that way? If Oklahoma, for example, goes on the road and blows out Alabama while the Longhorns squeak by Georgia, will Texas still hold onto its place above the Sooners? What happens if Vanderbilt wins out and handles Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in the last week of the regular season?

Then, there’s the question of whether Texas would leapfrog Georgia or Texas A&M should the Longhorns beat those teams.

With margins for inclusion, home-field advantage and playoff byes so thin, every microdecision made by the committee matters. 

Article continues below this ad