In Tuesday’s CFP projection, the Aggies were ranked No. 3 by the selection committee. A&M was behind No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana, continuing its streak as the highest-ranked team in the Southeastern Conference.
In this week’s fictional bracket, A&M would still get a first-round bye and face either Oregon or Miami in the second round.
For the Aggies, a win guarantees a spot in the conference title game and keeps their hopes alive for a first-round bye in the CFP. A&M would need to win the SEC title game to secure that extra time off.
A Longhorns loss essentially eliminates their chances of making the playoffs.
In the 12-team format, the five highest-ranked conference champions earn automatic bids. The next seven highest-ranked teams are then included. A Group of Five program will be at least one of those selections.
As of 2025, those ranked Nos. 1-4 will get a first-round bye. In 2024, the first year of the 12-team CFP, the four highest-ranked conference champions received a first-round bye, regardless of their overall ranking.
Seeds No. 5-12 will compete in the first round. The higher-seeded teams will host those games.
Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.