Sarkisian Urges CFP to Reward Ohio State After Texas Victory

In a dramatic nonconference clash that has reshaped the early narrative of the college football season, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is calling on the College Football Playoff committee to recognize the difficulty of the Longhorns’ 24‑23 comeback win over then‑No. 1 Ohio State. The victory, sealed with a touchdown in the final 25 seconds, not only lifted Texas to the top of the AP poll but also sparked a debate about how marquee matchups should be weighed in the playoff selection process.

A Thrilling Nonconference Showdown

The game, played under sweltering September heat in Austin, saw the Buckeyes take a 23‑10 lead early in the fourth quarter before the Longhorns scored 21 points in the final period. Quarterback Arch Manning, who sprinted across the field in celebration as time expired, described the ending as “the most fun ending to a game I’ve ever had.” The comeback not only gave Texas its third consecutive week at No. 1 but also highlighted the physical and emotional toll of playing a top‑ranked opponent on the road.

Sarkisian’s Argument: Marquee Matchups Should Count

Sarkisian, speaking Monday, emphasized that Ohio State should not be punished for its effort. “I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game,” he said. The coach argued that if the Buckeyes finish 9‑3, the committee should appreciate the challenge of playing in Austin in 100‑degree temperatures. He reiterated that rewarding teams for scheduling tough nonconference games is essential to maintaining the quality of the sport, warning that otherwise programs might avoid such contests in favor of easier schedules.

“Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us,” Sarkisian said. “Time will tell. And this isn’t crying over spilled milk. I don’t think we got rewarded for going to Columbus last year in Week 1. Hopefully, this year they reward Ohio State for coming and playing in this game with us.”

Sarkisian also noted that the College Football Playoff system, unlike the NFL, relies heavily on subjective opinions unless a team wins its conference, making the outcome of such games especially consequential.

Ohio State Falls to No. 6 in AP Poll

Following the loss, Ohio State dropped to No. 6 in the Associated Press Top 25, a slide that underscores the volatility of early‑season rankings. The Buckeyes, who entered the matchup as the top‑ranked team, now face the possibility of a lower seed if they falter in the coming weeks. Their remaining schedule includes conference play, where a strong finish could still secure a playoff berth, but the early defeat has already complicated their resume.

Texas Ascends to No. 1, But Caution Remains

Texas’s rise to No. 1 marks the third consecutive season the Longhorns have held the top spot, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence under Sarkisian. However, the coach stressed that the ranking is premature and that the team must remain focused on improvement. “A week ago, the narrative was we can’t win the big game. Now we’re the best team in the country allegedly and everybody’s patting us on the back. Two polar opposites of where we are. We need to stay right here, and we need to stay enamored with what we need to do,” he said.

The Longhorns’ ability to win in multiple ways—overcoming a deficit and playing from ahead—has bolstered confidence, but the true test will come in the coming weeks as they face a demanding conference schedule.

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