The Texas Longhorns will kick off the Arch Manning-era on the road in Columbus against the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the same team that ended their title quest in the inaugural 12-team playoffs. This rematch of last year’s college football playoffs Cotton Bowl semifinals will be a major test for Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian who knows that this season-opener will set the tone for the 2025 season.
A matchup between two CFP contenders like this one could have major implications down the road, as the loser will have a loss on its record. The committee will likely make adjustments to their 12-team format’s selection process this season as well after much discussions about it last year.
Albeit this, Sarkisian has sent a clear message that he doesn’t want this big-time matchup to alter his team’s bid to the CFP dance. “I love the opportunity”, said Sarkisian via Fox Sports’ The Herd. “It’s great for our players in summer workouts and in training camp to know who we’re getting ready to go play and the task at hand. I think now to your point with the expanded playoffs, as long as we don’t punish those teams for going to play those games then it’s great for college football.” Sarkisian also acknowledge that the game will be huge for his program, as his recruits dream for these big-time matchups.
Leave a Reply