The expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 12 teams is one of the most significant changes in the sport’s history. The new format, set to debut in the 2024 season, aims to make the playoff more inclusive, providing more opportunities for underdog teams and creating a more dynamic postseason. Among the favorites to emerge from this expanded field, the Texas Longhorns have quickly established themselves as one of the top contenders. As the 2024 season approaches, Texas is positioned as a favorite to not only make the 12-team playoff but potentially go all the way and claim a national championship. But what does this mean for the Longhorns, college football, and the future of the playoff system?
The Texas Longhorns: A Resurgence Under Steve Sarkisian
The Texas Longhorns are in the midst of a resurgence, and much of the credit goes to head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has steadily rebuilt the program since taking over in 2021. Sarkisian’s offensive mind and ability to recruit top-tier talent have quickly brought Texas back into the national spotlight. The Longhorns have been making strides in all phases of the game, and the 2024 season promises to be a pivotal one for the program.
Under Sarkisian, Texas has focused on creating a balanced, high-powered offense, while also strengthening its defense, which had been a weak spot in previous years. The Longhorns have recruited some of the top players in the nation, and their roster is stacked with talent at every position. With key returning players and several impact recruits, Texas is positioned to compete at the highest level.
A major strength for the Longhorns heading into the 2024 season is their quarterback play. Quinn Ewers, who was highly touted as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent years, has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Texas. He has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and if he can continue to develop under Sarkisian’s tutelage, he could be a difference-maker for the Longhorns this season. Ewers’ ability to lead the offense, along with a talented group of receivers and a dynamic running back corps, gives Texas a potent offensive attack that can challenge anyone in the nation.
On defense, Texas has made significant improvements, especially in the front seven. The Longhorns have several key players who have the ability to disrupt opposing offenses, including defensive linemen and linebackers who are both athletic and powerful. The defense, combined with a high-powered offense, makes Texas one of the most complete teams in college football heading into the 2024 season.
With this mix of offensive firepower and defensive talent, Texas is expected to be a top contender not only in the Big 12 but also on the national stage, especially with the expanded 12-team playoff format offering more opportunities to secure a spot in the postseason.
The New 12-Team Playoff Format: A Game Changer for College Football
The shift from a four-team to a 12-team playoff in 2024 will dramatically alter the landscape of college football. This expansion gives more teams a chance to compete for the national championship, reducing the likelihood of deserving teams being left out of the playoff picture. Under the new format, the top six conference champions will receive automatic bids, and there will be six at-large spots for the best teams in the country, regardless of conference affiliation.
For a program like Texas, this change is significant. Historically, the Longhorns have been one of the most prominent and successful programs in college football, but they have often been on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff berths, especially in years where they were not crowned conference champions. The new 12-team format provides more opportunities for Texas to compete for a national title, even if they fall short in their conference race.
The 12-team playoff also means that there will be more high-stakes, exciting matchups throughout the postseason. For Texas, this provides an opportunity to showcase their talent on a larger stage and prove themselves against some of the top teams in the country. Additionally, the longer playoff run could help build momentum for the program, further cementing their status as a powerhouse in college football.
With this expanded playoff format, Texas will no longer have to rely solely on winning their conference or securing a perfect regular season record to make the playoff. The Longhorns can now afford a loss or two along the way and still have a shot at making the postseason. This flexibility makes Texas even more dangerous, as they are a team capable of beating anyone on any given day.
Why Texas Is the Favorite in the 12-Team Playoff
As the 2024 season approaches, Texas has emerged as one of the favorites to make the 12-team playoff and potentially contend for the national championship. There are several reasons why the Longhorns are in this position:
- Talent and Depth: Texas boasts one of the most talented rosters in the country. With elite players on both sides of the ball, they have the ability to compete with any team in college football. The Longhorns have a balanced offense with a talented quarterback, a deep running back group, and a receiving corps capable of making big plays. Their defense, led by dynamic pass rushers and playmakers in the secondary, is also one of the best in the country.
- Coach Steve Sarkisian’s System: Sarkisian has proven himself to be one of the top offensive minds in college football. His ability to design explosive, high-scoring offenses has been a major factor in Texas’ success. His coaching expertise, combined with his recruiting prowess, gives the Longhorns an edge over many of their competitors.
- Big-12 Transition and the SEC Future: With Texas set to join the SEC in 2025, the 2024 season could be seen as a final tune-up before the Longhorns enter one of the most competitive conferences in college football. However, the move also gives Texas an added incentive to perform well in their final season in the Big 12. They want to leave on a high note, and that includes competing for a spot in the 12-team playoff and aiming for a national title.
- Quarterback Play: As mentioned, Quinn Ewers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. His development under Sarkisian will be crucial for Texas’ success. With a quarterback of Ewers’ caliber leading the offense, Texas has the ability to go toe-to-toe with any team in the nation.
- A Favorable Schedule: Texas’ 2024 schedule is favorable, with several games that provide them an opportunity to make a statement to the playoff committee. In a season where only the top 12 teams make the postseason, Texas’ ability to perform in these key matchups will go a long way in securing their place in the expanded playoff.
What the Future Holds for the Longhorns
The 2024 season will be an exciting and pivotal year for the Texas Longhorns. With a roster full of talent, a dynamic offense, and a defense that has improved dramatically, the Longhorns are poised to not only make the inaugural 12-team playoff but also make a deep run toward the national championship. Sarkisian’s leadership, along with the team’s strong roster, gives Texas every opportunity to succeed in this new era of college football.
The Longhorns’ path to the 12-team playoff will not be easy, as they will face tough competition both within the Big 12 and from other conferences. However, with their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, Texas is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanded playoff format and secure a spot in the postseason.
Looking beyond 2024, the Longhorns’ future in the SEC promises to be just as exciting. The expanded playoff format could be a game-changer for Texas as they transition to the SEC, giving them more opportunities to compete for national titles. Whether they make it all the way to the championship game in 2024 or fall short, the Longhorns are on the rise, and their place as one of the top programs in college football is solidified.
The Texas Longhorns are ready for the challenge that the 12-team playoff brings, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the 2024 season unfolds.