Texas Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Longhorns in 2026

Expectations are high for the Texas Longhorns entering the 2026 college football season. After opening ‘25 as one of the favorites to win the national title, coach Steve Sarkisian’s team fell short of the College Football Playoff with nine victories in the regular season. That disappointment fueled a busy offseason for Sarkisian.

Quarterback Arch Manning’s play seemingly improved with every game down the stretch, and Sarkisian added valuable help from the transfer portal at wide receiver, running back and offensive line to elevate the junior’s development. And on defense, Sarkisian jettisoned coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski in favor of Will Muschamp.

Although Sarkisian won the offseason, the schedule is among the toughest in college football. Texas hosts Ohio State in a massive non-conference matchup in early September and still has to play SEC matchups against Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee and LSU.

Could a tough schedule derail the Longhorns’ hopes of a trip to the playoff and national title pursuit in ‘26? Athlon Sports ranks the five toughest games for Sarkisian’s squad this fall:

Texas Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Longhorns in 2026

5. Ole Miss (Oct. 24)
Manning versus Trinidad Chambliss should be one of the top quarterback matchups this year. The progression of Texas’ defense under new coordinator Will Muschamp will be tested against the high-powered Ole Miss offense.

4. Oklahoma (Oct. 10 - Dallas)
Red River. Do we need to say more? This should be a great matchup between Oklahoma’s standout defense and Manning.

3. at LSU (Nov. 14)
LSU will only get better as the season progresses in coach Lane Kiffin’s debut. A matchup in Death Valley against one of the SEC’s top defenses is a tough spot for coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Texas has not played in Baton Rouge since 1953.

2. at Texas A&M (Nov. 27)
Texas is 2-0 against the Aggies since joining the SEC, including a 17-7 victory in ‘24 in College Station. Will Texas A&M get revenge this time around? This game could matter a lot for positioning in the SEC and the playoff race.

1. Ohio State (Sept. 12)
The Longhorns aim to get revenge for last year’s 14-7 loss in Columbus. Manning should be better equipped for Ohio State’s defense this time around.