Longhorns Daily News: Doubt around Texas football’s CFP hopes begins creeping in after OU loss

The question many have begun asking themselves about Texas football following several lackluster performances by returning starting quarterback Arch Manning and, most recently, the team’s walk-off loss after Oklahoma kicked a last-second field goal to win the Red River Rivalry in Dallas over the weekend, effectively ending the Sooners’ two-season skid to the Longhorns.

Among those outside of Texas fandom circles raising such questions are folks like Maxx Crosby, a starting defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders that’s received All-Pro NFL honors twice.

On a recent episode of Crosby’s podcast, he was asked to elaborate on his thoughts around Texas football’s chances of reaching the College Football Player national championship game later this season.

Crosby didn’t come off as very hopeful.

“I think they’re really talented,” Crosby said, referring to Texas football. “I don’t think they’re natty-type good.”

But as for Texas players like Colin Simmons, Crosby said, “He’s a dog.”

Clearly, three points can make a world of a difference in the span of just a few days.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: Could freshman RB Derrek Cooper wake up Texas’ stagnant rushing game?

247Sports: First things first Wednesday: Big-game hunting with Cam Coleman; UT’s third-quarter blues; and Vernell Brown

247Sports: Finding fixes: Ranking the top five things wrong with the 2026 Texas football offense

Inside Texas: Three reasons to feel fine about Texas football coming off crushing loss to OU

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

No. 7 Texas vs. Florida opponent preview: Gators look to end two-game skid

On Arch Manning’s maddening inconsistency

Forcing turnovers is the missing piece for the elite Texas defense

Steve Sarkisian defends special teams coordinator Jeff Banks

How Texas offensive transfers are performing

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Fresh intel on every 2028 recruit from Florida in the updated Top247 rankings

247Sports: Texas OL commit Jackson Cook explains why Longhorns were an easy choice

SEC SHOWDOWN

Austin American-Statesman: Golden: The Oklahoma disaster makes Texas-Florida an elimination game for Horns

247Sports: Ex-Clemson commit RJ Hudson outlines characteristics he is eager to see during Texas visit as decision looms

Inside Texas: Texas’s recruiting Saturday: who’s inside DKR as the Longhorns host Florida

Rock M Nation: Ole Miss Rebels preview

WHAT WE’RE READING

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NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Best of times, worst of times, ya know?