Texas' hopes of making the College Football Playoff are starting to fade away.
What was supposed to be a big season for the Longhorns is quickly unraveling after they suffered their second straight loss against an unranked team. Texas faced a Florida team starting a backup quarterback and blew a 17-3 lead, again sputtering in the second half as the Gators pulled off the road victory by capitalizing on Texas' mistakes — most notably an Arch Manning fumble at the 2-minute timeout that gave Florida the ball.
REQUIRED READING: Arch Manning stats: How did Texas QB play in collapse vs Florida?
It's the first time Texas has lost back-to-back games since 2021, Steve Sarkisian's first season in Austin.
With the loss, Texas is now 4-2 and 1-2 in conference play, and after looking like a playoff lock, it's not so certain Texas will return to the field following another disappointing outing.
Here's a look at their chances moving forward:
Can Texas make College Football Playoff after Florida loss?
The season isn't over for Texas, but it's on the brink of ending in failure, if it's judged on making the playoff.
Texas still has a shot at the College Football Playoff, given the fact it still has a remote shot to win the SEC Championship. History shows two-loss SEC teams can make the 12-team field, as well.
However, the margin for error is basically zero from here on out for Steve Sarkisian and Co.
The Longhorns can't afford to lose anymore games if they want to control their fate, as a third loss would mean Texas would need to rely on other teams losing so it can jump them in the rankings when they are released. In summary, Texas needs to end the season winning its last six games — and it's going to be a difficult task.
Texas football remaining schedule
Texas next plays Mississippi and Mississippi State at home before it travels to Missouri and LSU, all currently ranked teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll going into Week 7. It then closes the season with against Arkansas and the rivalry game at Texas A&M.
While still in the hunt, people were quick to say Texas doesn't have the look of a team destined to make the CFP, and should instead wait for the likely 24-team field coming next season.
TEXAS’ PLAYOFF HOPES ARE ON LIFE SUPPORT IN THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) October 17, 2026
Maybe Texas is under the impression that the 24-team playoff starts this year?
— Brandon Carney (@BenchwarmerBran) October 17, 2026
Texas. Lost.
— Chris_J (@Shoesnsports_) October 17, 2026
They now have a 45% chance to make the playoffs…
UT better pray they open it up to a 24 team playoff or they may never get in again with Sark as HC
Texas is a pretender … Shouldn’t have been ranked #7 after that loss to Oklahoma ! After this Florida upset they shouldn’t be ranked at all. Manning , I mean “Joe Smith” is simply bad and Sark has done zero with the amount of resources he has access to with the Longhorns. But…
— Su’a Kristopher Cravens (@SuaKCravens) October 17, 2026
Texas goes down again and now have to run the table to make College Football Playoff.
— Ryan Ripken (@ryanripkenshow) October 17, 2026
It’s going to be ridiculous next year when two losses to unranked teams will put them smack in the middle of the CFP.
Don’t worry Texas.
— Always Talkin’ Ball (@AlwaysTalkBall) October 17, 2026
In 2027, you’ll still be well inside the College Football Playoff rankings.
Texas loss is a great example of why a 12 team playoff is better than 24
— Jeremiah Hooker (@hookerjeremiah8) October 17, 2026
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can Texas make College Football Playoff? Longhorns' chances after Florida loss