The College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape is heating up as we enter Week 11 of the 2025-26 season. The latest rankings are already stirring up plenty of chatter, especially with the Oregon Ducks trailing behind the Big 12’s BYU Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders.
This weekend’s matchups, particularly the showdown between BYU and Texas Tech, could play a big role in shaping the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns, led by Arch Manning, are lurking as a potential disruptor with their upcoming games against top-ranked teams.
Key Matchups in Week 11
This week is huge for several teams hoping to snag a spot in the College Football Playoff. The BYU Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders face off in Lubbock, and honestly, it’s hard to overstate how much is riding on this one.
Both teams are sitting comfortably in the top 10—BYU at No. 7, Texas Tech at No. 8. The winner here could easily lock up a spot in the top seven, but the loser? They might tumble pretty far, especially if it’s a blowout.
BYU vs. Texas Tech: A Crucial Showdown
This isn’t just about bragging rights in the Big 12. The outcome could decide which team stays in the CFP’s top eight, and it might even set up a rematch in the Big 12 Championship Game.
There’s a lot of tension between these two, and the possibility of meeting again only adds to the drama.
Implications for the Big 12
Whoever comes out on top could shake up the entire Big 12. A convincing win might even open the door for another SEC or ACC team to sneak into the playoff conversation, depending on how the rest of November shakes out.
The pressure’s on, and every play is going to matter this week.
Texas Longhorns: The Wild Card
The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 11 right now, are honestly one of the most interesting teams to keep an eye on. With a 7-2 record, they’re in a spot where they pretty much have to win out to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Their schedule isn’t doing them any favors either. They’ve got the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas A&M Aggies coming up—both tough outs.
Arch Manning’s Influence
Arch Manning, the much-hyped quarterback, has played a huge role in Texas’ season so far. Their recent win over Vanderbilt bumped them up to No. 11 in the rankings.
Manning’s leadership will be put to the test as Texas lines up against two top-10 teams in the next couple of weeks.
Upcoming Games Against Georgia and Texas A&M
Texas’ playoff dreams are basically riding on how they do against Georgia and Texas A&M. They’ll travel to face the Georgia Bulldogs on November 15, which could be a make-or-break moment for their ranking.
If they manage to beat Georgia, who’s currently No. 5, that’d be a huge boost for their resume. Then, they’ve got Texas A&M at home on Thanksgiving weekend. The Aggies are sitting at No. 3, and a Texas win there would definitely shake up the top 10.
Potential Playoff Scenarios
The CFP bracket could look very different after these next few games. Here are a few scenarios that might play out:
- BYU or Texas Tech Wins Out: If either team runs the table, including the Big 12 Championship, they’re almost a lock for a top-four playoff spot.
- Texas Wins Out: If Texas can somehow get past Georgia and Texas A&M, they could leapfrog a bunch of teams and sneak into the playoffs. A 9-3 Texas with those wins? Hard to argue against.
- Losses for Top Teams: If teams like Georgia, Texas A&M, or other contenders slip up, it could open the door for someone outside the top 10 to make a late run.
Impact of Head-to-Head Matchups
Head-to-head results are going to matter a lot. Texas beating Oklahoma earlier this season is a big reason they’re still in the mix.
The outcome of BYU vs. Texas Tech, along with a few other key games, will really shape how the playoff picture looks heading into December.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff race is heating up as we head into the last stretch of the regular season.
Matchups like BYU vs. Texas Tech and Texas facing off against Georgia and Texas A&M could really shake things up in the rankings.
The Texas Longhorns, for one, might just find a way to stir up the top 10 and throw a wrench in the playoff bracket. There’s a lot at stake, and you can feel the pressure building for every team still in the hunt.
If you want more in-depth analysis and the latest updates on playoff scenarios, check out the Bleacher Report article.
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