The Longhorns' 2026 Gauntlet
College football analyst Paul Finebaum has declared that the University of Texas will confront the most demanding schedule in the 2026 season, a claim buttressed by ESPN's SP+ metrics that rank the Longhorns' slate atop the nation in difficulty.
The upcoming slate includes high‑profile contests against Ohio State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss, LSU, and Texas A&M, each projected to be a stern test for a team that finished 10‑3 last year and missed the College Football Playoff despite being the preseason No. 1.
At the helm of the offense is quarterback Arch Manning, who in 2025 completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has voiced confidence that Manning’s continued development will be pivotal in navigating the tough road ahead.
Finebaum’s assessment also draws on the insights of writer Bill Connelly and recruit Cam Coleman, both of whom have highlighted the strategic challenges posed by the conference opponents and the need for depth across the roster.
The season will open at home against Texas State on Saturday, September 5, at 2:30 p.m. ET, a game that will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed via the SEC Network, marking the first step in what many expect to be a grueling campaign.