The 2026 Texas Longhorns football season is generating unprecedented buzz as head coach Steve Sarkisian prepares his squad for a campaign that could finally restore the program to the College Football Playoff after a narrow miss in 2025. At the center of the excitement is quarterback Arch Manning, who has been named the team’s starter and is expected to drive the offense.
A Revamped Roster Brings New Faces
The transfer portal has bolstered the roster with wide receiver Cam Coleman and linebacker Rasheem Biles, adding depth and talent that could shift the team’s dynamics on both sides of the ball.
Texas’ schedule features a slate of marquee contests that stand out not only for their on‑field stakes but also for their financial impact. The Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M at Kyle Field tops the list with an average ticket price of $1,056, while the Week 2 showdown with Ohio State in Austin averages $1,010. The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas carries an average price of $907, placing all three among the most expensive college football games of the year.
These price points reflect Texas’ status as the nation’s most valuable college football program and illustrate how fan investment is tied to the team’s perceived dominance within the SEC.
Playoff Hopes and Historical Matchups
The Longhorns are aiming to translate their on‑field performance into a playoff berth, a goal that has eluded them in recent years. A recent 57‑9 victory over Oklahoma underscores the team’s edge in the rivalry, a series that has seen the Sooners fail to score a touchdown in their last two meetings. Meanwhile, games against traditional powerhouses such as Georgia in Austin and LSU in Austin showcase a mix of high‑priced and surprisingly low‑priced tickets, with the Georgia matchup listed at just $15 on average.
As the season unfolds, the combination of a promising quarterback, strategic additions, and a schedule punctuated by high‑stakes, high‑cost games positions the Longhorns as a focal point of both sporting and financial interest.