Five games Texas can’t afford to overlook in a championship-chasing season
Texas heads into another campaign with big-time expectations, aiming to contend for the SEC title and a spot in the playoff. The schedule features two marquee non-conference tests and three conference showdowns that could define Texas’ year. Here are the five games that stand out most, with notes on why they matter and what the matchups could mean.
1) at Georgia – November 15
Georgia handed Texas a decisive setback last season and followed with a narrow SEC Championship win. Texas feels it let one slip away in 2023-24, and a late-season clash in Athens could carry major conference title implications. The matchup isn’t just about pride; it could help settle regional power dynamics and influence Texas’ resume as the season unfolds.
2) at Florida – October 4
Last season’s blowout in Austin is now in the rearview, and Florida projects to be more dangerous in 2025. A strong quarterback, a solid offensive line, and enough skill talent around him could push Florida to finish with momentum from the previous year. If Florida can carry that late-season surge into this road trip, the Gators will present a stern test for Texas’ defense and overall discipline on the road.
3) Oklahoma – October 11
Texas will be coming off a physically demanding game the week before, so stamina and focus will be crucial. Oklahoma may not be viewed by everyone as a true conference title threat, but a strong performance could buoy their confidence. For Texas, beating Oklahoma again would validate the program’s readiness for the tougher stretches of the schedule, especially as both teams navigate the early-season bumps.
4) Texas A&M – November 28
The rivalry with Texas A&M remains a measuring stick for Texas’ progress. The Aggies should be seeking revenge after last year’s 17–7 defeat, a game that arguably didn’t reflect the field position or momentum. If Marcel Reed takes a meaningful step forward and A&M’s offense clicks, this could be a game that tests Texas’ composure and depth at a crucial point in the season.
5) at Ohio State – August 30
Although not a conference game, this high-profile showdown is a top matchup nationally, pitting two elite programs against one another early in the year. A victory in Columbus would dramatically boost Texas’ playoff résumé and seeding, even if it doesn’t alter SEC standings. It serves as a powerful early season benchmark and a statement game for how Texas handles a non-conference gauntlet to start the season.
What this means for Texas this season
If Texas navigates these five games successfully, the path to a conference title and a potential playoff bid looks much clearer. The trio of tough non-conference and conference showdowns tests a variety of strengths—road readiness, defensive resilience, and the ability to close out close games. A strong showing against Georgia and Ohio State, in particular, could establish Texas as a serious national title contender. The season will hinge on depth, consistency, and the ability to adapt quickly to opponents’ game plans.
Summary
Texas faces five pivotal games that will shape its championship ambitions: a high-stakes trip to Georgia, a road test at Florida, a rivalry showdown with Oklahoma, a late-season date with Texas A&M, and a non-conference clash at Ohio State. Each contest offers a barometer for the program’s progress in a new era of competition, with the potential to elevate Texas’ standing in college football and fuel a hopeful, positive trajectory for the season ahead.
Additional notes
– Watch for how Texas handles travel and recovery, especially after the tougher early arc of the schedule.
– Depth at key positions and the ability to rotate players without losing execution will be crucial in a grind-heavy campaign.
– Improvements in situational defense and penalty discipline could be the difference in close games against top-tier opponents.
– The Ohio State matchup will be a mood-setter for the rest of the non-conference slate and could influence national perception early in the season.