The Texas Longhorns, currently ranked No. 3 in the nation, will host the No. 16 Clemson Tigers in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. This highly anticipated matchup is set to take place at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 21, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Fans can tune in to the game, which will be broadcasted on TNT/Max, featuring commentary from Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Taylor McGregor.
This will mark the Longhorns’ second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff, following their semifinal bid against the No. 2 Washington Huskies at the Allstate Sugar Bowl last year. Texas has impressively maintained a top-10 ranking in the College Football Playoff for 11 consecutive weeks, showcasing their consistent performance and resilience throughout the season. The team debuted at No. 5 in the playoff rankings for the first time in program history and currently sits at No. 4 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.
The upcoming game will also represent a first-time matchup between Texas and Clemson, adding an exciting twist to the playoffs. The winner of this contest will advance to the quarterfinals at the 57th Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, where they will face the No. 4 seed Arizona State, the Big 12 Champion, on January 1, 2025.
Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has guided his teams to eight postseason appearances in 11 seasons, Texas has transformed into a formidable contender in college football. Sarkisian’s experience, including significant bowl game appearances from his time at Washington and USC, is expected to enhance Texas’s chances as they maneuver through the playoffs.
For fans looking to attend the game, ticket information has been released. Season ticket holders are encouraged to request their seating and parking arrangements online by December 9, while Longhorn Foundation donors may also have opportunities to secure tickets for potential future playoff games.
This season has highlighted Texas’s growth as a program, and as they prepare to face Clemson, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the Longhorns’ prospects in the playoffs. As they strive for victory, fans and players alike remain hopeful for a deep playoff run, showcasing their talent on a national stage.