AUSTIN, Texas – The third-ranked Texas Football team will be hosting the 12th-seeded Clemson Tigers in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 21, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on TNT/Max, featuring play-by-play commentary from Dave Pasch, analysis by Dusty Dvoracek, and reporting by Taylor McGregor.
This matchup marks Texas’s second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff and their first showdown against Clemson. Last year, the Longhorns earned a three seed and advanced to the semifinals, facing the No. 2 Washington Huskies at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Texas has shown remarkable consistency, with 11 consecutive top-10 rankings in the College Football Playoff, a streak that dates back to October 31, 2023. Notably, the Longhorns debuted at No. 5 in the initial CFP rankings for this season, the highest position the program has ever achieved during the first week of rankings.
On December 21, the winner between Texas and Clemson will go on to compete in the CFP Quarterfinal at the 57th Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, where they will meet the Big 12 Champion and fourth-seed Arizona State at Noon CT on January 1, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has a strong postseason track record, leading his teams to eight postseason appearances across his 11-season coaching career. His leadership at Washington saw the team secure four consecutive bowl game appearances from 2010 to 2013, and he led USC to the Holiday Bowl in 2014.
Ticket information for the College Football Playoff First Round Game indicates that season ticket holders at Texas may reserve their usual seats and parking. They can log into their accounts for ticket requests until the deadline of December 9 at 4 p.m. Central. Tickets will not be available to the general public. Additionally, Longhorn Foundation donors at the Tradition level or above can also request tickets for potential postseason games, with deadlines varying based on the game.
With Texas continuing to display a strong performance this season, hopes are high for the team as they prepare for this critical matchup against Clemson. This opportunity not only highlights their growth as a program but also fuels excitement among fans and players alike, as they aim for progression in the playoffs.