CFP Rankings Breakdown: Three Texas Teams in Top 11
The first College Football Playoff rankings are in, with Texas A&M at No. 3, Texas Tech at No. 8, and Texas at No. 11. Here's what it means for each program's playoff hopes.
The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings of the 2025 season on Tuesday night, and Texas programs dominated the conversation. Three teams from the Lone Star State cracked the top 11, with Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Texas all positioning themselves for potential playoff berths.
Texas A&M: The Undefeated Contender at No. 3
The Texas A&M Aggies (8-0, 5-0 SEC) earned the No. 3 ranking behind only Ohio State and Indiana, marking the program's highest-ever ranking in the College Football Playoff era. Under first-year head coach Mike Elko, the Aggies have exceeded all expectations.
Key Stats:
- First 8-0 start since 1992
- Highest-ranked SEC team in CFP rankings
- Would receive first-round bye if playoffs started today
- 49-25 dominant win over LSU on Oct 25
QB Marcel Reed has been the catalyst, throwing for 1,972 yards and 17 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. The Aggies' defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 19.6 points per game.
Remaining Schedule:
- Nov 9: at No. 19 Missouri
- Nov 15: vs South Carolina
- Nov 29: at Texas
Playoff Outlook: Texas A&M controls its destiny. Win out, and they're guaranteed a top-4 seed with a first-round bye.
Texas Tech: Historic No. 8 Ranking
The Red Raiders (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) achieved their best-ever CFP ranking at No. 8. After opening the season with eight consecutive victories, Texas Tech's only loss came at Arizona State.
Historic Numbers:
- 492.3 yards per game (5th in FBS)
- 13.2 points allowed per game (5th in FBS)
- Best start since 2008
This Saturday's matchup against No. 7 BYU will determine Big 12 Championship positioning. College GameDay's return to Lubbock adds to the significance of this top-10 showdown.
Remaining Schedule:
- Nov 8: vs No. 7 BYU (College GameDay)
- Nov 15: TBD
- Nov 22: TBD
Playoff Outlook: A win over BYU would put Texas Tech in the driver's seat for both a Big 12 title game berth and a CFP at-large bid.
Texas: Alive at No. 11
Despite two losses (at Ohio State, at Florida), the Longhorns (7-2, 4-1 SEC) remain firmly in playoff contention at No. 11. A four-game winning streak has reignited Texas's championship hopes.
Recent Momentum:
- Arch Manning: 674 yards, 6 TDs in last 2 games
- Anthony Hill Jr.: Butkus Award semifinalist
- Defense allowing 17.8 points per game
The Longhorns don't control their SEC Championship destiny but can still secure a playoff berth with strong finishes.
Remaining Schedule:
- Nov 8: BYE
- Nov 15: at No. 5 Georgia (ABC, 6:30 PM)
- Nov 22: TBD
- Nov 29: vs Texas A&M
Playoff Outlook: Win out (including wins over Georgia and Texas A&M), and Texas is virtually guaranteed a playoff spot.
The Texas Triangle
The potential for all three Texas programs to reach the playoff is real:
- Texas A&M is in the driver's seat for a bye
- Texas Tech needs to win the Big 12 or earn an at-large bid
- Texas must win out to secure an at-large berth
The November 29 showdown between Texas and Texas A&M could determine not just bragging rights, but also playoff seeding.
Source and verification notes
Depth Chart Takeaway
We review each story for roster effect: position competition, injury availability, transfer movement, playing time signals, and likely changes to the projected two-deep.
Verification Notes
Maintained from official team materials, public box scores, conference reports, and reputable media coverage. Word count: 548. Corrections can be sent through the contact page.
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