The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings of the 2026 season on Thursday, placing three Texas programs in the top 20. The Texas Longhorns debuted at No. 7, followed by Texas Tech at No. 15 and the University of Houston at No. 17.
The rankings, announced November 5, 2026, mark the initial evaluation of the playoff contenders. The Longhorns' position reflects their strong start, while the Red Raiders and Cougars also earned recognition for their early-season performances.
