The closing stretch of the 2025 college football season brings a wave of crucial matchups that could dramatically influence the Texas Longhorns’ path to the postseason. Texas remains firmly in the playoff hunt, but its outlook depends not only on its own performance but also on how several ranked teams fare in the national spotlight. With so much movement still possible, the results of these key games will play a significant role in shaping both the standings and the betting markets.
A single upset or unexpected loss can shift futures odds, change at-large projections, and open new paths for Texas to climb the rankings. In this post, we break down the remaining games that hold the most influence over Texas’s College Football Playoff hopes. Understanding how each key matchup affects the broader playoff picture is essential for evaluating Texas’s betting value heading into the final stretch of the season.
Texas A&M vs Texas
The Texas Longhorns close out their regular season with a massive rivalry matchup against Texas A&M. This game carries enormous weight because it is the final chance for the Longhorns to strengthen their postseason résumé. With national attention focused on this showdown, both teams enter with pressure to perform at the highest level.
The Aggies come in as a slight favorite with a 2.5 point spread, underscoring how tightly contested this game is expected to be. Oddsmakers view Texas A&M’s undefeated record as a significant factor, giving them a narrow statistical edge. Even so, the Texas Longhorns have shown the ability to rise in big moments, making this far from a predictable outcome.
A Texas Longhorns victory would dramatically change the College Football Playoff conversation by adding a signature win over an 11 and 0 opponent. Such an upset would significantly strengthen their case and likely shorten their current Texas Longhorns odds. Bettors and analysts agree that if any three-loss team has a chance to reach the playoffs, it is Texas, and a win in this game would bring that possibility sharply into focus.
Ohio State vs Michigan
Ohio State enters this game as the top team in the country, which means a loss would significantly alter the national landscape. The Texas Longhorns benefit if Michigan pulls off the upset because an undefeated Ohio State is one of the strongest playoff locks. Removing them from the unbeaten line opens critical space in the rankings and boosts the Longhorns’ comparative résumé.
A Michigan win also reduces pressure on the committee to prioritize teams with flawless records. The Texas Longhorns’ chances improve if the playoff picture becomes more balanced between one-loss programs. Bettors should expect Texas’ futures to strengthen immediately if Michigan takes down Ohio State.
Georgia vs Georgia Tech
Georgia enters this matchup as one of the most respected teams in the nation, carrying strong playoff expectations and significant national influence. A win here would allow the Bulldogs to maintain their position as a key contender and keep pressure on teams like Texas. However, Texas benefits greatly if Georgia Tech can deliver a second loss to the Bulldogs because such a setback would dramatically weaken Georgia’s playoff outlook.
A Georgia Tech victory would remove one of the SEC’s most dangerous one-loss teams from the at-large conversation. The College Football Playoff committee consistently values SEC competition, which often puts Texas at a comparative disadvantage when multiple SEC teams are in contention. Eliminating Georgia from the mix would open valuable space in the rankings and elevate Texas’s standing against other playoff hopefuls.
If Georgia Tech pulls off the upset, bettors can expect an immediate shift in Texas’ futures and overall playoff odds. Reducing the number of elite SEC contenders always helps Texas because it simplifies the path and reduces ranking pressure. With fewer top-tier teams competing for limited CFP spots, Texas would see a clearer path emerge and greater confidence from analysts and sportsbooks alike.
Alabama vs Auburn
Alabama enters this rivalry game still close to the top ten and capable of climbing higher with a strong finish. The program’s history of producing standout players like Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and Mark Ingram keeps bettors focused on Alabama’s current playmakers as potential difference-makers. This Week’s Top NCAAF Props reflects that interest by highlighting key Alabama skill players whose performances could determine whether the team stays in the playoff race or opens the door for Texas.
Texas needs Auburn to win because an additional Alabama loss would eliminate any chance the Crimson Tide jumps ahead and keep them firmly out of the SEC title conversation. If Auburn delivers that crucial loss, Alabama would likely drop out of the College Football Playoff picture entirely. This would eliminate one of the most historically dangerous late-season programs and reduce competition for the limited playoff spots. Bettors should watch this game closely because any stumble from Alabama makes Texas’ futures more stable and increases the likelihood of improved playoff odds.
Conclusion
The final week of the regular season presents a dynamic set of matchups that could dramatically influence the Texas Longhorns’ College Football Playoff chances. Each of the highlighted games involves teams whose results will directly impact Texas’s standing and, therefore, their betting odds. Bettors who follow these contests closely can anticipate market changes and position themselves advantageously. The scenarios described show how quickly the playoff field can shift when top-ranked teams fall. Texas fans and bettors alike should prepare for an exciting and unpredictable finish to the season.
