The College Football Playoff committee released its first rankings of the season, placing three Texas programs in the top 25. The University of Texas Longhorns debuted at No. 7, Texas Tech Red Raiders at No. 15, and the University of Houston Cougars at No. 17.
The rankings, announced on November 5, 2026, mark the initial assessment of the playoff contenders. The Longhorns' high placement reflects their strong start, while Texas Tech and Houston earned recognition for their early performances.
