Texas Longhorns Emerge as Early Favorites for 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship may be in the books, but the focus has already shifted to next year’s title contenders. The Texas Longhorns are garnering significant attention from sportsbooks, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing them as the second-most likely team to win the championship at +650, just behind Ohio State at +450.
This early prediction is not unfounded, considering the Longhorns have come agonizingly close to a national championship appearance for two consecutive years. With a talented roster and the highly touted quarterback Arch Manning at the helm, Texas is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
While the Longhorns will have to navigate the departure of several key players who graduated or left for the 2025 NFL Draft, they retain some impactful players. Safety Michael Taaffe, Colin Simmons, and Anthony Hill will provide a solid foundation for the team.
However, the biggest factor in Texas’s championship aspirations is the expectations surrounding Arch Manning. As a highly touted recruit, Manning is expected to bring a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the Longhorns. If he lives up to the hype, Texas may finally have the missing piece to get over the hump and win a national championship.
The Longhorns will face stiff competition from other top teams, including Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Penn State, and Notre Dame. However, with Manning leading the charge, Texas has a legitimate shot at making a deep run in the playoffs.
As the offseason progresses, fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on the Longhorns. With their talented roster and high expectations, Texas is primed to make a statement in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Early Odds for 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship:
Ohio State: +450
Texas: +650
Oregon: +650
Georgia: +700
Penn State: +850
Notre Dame: +1200
Only time will tell if the Texas Longhorns can live up to the hype and bring home a national championship. One thing is certain, however: the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.
