The college football season is approaching, and soon another race to the College Football Playoff will begin. ESPN’s College Football FPI, released just a couple of weeks ago, identified the early favorites to compete for a national championship.
Among those favorites, two SEC programs stood out: the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs. While Texas has yet to reach the promised land under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Georgia has already done it twice under Kirby Smart.
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Georgia has had Texas’ number since the Longhorns joined the SEC. However, Paul Finebaum believes that streak will end this season. He also believes Texas shouldn’t be satisfied with simply winning the conference.
Nov 15, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gestures after a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
“I don’t think that [winning the SEC] is the ultimate goal for him,” Finebaum said. “And quite frankly, it shouldn’t be the ultimate goal for Kirby Smart. I’ve been in Atlanta a lot. I’ve been in Athens a lot the last couple years. I’ve yet to see an SEC championship banner … For schools like Georgia and Texas, the ultimate goal is winning it all.”
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Dethroning the king?
Georgia has established itself as the SEC’s standard. The Bulldogs have controlled the conference since 2021 and don’t appear ready to loosen their grip.
Still, Texas has steadily built its program into a legitimate contender not only for the SEC title but also for a national championship. The Longhorns haven’t won a national title in more than 20 years, but if there’s ever been a window to end that drought, 2026 may be it.
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Texas, of course, returns Arch Manning at quarterback. While he underwhelmed overall last season, there’s plenty of reason to believe he can take a significant step forward, especially with how much Texas has reloaded at the skill positions.
Nov 29, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) carries the ball during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
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The biggest addition came in the transfer portal with the arrival of Cam Coleman from Auburn. Coleman has flashed the potential to become a true No. 1 NFL-caliber wide receiver.
The connection between Manning and Coleman could be what pushes Texas past Georgia and into the national championship conversation.
Will Texas finally reclaim its place atop college football?
