As the college football season winds down and the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture begins to solidify, debates rage over which teams are most deserving of a coveted playoff spot. Two of the more polarizing teams in the discussion this season are Notre Dame and Texas. Both programs are storied, well-supported, and undeniably talented. However, if the Playoff Committee is tasked with choosing between these two, it must be clear: Notre Dame has qualities Texas simply doesn’t—and those attributes make the Fighting Irish the more deserving playoff contender.
A More Complete Resume
When evaluating teams, the Playoff Committee looks at strength of schedule, quality wins, and how a team fares in big moments. Notre Dame excels in all these areas. The Irish have navigated a brutal schedule this season, facing top-ranked opponents like Ohio State, USC, and Clemson. While not perfect, Notre Dame has played these games competitively, showing they can hang with—and beat—elite teams.
On the other hand, Texas has faced questions about the quality of the Big 12 as a whole. While their win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa is impressive, the Longhorns’ overall strength of schedule pales in comparison to Notre Dame’s. The Big 12 has seen a down year, with traditional powerhouses Oklahoma and Kansas State struggling for consistency. Outside of their marquee win, Texas has not consistently faced the kind of challenges that Notre Dame tackles week in and week out.
Proven Defensive Dominance
A hallmark of championship-caliber teams is a stout defense, and this is where Notre Dame separates itself from Texas. The Irish defense, led by stars like Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts, has been one of the most consistent units in college football. Notre Dame boasts a top-tier secondary that has stifled high-powered offenses, holding explosive teams like USC and Caleb Williams well below their season averages.
Conversely, Texas has shown vulnerability on defense, particularly in the secondary. While the Longhorns’ front seven is formidable, their inability to close out games defensively has been a recurring issue. Late-game collapses, such as their near-loss to Kansas State and shaky performance against Oklahoma, highlight Texas’ struggles to finish strong—a trait that could prove costly in the playoff environment.
Consistency in the Spotlight
Another critical factor is how teams handle the bright lights. Notre Dame, despite facing immense scrutiny every season, consistently rises to the occasion in marquee matchups. Even in defeat, the Irish often prove their mettle. Their narrow loss to Ohio State was one of the season’s most memorable games, decided on the final play. Their domination of USC, a preseason CFP favorite, showcased their ability to deliver when it matters most.
Texas, however, has been defined by inconsistency. The Longhorns’ loss to Oklahoma revealed flaws in their ability to manage high-pressure moments. While they’ve rebounded in some games, their inability to dominate weaker Big 12 opponents raises questions about whether they’re prepared for the rigors of a playoff environment.
Coaching and Leadership
Marcus Freeman’s leadership at Notre Dame has been a revelation. In just his second season, he has instilled a culture of discipline and resilience, turning Notre Dame into one of the nation’s most balanced teams. Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian has yet to shake the perception that his teams falter in big moments. Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency—a dangerous trait when the stakes are highest.
Intangibles: Tradition and Identity
Notre Dame’s place in college football is unique. They are an independent program that embraces the nation’s toughest schedules year after year, thriving without the safety net of a conference championship game. This independence reflects a willingness to challenge themselves in a way Texas hasn’t had to. The Longhorns benefit from the Big 12’s structure and haven’t had to endure the same gauntlet.
For the CFP Committee, these factors should weigh heavily. Notre Dame has built a resume not just on talent but on grit, defensive prowess, and the ability to compete at the highest level consistently. Texas may have a marquee win, but Notre Dame has what Texas doesn’t: a complete, battle-tested profile that screams playoff-worthy.