As the Texas Longhorns enter the home stretch of their 2024 regular season, an ESPN analyst has sent a stern warning to the team: stay focused, or risk missing out on a potential College Football Playoff berth. Currently ranked among the top teams in the nation, Texas has all the tools to make its first CFP appearance since the format began in 2014. However, with a crowded field of contenders and the pressure mounting, the Longhorns must avoid any missteps as they close out their Big 12 schedule.
Speaking on ESPN’s College Football Live, analyst Greg McElroy emphasized that while Texas is in a prime position to secure a playoff spot, the margin for error is razor-thin. McElroy pointed out that the Longhorns have been their own worst enemy in recent years, often faltering in key moments late in the season.
“Texas has the talent, the coaching, and the momentum to finish the job this year,” McElroy said. “But history tells us they’ve struggled to handle expectations. They can’t afford to let complacency or mental lapses creep in—especially with so much at stake.”
The Longhorns currently sit at 10-1, with their lone loss coming in a close battle against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Despite rebounding with impressive wins, including a statement victory over Kansas State, McElroy warned that upcoming opponents could still pose significant challenges.
Texas faces Texas Tech in its regular-season finale, a game that may seem straightforward on paper but carries plenty of potential pitfalls. The Red Raiders, while unranked, are known for their high-powered offense and ability to pull off upsets. With this being the Longhorns’ final season in the Big 12 before transitioning to the SEC, Texas Tech would love nothing more than to play spoiler to its in-state rival’s playoff hopes.
Beyond the regular season, the Longhorns are almost certain to appear in the Big 12 Championship Game, likely facing a rematch with Oklahoma State or Kansas State. Both teams have shown they can compete with the Longhorns, and a poor performance in the conference title game could derail Texas’ playoff ambitions entirely.
McElroy also noted that style points matter at this stage of the season. “The selection committee is watching how teams finish,” he said. “If Texas stumbles to an ugly win or fails to dominate a lesser opponent, that could hurt their case when compared to other one-loss teams like Oregon, Washington, or Alabama.”
For Texas, the message is clear: take care of business. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has returned from injury and has played well in recent weeks, providing the stability the offense needs. Ewers, alongside standout playmakers like Xavier Worthy and Jonathon Brooks, must continue to deliver explosive performances to ensure Texas stays on track.
Defensively, the Longhorns have been strong all season, ranking among the nation’s best in stopping the run. However, lapses in the secondary have been a concern, and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski must ensure his unit is disciplined against teams with strong passing games.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for head coach Steve Sarkisian will be managing the team’s mindset. Texas has faced criticism for folding under pressure in previous seasons, and Sarkisian must ensure his players remain focused on the task at hand rather than looking ahead to the CFP.
The stakes for Texas couldn’t be higher. A playoff berth would mark a turning point for a program that has struggled to regain its place among college football’s elite for over a decade. With the Longhorns set to join the SEC in 2025, proving they can compete at the highest level this season would send a powerful message to their future conference rivals.
Failure to finish strong, however, would reinforce the narrative that Texas remains a team that struggles to deliver when it matters most. As McElroy put it, “This is Texas’ moment to prove they belong. The question is, can they rise to the occasion?”
With so much on the line, the Longhorns must heed the warning and play their best football over the next few weeks. Anything less could mean watching the College Football Playoff from home—a bitter pill for a team so close to glory.