As we wade through the “quiet time” of the offseason, we continue our series of rankings. Today, it’s about the most important games Texas is facing this season. It’s been dubbed an “All-In” season and there are plenty of major games to match the expectations. To me, there are a clear five that will define the season more than others.
Here’s the five games I believe will decide if Texas has a shot at another title or not:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes – September 12 – Austin, TX
The loser of this game could very well miss the playoff. These are two of the toughest schedules in the country and Texas can’t walk into SEC play without wiggle room. On top of that, this is the most talented team Texas will line up in front of(on paper). Texas fell in Columbus a season ago and couldn’t walk the tightrope the rest of the way. On top of the CFP implications, Ohio State is the measuring stick you want to be up to as a program. This game could be another defining moment in the Steve Sarkisian era.
2. LSU Tigers – November 14 – Baton Rouge, LA
This will be the single best indication of if Texas can win a National Title this season. It’ll be later in the season, when they will essentially be a finished product. It’s away from home in the toughest environment in the country. LSU seems to be a team that will compete for the SEC title. On top of that, the Lane Kiffin offense will likely be the best test for the Texas defense during SEC play. If they can go into Baton Rouge and get a win, it’ll prove this a true national title level team.
3. Tennessee Volunteers – September 26 – Knoxville, TN
This could be the Florida game from last year. Tennessee is a really talented team that, on any given day, can compete with anyone, especially in Neyland Stadium. There are still questions around the QB position as the battle rages on but Desean Bishop is one of the top RBs in the SEC. The defense will be improved from a year ago under Jim Knowles. On top of that, this game coming after the bye week and to begin the SEC play is massive. If Texas enters this game with a loss, they need a win or they could be barreling towards another 9-3 season.
4. Oklahoma Sooners – October 10 – Dallas, TX
This is a massive game for obvious reasons but also because it’s the start of a long stretch. Texas will play eight straight games and this sets the pace for the rest of the season. If you walk in 3-1, you need a win unless you want to win out. You walk in 4-0, walking out 5-0 puts you firmly in the driver’s seat. On top of that, I expect Oklahoma to be improved from a year ago. Mateer is very dangerous, the run game will likely improve behind a better offensive line and the defense will be strong as always. This could be firm confirmation if Texas has an elite offense in 2026 or not.
5. Texas A&M Aggies – November 27th – College State, TX
This game will always be on this list. The rivalry speaks for itself but the placement of this game might be more important. There is a very real world(maybe a likely world?) where Texas walks into this game needing a win to lock themselves into the playoff. On top of that, if Marcel Reed takes another step forward, the A&M offense could be one of the best in the country. This game could hold SEC championship, CFP and bragging rights implications to go with 100,00+ in Kyle Field.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: 2026 Schedule: Five most important games for Texas Football
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
