Longhorns Daily News: Doubt around Texas football’s CFP hopes begins creeping in after OU loss

The question many have begun asking themselves about Texas football following several lackluster performances by returning starting quarterback Arch Manning and, most recently, the team’s walk-off loss after Oklahoma kicked a last-second field goal to win the Red River Rivalry in Dallas over the weekend, effectively ending the Sooners’ two-season skid to the Longhorns. Among those outside of Texas fandom circles raising such questions are folks like Maxx Crosby, a starting defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders that’s received All-Pro NFL honors twice. On a recent episode of Crosby’s podcast, he was asked to elaborate on his thoughts around Texas football’s chances of reaching the College Football Player national championship game later this season. Crosby didn’t come off as very hopeful. “I think they’re really talented,” Crosby said, referring to Texas football. “I don’t think they’re natty-type good.” But as for Texas players like Colin Simmons, Crosby said, “He’s a dog.” Clearly, three points can make a world of a difference in the span of just a few days. WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS Austin American-Statesman : Could freshman RB Derrek Cooper wake up Texas’ stagnant rushing game? 247Sports : First things first Wednesday: Big-game hunting with Cam Coleman; UT’s third-quarter blues; and Vernell Brown 247Sports : Finding fixes: Ranking the top five things wrong with the 2026 Texas football offense Inside Texas : Three reasons to feel fine about Texas football coming off crushing loss to OU ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION No. 7 Texas vs. Florida opponent preview: Gators look to end two-game skid On Arch Manning’s maddening inconsistency Forcing turnovers is the missing piece for the elite Texas defense Steve Sarkisian defends special teams coordinator Jeff Banks How Texas offensive transfers are performing RECRUITING ROUNDUP 247Sports : Fresh intel on every 2028 recruit from Florida in the updated Top247 rankings 247Sports : Texas OL commit Jackson Cook explains why Longhorns were an easy choice SEC SHOWDOWN Austin American-Statesman : Golden: The Oklahoma disaster makes Texas-Florida an elimination game for Horns 247Sports : Ex-Clemson commit RJ Hudson outlines characteristics he is eager to see during Texas visit as decision looms Inside Texas : Texas’s recruiting Saturday: who’s inside DKR as the Longhorns host Florida Rock M Nation : Ole Miss Rebels preview WHAT WE’RE READING SB Nation : Alaric Jackson suspended 2 games for punching Bradley Chubb, per report SB Nation : Bears’ Montez Sweat suspended 2 games for PED violation SB Nation : Hulu’s ‘The Land’ about the Cleveland Browns looks unintentionally hilarious NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND Best of times, worst of times, ya know?