Texas-Oklahoma rivalry faces new dynamics amid expanded playoff format
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 10:13 PM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners are facing off at the Cotton Bowl on October 8, 2026. While Texas is currently ranked No. 1, the game holds different implications due to the College Football Playoff expansion. Unlike previous years, even a loss for Texas may not threaten their playoff chances, reducing the overall stakes of the rivalry. Recent performances have led to criticism of Oklahoma’s coach Brent Venables, despite his contract extension following multiple losses to Texas. Discussions around a potential 24-team playoff format are ongoing, which could further impact the significance of future matchups.
- •Texas ranks No. 1 entering the game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl.
- •The College Football Playoff expansion lowers the stakes for traditional rivalries.
- •Brent Venables remains the Oklahoma coach despite recent losses to Texas.
- •Negotiations for a 24-team playoff format are in progress and could alter future match significance.
- 10:13 PMYahoo Sports — How a new era has changed stakes of Texas-Oklahoma rivalry
"The expanded College Football Playoff lowers the stakes of Texas-Oklahoma, but the Sooners can still spoil the top-ranked Longhorns' week.
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