The Texas Longhorns are strongly favored in their first-round College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup against the Clemson Tigers. This marks Texas’ second-ever appearance in the CFP, while Clemson is making its eighth appearance, the first since 2020. Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between these two storied programs. Despite a loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, Texas was awarded the 5th seed in the newly expanded 12-team CFP bracket.
Texas, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, has shown resilience this season. In the SEC title game, Ewers threw for an impressive 358 yards and one touchdown despite being sacked six times by Georgia’s relentless defense. The Longhorns have adapted well to their new environment in the SEC and enter the playoffs as one of the top contenders for the national title.
On the other side, Clemson earned the 12th seed after a dramatic 34–31 victory over SMU in the ACC Championship Game. Clemson’s quarterback, Cade Klubnik, played a pivotal role, passing for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Although Clemson suffered three losses this season, their strong finish secured them a spot in the CFP.
This Texas vs. Clemson matchup promises to be a thrilling battle, with both teams eyeing a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. The game will feature commentary from ESPN’s seasoned broadcasters Dusty Dvoracek and Dave Pasch, alongside sideline reporter Taylor McGregor. This broadcast team is known for their engaging coverage and deep understanding of the game, ensuring a quality viewing experience for fans.
Analysts and betting models heavily favor Texas in this clash. Predictions suggest that Texas has an 80.4% chance of victory, leaving Clemson with just a 19.6% likelihood of pulling off an upset. Despite the odds, Clemson’s rich postseason history under head coach Dabo Swinney, including two national championships, cannot be overlooked. Meanwhile, Texas, under coach Steve Sarkisian, has faced tough challenges this season but remains a strong contender for the championship.
While forecasts lean towards a Texas win, nothing is certain in college football. Fans are encouraged to watch the game unfold to see if Clemson can defy expectations or if Texas will solidify its dominance. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this matchup will undoubtedly have significant implications for the remainder of the CFP.