In the wake of Texas’ impending move from the Big 12 to the SEC, The Daily Texan spoke to sports editors at student newspapers across both conferences to get their thoughts on the Longhorns’ recent success and what Texas’ Playoff run means for the future. Some quotes have been edited for grammar and brevity. 

Alabama

“As the student sports editor of the other one-loss team in the CFP, I think Texas has a chance to prove itself here. The Longhorns aren’t getting as much FSU hate as we are, but there’s still definitely a chance to prove that winning the Big 12 is a big deal, the close wins still count as wins, and Texas is still a title-worthy team despite the loss. Personally, I’m looking forward to an Alabama-Texas rematch in the national championship.” – Abby McCreary, The Crimson White

Auburn

“I think Texas obviously deserved a spot in the 2023 College Football Playoffs, and selfishly, I am glad the Longhorns did end up making it as I had them in the playoffs at the beginning of the season. Outside of the loss to Oklahoma, I was extremely impressed with Texas all season, even in close wins, and my preseason confidence in Texas was backed up by a resounding win over Oklahoma State in the conference championship game.” – Jacob Waters, The Auburn Plainsman 

Baylor 

“Baylor fans may not want to see Texas go on to compete for a national championship, but that doesn’t make sense. If the Longhorns were good enough to come into McLane Stadium and completely dismantle the Bears back on Sept. 23, wouldn’t a Baylor fan want to know that their opponent was truly elite? If Texas’ 38-6 beatdown of Baylor wasn’t added proof that the Horns are one of the best teams in the country, then what does that make the Bears? It all circles back to the mentality of ‘Support conference foes unless you’re facing them.’ Hopefully, Texas represents the Big 12 well in its final year with the league, but just getting there should be a huge success in itself.” – Michael Haag, The Baylor Lariat

Florida

“Although the College Football Playoff selection committee is currently under fire for putting in Alabama over Florida State, I believe they got it right putting in the Texas Longhorns. Texas was one of the best teams all season. The Longhorns did lose one game this season but still took down the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, and at some point, the games have to matter and hold real stakes. The team had some close calls in the regular season, but the Longhorns proved why they are one of the best four teams in college football with their dismantling of Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Conference Championship. Wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy have elevated Texas to one of the most high-powered offenses in the country. Texas dynamic passing attack going up against Washington’s will be a treat to watch in the semifinal.” – Jackson Reyes, The Independent Florida Alligator

Iowa State

“If any team deserves to make the CFP, it’s Texas. Say what you want about the Florida State situation, but with Alabama in the playoffs, Texas should be in too. Texas has quality wins – beating teams like Alabama and Oklahoma State soundly – only one loss to a highly-ranked Oklahoma team and has one of the most explosive and entertaining offenses in the nation. If any team is going to put on a show against a high-powered Washington offense, it will be Texas.” – Christian Royston, The Iowa State Daily 

Kansas

“There’s no doubt that Texas was one of the four best teams in college football this season. The Longhorns have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and showcased it all season. Kansas’ game against Texas showed me how dominant the Longhorns are. While the Jayhawks faced an unfortunate situation with Jason Bean, learning he was starting 45 minutes before the game, the Longhorns got everything they wanted. They tallied 661 yards of total offense and shut down a Kansas offense that was pretty impressive this season even with Bean. Texas honestly has a shot to win it all; the Longhorns are that good.” – Sam Winton, The University Daily Kansan

LSU

“I wasn’t too surprised that Texas got into the CFP. Given its resume and conference championship, I felt it was impossible to leave them out, especially if Alabama was going to be in. Texas has been one of the most impressive teams of the season to me. I came into the year thinking it was make or break for Steve Sarkisian, and his team far exceeded my expectations. I think the matchup with Washington is fascinating, but I see the CFP setting up to be an Alabama-Texas rematch in the final. It’s hard for me to say who will win, but I know I’ll be tuned in.” – Peter Rauterkus, The Reveille 

Oklahoma State 

“All I could think when watching the Longhorns in Arlington last weekend was, ‘Man, this is a CFP team.’ When Quinn Ewers has time in the pocket and is playing at that high of a level with receivers like Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, Texas is tough to beat. UT is deserving of a spot in the playoffs, and I could easily see the Longhorns making the title game. Either way, college football is better when Texas is relevant and in the national championship race.” – Braden Bush, The O’Colly

Ole Miss

“Texas making the playoffs is something that has been in the making for years, and it was finally the Longhorn’s time to get in. From a macro perspective, this is great for the SEC and not so great for the Big 12. Obviously, the SEC is inheriting a team capable of carrying on the conference’s standard of excellence, but Texas also proved just what the Big 12 will be missing out on. Texas has a great chance to actually win this year’s playoffs, which is something a lot of people would not have said at the beginning of the year or even after the Oklahoma loss – hats off to the Longhorns.” – Cameron Larkin, The Daily Mississippian 

Tennessee

“Texas put the SEC on notice when it defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa this season. The Longhorns are a good team, but so is Washington. Winning the Big 12 championship before entering the SEC is a storybook-type ending. Winning a national championship would amplify that. I wouldn’t bet on Texas winning it, but it is not impossible. What I do know is Steve Sarkisian has shown the SEC, and all of college football, that the Texas brand may actually be back this time.” – Caleb Jarreau, The Daily Beacon

Texas A&M

“The Playoff committee’s decision to include Texas and Alabama in the top four teams over undefeated ACC champion Florida State sends a message that it was looking for college football’s four best teams, not necessarily the four most deserving. While the Longhorns have looked great in every aspect of the game while picking up arguably the season’s top win at Alabama, Georgia probably needs another look as one of the four best teams. The Bulldogs’ undefeated regular season in the SEC is no easy feat, and it holds more weight than a one-loss Big 12 farewell tour.” – Luke White, The Battalion