Expanded playoff could reshape Sarkisian’s Texas approach

On3 Texas reported Nov. 9 that the College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams next season, a change Eric Nahlin argued could alter how Steve Sarkisian manages Texas across the regular season. A larger field would give talented teams more room for losses while extending the season deeper into December.

Nahlin wrote that Sarkisian has said four teams is his ideal playoff size, reflecting a standard of reaching the field only after an elite season. Texas’ 2025 team would have qualified comfortably for a 24-team bracket in Nahlin’s view, though that is a hypothetical assessment rather than an official selection.

Nahlin suggested Sarkisian could play younger Longhorns earlier and more often because one loss would carry less risk. That experience could help developing players during a longer postseason run. For Texas, he linked the need for those opportunities to close games limiting younger players’ playing time during the season.

A 24-team format also creates the possibility of more playoff games on campus. Nahlin pointed to the appeal and business impact of December games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, including potential matchups between major programs that rarely visit Austin.

The broader argument rests on growing parity. Nahlin credited the transfer portal with strengthening teams in the middle while narrowing the gap between them and traditional powers. In his view, those changes would make a 24-team field more competitive than before the NIL era. He also suggested playoff designation could renew interest in bowl games by reducing player opt-outs. For coaches and players who perform for teams seeded Nos. 13-24, he predicted improved standing in the coaching and transfer markets.

Why it matters

A 24-team field would give Texas more margin for regular-season losses while increasing the importance of roster development for a longer postseason. It could also bring playoff games and their business impact to DKR.

What to watch next

Watch how Sarkisian distributes early-season snaps to younger players as Texas prepares for the 24-team playoff starting next season.