The 2025-2026 college football offseason discussions focus heavily on the strength of schedules. Conference pride relies on this, and it’s crucial for the College Football Playoff selection committee. They use strength of schedule and strength of resume metrics to rank teams. The perceived toughness of a team’s schedule can shift opinions significantly.

In 2026, the Big Ten and SEC consistently top the lists of the most challenging schedules. The Texas Longhorns face what is arguably the toughest schedule nationwide. Ohio State’s schedule includes trips to Texas, USC, Iowa, Nebraska, and Indiana, and they will host Oregon and Michigan. This slate is demanding, even for one of the sport’s most talented rosters.

Conference Rivalry and Strength Metrics

The SEC’s strength, along with the Big Ten, means many programs carry demanding schedules. Other Power 4 conferences are generally not seen as equal in schedule difficulty. The ACC and Big 12 schedules aren’t perceived to rival those of programs like Texas or Ohio State. As the playoffs approach, Big Ten and SEC proponents often assert that a 9-3 record holds more weight in their conferences than similarly in the Big 12.

Texas Tech’s Scheduling Dilemma

Texas Tech faces challenges in scheduling robust non-conference opponents. Their head coach, Joey McGuire, remarked about the difficulty in securing games with schools like USC and Texas A&M. This issue highlights criticisms of these teams and their conferences regarding schedule toughness.

McGuire noted their struggle to find top-tier opponents despite ongoing talks. Texas Tech’s desire to improve their schedule by adding strong matchups remains unmet. The situation becomes more complicated with residual issues like the Brandon Sorsby controversy, which may influence other teams’ decisions to avoid scheduling them.

Perceptions and Future Opportunities

Despite the controversy, Texas Tech focuses on elevating their program. They’ve invested significantly to compete at higher levels and become playoff contenders. Instead of being sidestepped, other teams should consider the opportunity to compete against a rising team. If teams choose to avoid games with Texas Tech, they relinquish the right to critique their schedule later.