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Ranking Every Power 4 College Football Program in the State of Texas
Texas is home to seven Power 4 college football programs, each with varying levels of championship potential in 2026.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:38pm
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The competitive landscape of college football in Texas is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the state's abundance of top-tier programs vying for national championships.College Station TodayThis article ranks the seven Power 4 college football programs in the state of Texas based on their likelihood to win a championship in 2026. The list includes TCU, Houston, Baylor, SMU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas, with the Longhorns topping the rankings as the top contender.
Why it matters
Texas is considered the center of the college football world, with nearly double the number of Power 4 programs compared to the state with the second-highest. This ranking provides an in-depth look at the championship aspirations of each Texas-based program heading into the 2026 season.
The details
The article breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of each program, highlighting key offseason roster moves, coaching changes, and schedule challenges that will impact their title hopes. TCU and Houston are seen as having the longest odds, while Baylor, SMU, and Texas A&M are viewed as potential contenders. Texas Tech and the University of Texas are highlighted as the top two programs in the state, with the Longhorns touted as one of the top national title contenders thanks to their aggressive offseason roster additions.
- The article was published on April 12, 2026, ahead of the 2026 college football season.
The players
Sonny Dykes
The head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs.
Willie Fritz
The head coach of the Houston Cougars.
Dave Aranda
The head coach of the Baylor Bears.
Rhett Lashlee
The head coach of the SMU Mustangs.
Mike Elko
The head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies.
Cody Campbell
The Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman.
Arch Manning
The starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
The takeaway
The state of Texas is home to a wealth of college football talent and championship potential, with several programs poised to make a run at the national title in 2026. The rankings highlight the fierce competition within the state and the high stakes for these programs to capitalize on their rosters and coaching talent to emerge as the top contender.
