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Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 1, 2025. Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
Texas has returned to the Top 10 just in time to face No. 5 Georgia (8–1) on Saturday in a game filled with College Football Playoff implications.
The 10th-ranked Longhorns (7–2) have turned the corner after early losses to top-ranked Ohio State and unranked Florida. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has been making strides, but the Bulldogs field the toughest defense the Longhorns have seen since their opener against the Buckeyes.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has been solid all season, but the Longhorns have one of the better pass rushes in the nation. It will behoove the Bulldogs’ offensive line to put together one of its best performances of the season.
The winner of this game still has a shot at the SEC championship game. Many other top-25 games likewise will impact conference races and playoff hopes, and here’s a look at those games, too.
No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama
Oklahoma (7–2) needs a win on Saturday to stay in the playoff chase, and Alabama (8–1) needs to stay on track for an SEC championship game appearance.
The Crimson Tide hasn’t lost since a season-opening defeat against Florida State, and quarterback Ty Simpson has put together a strong season, but the Sooners have a strong pass rush. Alabama’s offensive line has been strong this season, but Saturday will pose a big test.
Sooners quarterback John Mateer is fresh off a strong game against Tennessee, and Alabama hasn’t been the best against dual-threat quarterbacks this season. That most recently happened against South Carolina, a game the Tide barely won.
No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 22 Pittsburgh
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7–2) look to keep rolling, but the Pittsburgh Panthers (7–2) have been a tough out all season.
Pitt has a strong core of linebackers and could challenge the Irish ground attack of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel will need to take care of the ball against an opportunistic Irish defense.
No. 18 Michigan vs. Northwestern
Michigan (7–2) and Northwestern (5–4) meet up at Wrigley Field, and the Wolverines need another win to keep swinging for a Big Ten title game appearance. The Wolverines will be short without running back Justice Haynes, but Jordan Marshall has been stepping up of late, and Northwestern’s run defense has struggled. Conversely, Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone will have his work cut out for himself against the Wolverines’ strong defensive front.
No. 19 Virginia at Duke
Virginia (8–2) needs to keep its ACC championship game push with a win at Duke (5–4). Cavaliers running back J’Mari Taylor has been tough to stop, but Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris’ health has been an issue of late after an injury against Wake Forest. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah is a big passer, and he could give the Cavaliers’ secondary problems.
No. 24 South Florida at Navy
South Florida (7–2) and Navy (7–2) have it all on the line on Saturday in the American Conference race and an outside shot at the College Football Playoff. USF quarterback Byrum Brown has been going strong all season, while Navy quarterback Blake Horvath’s health has been a question mark of late.
No. 13 Utah at Baylor
Utah (7–2) still has a shot at the Big 12 title game and can’t afford to falter against Baylor (5–4). Utes quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker have been moving the ball on the ground, and Baylor’s run defense has been suspect.
No. 21 Iowa at No. 17 USC
USC (7–2) needs a win against Iowa (6–3) to keep slim Big Ten championship game and playoff hopes alive. The Hawkeyes are fresh off pushing No. 8 Oregon to the limit, and Iowa’s physicality on offense could pose a problem for the Trojans’ defense. Offensively, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava will have to be careful against the Hawkeyes’ stingy pass defense.
Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.
