UNC on Texas Scheduling: “CDC Ain’t Ducking Nobody”

The conversation fired up when Danny Davis dropped a note: Texas has future dates with Ohio State (2026), Michigan (2027), and Notre Dame (2028–29). With the SEC moving to a nine-game grind, the natural question: will the Longhorns back out of these heavyweight non-conference matchups?

Texas AD Chris Del Conte gave the answer straight — hell no.

Why It Matters

• Nine SEC games is a gauntlet. You’re already facing Bama, Georgia, LSU, and now Oklahoma every single year. Most schools would soften the blow with cupcakes.
• Marquee OOC games bring money and eyeballs. Ohio State in Austin? Texas at The Big House? Notre Dame home-and-home? Those aren’t just football games, they’re cultural events.
• Expanded Playoff changes the math. With 12 teams in the field, a close loss to a top-5 team doesn’t kill your season. In fact, it might strengthen your resume.

The Fan Takes

Reddit lit up with all sides of the argument:

• Some pointed out the Big 12 and Pac-10 were doing 9-game schedules long before the Big Ten, so spare the whining.
• Others reminded folks that 9 in the SEC isn’t the same as 9 in the old Big 12 — the middle of the SEC is loaded with talent that would’ve been top-end in other leagues.
• A lot of fans hammered home the playoff angle — at-large bids will come down to 9-3 vs 10-2 resumes. That extra heavyweight OOC game could make or break bubble teams.
• And of course, plenty of posters gave CDC credit: Texas has played everybody — LSU, USC, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State. They don’t hide from smoke.

UNC’s Takeaway

Texas isn’t ducking, and honestly they can’t afford to. The Longhorn brand is built on big stages, big opponents, big atmospheres. That LSU-Texas game in Austin in 2019 was one of the most electric scenes of the decade. College football needs more of that — not less.

With the playoff expanding, there’s never been a better time to line up the giants and let ‘em swing. Texas vs Ohio State in 2026? Sign me up.