Chris Del Conte Doubles Down Amid Texas Football's Schedule Concerns

During the annual town hall meeting, Texas Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte addressed the importance of scheduling challenging non-conference games for the football team. Despite criticism following a 9-3 season that saw Texas miss the College Football Playoff, Del Conte emphasized the value of facing elite teams like Ohio State and Michigan. He explained that such matchups enhance the regular season and prepare the team for potential playoff expansions. Del Conte confirmed that Texas would honor its commitments to play return games against Ohio State and Michigan, aligning with head coach Steve Sarkisian's stance. The Longhorns' decision reflects a commitment to competitive integrity and fan engagement at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR). Del Conte also indicated openness to revisiting future non-conference schedules to strategize for postseason opportunities. Texas is set to host Ohio State in Week 2 of the 2026 season.