Texas football has one ranked opponent remaining on its schedule, but there is no telling when the team will arrive for that matchup. The Longhorns boarded the airplane for their trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday afternoon, but because of a nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, they are stuck in Austin for the time being, per Tyler Horka of Inside Texas.
Steve Sarkisian's squad is scheduled to face LSU on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Changes may need to take place, as everyone tries to make sense of these massive delays. The No. 21 Tigers are clinging to life in the College Football Playoff rankings and could benefit immensely by drawing a travel-weary Texas.
Texas boarded its plane bound for Baton Rouge but did not take off. The Longhorns are stuck in Austin because of the FAA’s nationwide ground stop. pic.twitter.com/RBPTtX5tBi
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 13, 2026
The No. 6 Longhorns have plenty on the line as well. They can probably survive a third loss, but pressure could reach uncomfortably hot temperatures for Arch Manning and company. A road win in Death Valley, and they are essentially guaranteed a spot in the 12-team field and would remain in the hunt for the SEC championship.
Article Continues BelowIt is hard to focus solely on the game during a time like this, however. Restlessness is bound to set in if Texas is grounded for hours upon hours. Hopefully, the FAA will have more information to provide shortly. The SEC will also need to address the kickoff time and determine if a postponement is required.
Texas football and its fans have faced more challenges than anticipated in 2026, but they are still in the national title conversation in mid-November. The Longhorns must rise above this latest obstacle.