Texas Upsets Texas A&M, Sending Georgia to SEC Championship in Dramatic Shakeup

The SEC football landscape was upended Friday night. No. 16 Texas delivered a stunning 27-17 upset over previously undefeated No. 3 Texas A&M in Austin. The result eliminated the Aggies from title contention. It also sent the Georgia Bulldogs directly to the SEC Championship Game.

This dramatic shift occurred on rivalry week. It sets up a tense final Saturday of conference play. According to ESPN, the loss fundamentally reshapes the College Football Playoff picture. Georgia now waits to see which opponent they will face in Atlanta.

How One Game Changed Everything for the Aggies and Bulldogs

Texas A&M entered the game with an 11-0 record. They controlled their own destiny for a spot in the SEC Championship. Quarterback Arch Manning and the Texas defense had other plans. Manning’s key 35-yard touchdown run sealed the upset for the Longhorns.

The Aggies’ perfect season is now over. They finish the regular season 11-1 overall and 7-1 in SEC play. That one loss was enough to knock them out of the conference title race completely. Their hopes for a first-round playoff bye are also severely damaged.

Georgia benefited immediately from the result. The Bulldogs automatically clinched the SEC East division. This marks their fifth consecutive trip to the conference championship game. Head coach Kirby Smart has now reached the title game in eight of his ten seasons leading the program.

Championship Scenarios and Playoff Fallout After the Upset

The focus now shifts to the Iron Bowl. Alabama must defeat Auburn on Saturday to claim the SEC West spot. If the Crimson Tide wins, they will face Georgia in Atlanta on December 6. An Auburn upset would send Ole Miss to the championship game instead.

USA Today reports that Ole Miss has already finished its season at 10-1. The Rebels hold a 6-1 conference record. They are poised to capitalize on any Alabama misstep. This sets up a dramatic Saturday with massive stakes.

The playoff implications are significant. Texas A&M’s loss weakens the SEC’s case for multiple top seeds. It strengthens the position of leaders from other Power Four conferences. Georgia remains solidly in the playoff field at No. 4, but a conference title could boost their seeding.

Texas improved its own resume dramatically with the win. The Longhorns are now 9-3 and could enter the at-large conversation for the expanded 12-team playoff. Their victory served as a major statement to the selection committee.

The SEC Championship Game is now set with Georgia, but their opponent remains a mystery tied to the Iron Bowl’s outcome. This final weekend will decide who battles for the conference crown and a premier playoff position.

Info at your fingertips

Who does Georgia play in the SEC Championship?

Georgia will play the winner of the SEC West. That will be either Alabama, if they beat Auburn, or Ole Miss if Auburn wins. The opponent will be decided after Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

Is Texas A&M out of the playoff?

Not completely, but their path is now very difficult. With the loss, they missed the SEC Championship Game. They will likely need other top teams to lose to have a chance for an at-large bid in the 12-team field.

When is the SEC Championship Game?

The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025. It will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.

Can Ole Miss still make the championship?

Yes. Ole Miss qualifies for the SEC Championship if Auburn beats Alabama on Saturday. The Rebels have completed their season and are waiting for the Iron Bowl result to learn their fate.

What was the final score of Texas vs. Texas A&M?

The Texas Longhorns defeated the Texas A&M Aggies by a score of 27-17. The game was played at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Friday night.