If you were anywhere near Austin or a TV screen this past fall, you already know. The 2025 Texas Longhorn football schedule wasn't just a list of games. It was a gauntlet. Honestly, looking back at the schedule now that the dust has settled on the Citrus Bowl win over Michigan, it’s wild to see how much Steve Sarkisian’s crew had to navigate.
Texas didn't just play football in 2025; they survived a transition into the SEC's permanent reality. Remember when everyone thought the non-conference slate was a cakewalk except for the opener? Yeah, we were wrong.
The Brutal Opener in Columbus
It started with a punch to the mouth. August 30th. Columbus, Ohio.
Most teams start with a "cupcake" game to shake off the rust. Not Texas. They flew straight into the Horseshoe to face a #3 ranked Ohio State team. It was a defensive slugfest that felt more like a January playoff game than an August opener. Arch Manning was under constant pressure, and the Longhorns eventually dropped a 14-7 heartbreaker.
It was a low-scoring affair that had every Longhorn fan on the edge of their seat, worrying if the offense would ever click.
Finding the Rhythm in Austin
After the Ohio State loss, the team came back to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium for a three-game homestand. These were supposed to be the "get right" games, and for the most part, they were.
- Sept 6: San Jose State (W, 38-7)
- Sept 13: UTEP (W, 27-10)
- Sept 20: Sam Houston (W, 55-0)
The Sam Houston game was probably the turning point for the offense. Manning looked comfortable, and Ryan Wingo started showing why he’s a future Sunday player. But let's be real—the UTEP game was closer than it should have been. The "Fire Sark" tweets were out in full force for about forty-five minutes that Saturday afternoon.
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Welcome to the SEC Grind
The meat of the 2025 Texas Longhorn football schedule kicked off in October, and it was basically a weekly heart attack.
Traveling to Gainesville on October 4th proved to be a trap. Florida, unranked at the time, played out of their minds. Texas lost 29-21 in "The Swamp," and suddenly, the 10-win season we all dreamed of looked like it was slipping away.
Then came the Red River Rivalry.
The Red River Statement
October 11th in Dallas is holy ground. Coming off the Florida loss, nobody knew which Texas team would show up. But the defense decided to play lights out. They absolutely stifled Oklahoma, holding the Sooners to just six points.
That 23-6 win in the Cotton Bowl changed everything. It gave the team the swagger they needed for the back half of the season.
The Overtime Thrillers
October ended with two games that probably aged Longhorn fans by five years each. First, a trip to Lexington on October 18th. Kentucky’s defense is always a problem, and this year was no different. It took overtime, but Texas escaped with a 16-13 win.
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One week later? Another overtime. This time in Starkville against Mississippi State.
Basically, the Longhorns refused to win easily. They eventually pulled out a 45-38 victory on October 25th, but it was clear the SEC road schedule was draining the tank.
Navigating the November Gauntlet
November is where the CFP dreams usually go to die. Texas had a massive win against a top-10 Vanderbilt team (yes, Vandy was actually good this year) on November 1st, winning 34-31.
But then came Georgia.
November 15th in Athens was a reality check. Kirby Smart’s defense is a different breed, and the Bulldogs rolled to a 35-10 victory. It was the lowest point of the season since the opener, but the Longhorns didn't fold.
Finishing Strong at Home
The final two regular-season games were old-school rivalries brought back to life.
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- Nov 22 vs Arkansas: A 52-37 shootout. The defense struggled, but the offense finally looked like the high-powered machine we expected.
- Nov 28 vs Texas A&M: The game everyone circled on their calendar. On a Friday night in Austin, Texas took down the Aggies 27-17. Ending the regular season by beating your biggest rival at home? You can't write a better script than that.
Post-Season Success and the 2026 Outlook
Texas finished the regular season 10-3 (6-2 in the SEC). They missed the SEC Championship game—Georgia and Alabama took those spots—but they earned a trip to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl.
On New Year's Eve, they dismantled Michigan 41-27. Arch Manning went off for 221 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 155. It was the perfect exclamation point on a season that tested the program’s depth and mental toughness.
What We Learned
Looking at the 2025 Texas Longhorn football schedule in retrospect, it's clear that the SEC isn't just about talent; it's about endurance. Texas played four top-10 teams and survived two overtime road games.
If you're planning for next year, the big takeaway is that the "home field advantage" at DKR is back. The crowd for the A&M and Arkansas games was legendary, easily topping 103,000.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Secure 2026 Season Tickets Now: After a 10-win season and a Citrus Bowl trophy, the waitlist for DKR is going to explode. Don't wait until August.
- Watch the 2027 NFL Draft Board: Arch Manning and Colin Simmons are the names to watch. 2025 was their arrival; 2026 will be their peak.
- Study the 2026 Schedule: The SEC will move to a nine-game format soon, and the opponents for 2026 are already being teased, including a return trip to Columbus to finish the home-and-home with Ohio State.
Texas is officially a permanent resident of the national conversation again. The 2025 season proved they can take the SEC's best shots and still be standing on New Year's Day.