Honestly, it feels like forever since we’ve seen these two programs really go at it with everything on the line. But when you look at Arizona St vs Texas, you aren't just looking at a couple of big brand names in college sports. You're looking at a weirdly lopsided history that’s suddenly getting very, very spicy.
Most people think of Texas as this untouchable blue blood and Arizona State as the "scrappy" West Coast team. That's a mistake. If you watched the 2024 Peach Bowl—or the absolute nail-biter in Maui this past November—you know the gap is basically gone.
The Peach Bowl Heartbreak and the New Era
The most recent high-stakes meeting between these two in football was the 2024 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Man, what a game. Texas walked away with a 39-31 win, but it took two overtimes to get there. Quinn Ewers had to play out of his mind to find Gunnar Helm for that 25-yard touchdown in the second OT.
ASU fans are still salty about a few calls in that game. I don’t blame them. The Sun Devils came back from 17-3 down in the first half to force overtime. It showed that Kenny Dillingham has built something in Tempe that doesn't blink when the lights get bright.
Before that, you have to go all the way back to the 2007 Holiday Bowl. Texas won that one too, 52-34. It’s funny because 2007 was the last time ASU won a conference title until their Big 12 Championship run in 2024. History sort of repeats itself, but the scores are getting much closer.
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Why the Big 12 Move Changes Everything
Arizona State moving to the Big 12 was a massive shift. Texas, meanwhile, jumped to the SEC. But don't think for a second that kills the rivalry. They are still recruiting the same kids in California, Texas, and Arizona.
Kinda feels like the "Big 12 vs. SEC" narrative has replaced the old Pac-12 vibe. When Arizona St vs Texas pops up on a schedule now, it’s a litmus test for which conference actually owns the Southwest.
The Hard Stats: Football and Basketball
Texas leads the football series 2-0.
Arizona State is looking for that first win.
On the hardwood? It’s even tighter.
The Longhorns narrowly escaped with an 87-86 win in the Maui Invitational first round back in November 2025. ASU's Bryce Ford put up 20 points, and for a second, it looked like Bobby Hurley was going to pull the upset. The head-to-head record in men's basketball is now 5-1 in favor of Texas, with the last Sun Devil win coming way back in 2014.
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What to Watch for in 2026
If you're looking ahead, the 2026 season is where things get real. ASU is coming off an 8-5 season in 2025, capped by a tough loss to Duke in the Sun Bowl. But the foundation is there.
- Sam Leavitt's Growth: He’s the engine. His ability to extend plays is what gave Texas fits in the Peach Bowl.
- The Portal War: Dillingham is a magician in the transfer portal. He’s been targeting defensive backs specifically to deal with the kind of speed Texas puts on the field.
- Recruiting Footholds: Texas has always raided Arizona for talent. ASU is finally starting to punch back, keeping guys like Jalen Moss home.
Honestly, the "Texas is back" meme is dead because they actually are back. But Arizona State is no longer the team that just shows up for a paycheck. They are built on "Activate the Valley" energy, and it’s working.
What Most Fans Miss
People keep talking about the "tradition" of Texas. Cool. But they forget that Arizona State is one of the biggest schools in the country with a massive alumni base in Austin and Houston. When these teams play in neutral sites, the crowd is usually 50/50.
There's a genuine dislike there. It's not a "rivalry" in the traditional sense like the Territorial Cup or the Red River Shootout, but it’s a clash of cultures. The polished, corporate vibe of Austin versus the "don't care, we're here to play" attitude of Tempe.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on betting or just following the next Arizona St vs Texas matchup, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Trench Depth: In their last three meetings across sports, the game was won in the final five minutes. Whoever has the fresher legs on the line usually takes it.
- Neutral Site Bias: ASU has historically struggled against Texas in neutral settings (0-3 in basketball). If the game isn't in Tempe, the odds lean heavily toward the Longhorns.
- Track the "Texas Transfers": ASU's roster is peppered with kids who grew up in Texas but didn't get an offer from the Longhorns. They play with a massive chip on their shoulder.
Basically, stop treating this like a blowout before it starts. The 2024 and 2025 matchups proved that ASU can go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights.
Keep an eye on the 2026 recruiting rankings for both schools. The battle for the next elite quarterback in the Phoenix metro area will likely determine who wins the next decade of this series. If ASU keeps the local stars home, the Longhorns are going to have a much harder time maintaining that lead.
Next Steps for You: Check the updated Big 12 and SEC schedules for any cross-conference scheduling announcements for the 2027-2028 seasons, as mid-week basketball pairings are usually finalized by late summer. You should also monitor the NCAA transfer portal windows in May; any movement from Austin to Tempe (or vice versa) is a direct indicator of how the power balance is shifting before the next kickoff.