Honestly, if you're looking for texas football scores today, you're likely staring at a weird gap in the calendar. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026. The Friday "dead zone." High school lights are dark because the state championships at AT&T Stadium are long over. The Longhorns have already packed up their lockers. But don't let the quiet Friday fool you. The state is vibrating because of what happened on Monday and what is about to go down this Sunday.
The Houston Texans are the only show left in town.
They didn't just win their Wild Card game; they dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6. It was a statement. DeMeco Ryans has this team playing like they’ve got something to prove to the entire country. CJ Stroud looks like a surgeon out there. Sheldon Rankins basically ended any hope the Steelers had when he scooped up an Aaron Rodgers fumble and took it 33 yards to the house. It was a "where were you" moment for Houston fans.
The Scoreboard That Actually Matters This Week
Since there are no live games today, the "score" everyone is talking about is that 30-6 blowout from Monday night. It secured the Texans' first road playoff win in the history of the franchise. Think about that for a second. All those years with JJ Watt, Andre Johnson, or Deshaun Watson, and they never pulled off a road win in the postseason until now.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Here is the breakdown of that Monday night slaughter:
- Final Score: Houston Texans 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 6.
- Key Play: Rankins' 33-yard scoop-and-score in the 4th.
- Stroud Stat: A casual 4-yard TD toss to Christian Kirk to cap a 92-yard drive.
- Defense: Held the Steelers to two field goals. Total lockdown.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Aren't on Your Screen
You might be searching for the Cowboys' score, but there isn't one. It's been a rough week in Arlington. Jerry Jones is reportedly under massive pressure after the team finished a disappointing 7-9-1. They missed the playoffs entirely. While the Texans are preparing for a trip to Foxborough, the Cowboys are looking at 22 pending free agents and a 30-year Super Bowl drought that just won't quit.
It’s a tale of two cities in Texas right now. One is planning a parade route; the other is wondering if they need to blow up the whole roster.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
Looking Back: The Longhorns' Final Numbers
College football is basically in the rearview mirror unless you're a fan of Indiana or Miami (who play for the title on Monday). The Texas Longhorns finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a 10-3 record. They ended on a high note, though. On New Year’s Eve, they beat Michigan 41-27 in the Citrus Bowl.
It wasn't the Playoff run fans wanted, but beating a Big Ten powerhouse in Orlando is a decent consolation prize. Quinn Ewers and Steve Sarkisian had their moments, especially that 27-17 win over Texas A&M to end the regular season. That win alone bought Sark a lot of goodwill heading into the offseason.
What Happens Next?
If you're checking scores today, you're actually preparing for Sunday, January 18. That’s when the real "texas football score" will be decided. The Texans are heading to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
The Patriots just beat the Chargers 16-3. Drake Maye is playing inspired football, and that New England defense is no joke. But Houston is on a 10-game winning streak. They are the hottest team in the NFL.
Actionable Fan Guide for the Weekend:
- Watch the AFC Divisional Round: Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC.
- Monitor the Draft Order: Since the Cowboys are out, fans should start looking at the 2026 NFL Draft projections where Dallas will likely pick in the top 15.
- National Championship Prep: Watch the Indiana vs. Miami game on Monday night (Jan 19) to see the future NFL stars that might end up on the Texans or Cowboys next year.
The "score" today is zero-zero. Everyone is resting. But by Sunday evening, Houston could be one step closer to a Super Bowl, and that's the only number that really counts in the Lone Star State right now.