Texas football is just different. You’ve got the brisket, the heat, and a brand of pettiness that honestly keeps the lights on in Austin and College Station. But for twelve long, quiet years, the biggest game in the state was effectively dead.
When Texas A&M packed their bags for the SEC in 2012, they didn't just change conferences; they triggered a decade-long cold war. Fans spent years arguing on message boards about who "ducked" whom. The Longhorns claimed they were moving on to bigger things, while the Aggies took every chance to mention they were the only SEC team in the state.
Then 2024 happened.
The move that everyone saw coming—Texas finally following the Aggies into the SEC—changed everything. It forced these two back onto the same field. If you were at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024, you felt it. That 17-7 Texas victory wasn't just a game; it was a release of twelve years of pent-up frustration.
The Breakup That No One Actually Wanted
Let’s be real: the "Lone Star Showdown" never should have stopped.
The split in 2011 was handled with all the grace of a high school breakup. Texas launched the Longhorn Network, which A&M (and basically everyone else in the Big 12) saw as a power grab. The Aggies bolted for the SEC to find their own identity away from "the school in Austin."
For over a decade, Texas Longhorns football vs Texas A&M Aggies football discussions were stuck in a loop. Longhorn fans would point to the 78-37-5 all-time series lead. Aggie fans would counter with their SEC "toughness" and the fact that Texas was struggling to win the Big 12.
It was a stalemate.
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Texas students actually voted 96.7 percent in favor of bringing the game back in 2017. A&M students followed suit with an 88 percent "yes" vote in 2019. Even Governor Greg Abbott tried to get involved. But the administrators? They were stubborn.
2024: The Return of the Showdown
When the schedule finally dropped for the 2024 season, that November date was circled in blood.
The game itself was a defensive slugfest. People expected fireworks, but what they got was a gritty, old-school Texas brawl. Quinn Ewers was under center for the Horns, while Marcel Reed tried to lead the Aggies to a signature home win.
- The Score: Texas 17, Texas A&M 7.
- The Key Play: Arch Manning actually stepped in and ripped off a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that set the tone.
- The Stat: Quintrevion Wisner ran for a massive 186 yards.
The Aggies hung around, mostly thanks to a 93-yard interception return by Will Lee III, but they couldn't find the end zone on offense. It was a brutal reminder for A&M that the "big brother" narrative they’d been fighting wasn't going away just because they had a head start in the SEC.
Why the 2025 Rematch Felt Even Bigger
If 2024 was about the return, 2025 was about the rivalry settling into its new reality.
Texas hosted this time in Austin on November 28, 2025. The Longhorns came out on top again, winning 27-17. It was a cleaner game, but the animosity was even higher. You had Steve Sarkisian and Mike Elko basically refusing to look at each other at midfield.
By this point, the Texas Longhorns football vs Texas A&M Aggies football discussions had shifted from "When will they play?" to "How long can Texas keep this streak alive?"
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The Horns have now won three straight (counting the 2011 walk-off by Justin Tucker). That 27-25 win in 2011 used to be the only thing Texas fans could talk about. Now, they have 2024 and 2025 to add to the trophy case.
The SEC Factor: A New Nine-Game Era
Starting in 2026, the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule. This is huge.
It guarantees that this game stays on the calendar every single year. No more "scheduling conflicts" or athletic directors playing chicken. The 2026 game is already set for Friday, November 27, back at Kyle Field.
Texas is entering this new era with a lot of momentum. They’ve managed to recruit at a level that rivals the best in the country, and their transition to the SEC has been surprisingly smooth on the field.
A&M, on the other hand, is still trying to figure out their ceiling. They have the resources—they brought in an NCAA-record $271 million in revenue back in 2023—but that hasn't translated to a win over Texas since the move.
Historical Context You Can't Ignore
To understand why these discussions get so heated, you have to look at the history.
Texas dominated the mid-century. From 1957 to 1966, Darrell K. Royal led the Longhorns to ten straight wins over the Aggies. He actually had as many National Championships (3) as he had losses to A&M (3) during his entire tenure. That’s the kind of stat that makes Aggie fans want to throw their computer.
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A&M had their golden era from 1984 to 1994, going 10-1 against Texas. That’s when the "12th Man" culture really solidified into the powerhouse we see today.
But overall? Texas has scored more points against A&M than any other opponent in their history. 2,297 points across 120 meetings.
Actionable Insights for the Rivalry's Future
The "Lone Star Showdown" isn't just about football anymore; it’s an all-sports trophy. Texas actually clinched the 2024-25 rivalry series trophy after sweeping the Aggies in baseball.
If you're following the Texas Longhorns football vs Texas A&M Aggies football discussions today, here is what you need to watch for:
Keep an eye on the 2026 recruiting trail. The "Arms Race" is real. With both teams in the same conference, they are fighting for the same four-star and five-star kids in Houston and Dallas. Whoever wins the state in February usually wins the game in November.
Watch the quarterback development. Arch Manning is the face of the Longhorns' future. How A&M responds to that level of star power under center will define the next five years of the rivalry.
Plan for the 2026 date. The game has moved to Black Friday (Nov 27, 2026). If you're planning to attend, book your College Station hotel now. Seriously. They’re already filling up.
The rivalry is back, it's mean, and it's exactly what college football was missing. The "goodbye to A&M" from the Texas fight song was always meant to be a temporary farewell. Now that they're back in the same house, the real fun begins.
Find the 2026 SEC schedule on the official university sites to track the road games for both teams as the nine-game format begins. Track the "Lone Star Showdown" point standings throughout the spring to see if the Aggies can reclaim the overall trophy in baseball or track and field. This rivalry is a year-round job now.