Honestly, if you aren't from Texas, it’s hard to explain the level of pettiness that exists between Austin and College Station. It isn't just about football. It’s a personality test. You’re either a Longhorn or an Aggie, and in this state, those two identities are like oil and water. For twelve long years, we had to live in a world where Texas vs Texas A&M didn't happen on the field.
It was a dark time. A time of "what-ifs" and message board wars.
But then 2024 happened. Texas moved to the SEC, and suddenly, the "Lone Star Showdown" wasn't just a nostalgic memory—it was a reality again. Since the renewal, things have been, well, predictably chaotic. Texas took the 2024 meeting in College Station 17-7, then followed it up in 2025 with a 27-17 win in Austin. That latest game was a heartbreaker for A&M; they were 11-0 and ranked No. 3 in the country before Arch Manning and the Horns spoiled their perfect season and SEC title hopes.
Now, we’re looking at November 27, 2026. The game is heading back to Kyle Field. You can bet the 12th Man is already counting down the seconds.
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The Record Most People Get Wrong
People love to argue about the "all-time" record. If you ask a Longhorn, they’ll tell you the series is a blowout. And, strictly speaking, they aren't wrong. Texas leads the series 78-37-5.
That looks bad for the Aggies.
But context matters. A huge chunk of those Texas wins came in the early 1900s when A&M was basically a small military school and Texas was already a growing powerhouse. If you look at the last 50 years—roughly since the mid-70s—the series is shockingly even. It’s almost a 50/50 split over that span.
Why the 80s and 90s Belonged to the Aggies
There was a decade where Texas A&M absolutely owned the state. From 1984 to 1994, the Aggies went 10-1 against the Longhorns. It was the era of the "Wrecking Crew" defense and R.C. Slocum. Texas fans don't like to talk about this part of history, but for a while there, College Station was the epicenter of Texas football.
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It’s Actually Musical Warfare
You’ve heard the fight songs, right? Most schools sing about their own greatness. Not these two. They’re obsessed with each other.
The Aggie War Hymn has an entire second verse dedicated to saying "Goodbye to Texas University." They literally sing about "sawing Varsity’s horns off" while swaying back and forth to mimic a saw blade. It’s intense. It’s weird. It’s perfect.
On the flip side, Texas Fight includes the line "and it’s goodbye to A&M." It’s a mutual loathing that is literally written into the DNA of the institutions. You can’t graduate from either school without learning how to hate the other one musically.
The Real Reason They Stopped Playing
Everyone says it was about money or the SEC move in 2012. Sure, those were factors. But if you talk to anyone who was in the room when the Big 12 started fracturing, they’ll tell you the real reason was ego.
Texas launched the Longhorn Network. A&M felt like they were being treated as a "little brother" and decided they’d rather be the "big fish" in the SEC. Texas basically said, "Fine, if you leave, we’re never playing you again." And they meant it.
It took twelve years of political pressure—including actual bills filed in the Texas Legislature—and a massive realignment of the entire college sports landscape to get them back on the same field.
The "All-Sports" Competition
It isn't just football. The Lone Star Showdown is an actual trophy sponsored by Cotton Holdings that tracks every head-to-head matchup. Volleyball, baseball, track and field—it all counts.
In the 2024-25 academic year, Texas officially clinched the trophy after sweeping the Aggies in baseball. It was the seventh time in nine tries that the Longhorns took home the overall rivalry hardware.
What to Watch for in 2026
The 2026 game at Kyle Field is going to be a madhouse. Here’s the deal:
- The Quarterback Factor: By late 2026, we’re likely looking at a very seasoned Arch Manning for Texas. A&M has been building depth under Mike Elko, and their defensive front is designed specifically to harass pocket passers.
- The Playoff Implications: With the 12-team playoff, this late-November game almost always has postseason stakes. In 2025, it was a "win and you’re in" scenario for the Aggies. Expect the same pressure in 2026.
- The Home Field "Advantage": Interestingly, the home team hasn't always dominated lately. Texas winning at Kyle Field in 2024 proved that the 100,000+ fans in College Station aren't an automatic win-button, though they certainly make life miserable for opposing offensive lines.
How to Win Your Next Bar Argument
If you’re caught in a debate between a Longhorn and an Aggie, use these facts to stay ahead:
- The Scoreless Streak: In the first seven games of the rivalry (late 1800s), Texas scored 157 points. A&M scored zero. It took the Aggies 32 years to catch up to that point total.
- The "V" Word: Aggies refer to Texas as "t.u." (lowercase) because they refuse to acknowledge it as The University of Texas. Longhorns refer to A&M as "Aggyland" or worse, often mocking the traditions as "cult-like."
- The 2011 Kick: Before the 13-year break, the last game ended on a Justin Tucker walk-off field goal. That kick lived in the heads of Aggie fans for over a decade because they never got a chance to "get it back" until 2024.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on attending the 2026 game or just want to keep up with the rivalry, here’s how to handle it:
- Book Your Stay Now: College Station hotels for the Texas game usually sell out or 5x in price a year in advance. If you're going to Kyle Field on Nov 27, 2026, look at rentals in Bryan or even Navasota.
- Follow the Points: Don't just watch football. Follow the official Lone Star Showdown standings throughout the year. Sometimes a mid-week softball game in April is what decides who gets the trophy.
- Know the Lyrics: If you’re going to be in the stands, at least learn when to "Hook 'em" and when to "Saw 'em off." Doing the wrong one in the wrong section is a quick way to have a very bad Saturday.
The rivalry is back, it’s mean, and it’s exactly what Texas sports needed. Whether you bleed Burnt Orange or Maroon, the reality is that these two programs are better when they're trying to ruin each other's season.