Honestly, if you grew up anywhere near the 512 or the 979 area codes, you know that Texas vs Texas A&M isn't just a game. It’s a personality trait. It’s a decade-long cold war that finally turned hot again. For thirteen years, we had to survive on Twitter (now X) barbs and "what-if" scenarios because the two biggest programs in the state couldn't agree on a date to play.
But man, the wait was worth it.
When the Longhorns finally rolled into College Station in 2024 for that first SEC-era clash, the atmosphere wasn't just electric—it was borderline radioactive. Texas took that one 17-7, and suddenly, the "Lone Star Showdown" was back like it never left. Fast forward to this past November 2025, and we saw one of the wildest upsets in recent memory when Arch Manning and a scrappy Texas squad ruined a perfect Aggie season in Austin.
What Actually Happened Between 2011 and 2024?
Most people think the rivalry died because of "scheduling conflicts." That’s the polite way of saying both sides were being incredibly stubborn. Basically, when Texas A&M jumped to the SEC in 2012, they wanted to keep playing. Texas, feeling a bit like the jilted lover, famously said they’d "move on."
The Longhorns filled their schedule with teams like Maryland and Rice, while the Aggies started a new "rivalry" with LSU that never quite felt the same. It took Texas finally following A&M into the SEC for the world to get what it wanted.
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The All-Time Series: By the Numbers
If you ask a Longhorn, they’ll point to the history books. If you ask an Aggie, they’ll talk about the "new era." Here is the reality of the Texas vs Texas A&M record as of early 2026:
- Total Meetings: 120
- Series Leader: Texas leads 78–37–5
- Current Streak: Texas has won the last 3 (2011, 2024, 2025)
- Next Meeting: November 27, 2026, at Kyle Field
The 2025 game was a heartbreaker for the 12th Man. Mike Elko had the Aggies ranked No. 3 in the country. They were undefeated and looking at a clear path to the SEC Championship and a first-round bye in the College Playoff. Then, a No. 16 Texas team—underdogs in their own stadium—staged a second-half comeback. Arch Manning’s 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter basically ended the Aggies' dreams of a conference title.
The Petty Traditions We Love
You can't talk about this game without the fight songs. It’s peak pettiness. Texas fans sing "Texas Fight," which explicitly says "and it's goodbye to A&M." Meanwhile, the Aggies have "War Hymn," where the entire second half of the song is dedicated to "sawing Varsity's horns off."
Varsity is the old name for the Texas team. They haven't been called that in forever, but the Aggies don't care. They keep sawing.
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- The Bonfire: A tragic but deep part of A&M history that bonded the schools briefly in 1999 after the collapse killed 12 students.
- Bevo vs. Reveille: The Longhorns have a 1,700-pound steer. The Aggies have a very pampered Rough Collie who is technically a Five-Star General.
- The Midnight Yell: Aggies gather the night before the game to practice "humpin' it" and telling jokes about the Longhorns.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 matchup is already circled in red. It’s moving back to Kyle Field. If you've never been there, the stadium literally moves. When 100,000+ Aggies start swaying in unison, the upper decks sway with them. It's terrifying and beautiful.
Texas vs Texas A&M in 2026 will likely feature a different look. With stars like KC Concepcion and Cashius Howell heading to the NFL, Mike Elko is hitting the transfer portal hard. On the Austin side, Steve Sarkisian is trying to prove that the 2025 upset wasn't a fluke.
Why the 2025 Game Changed Everything
Before last November, the narrative was that A&M had surpassed Texas in terms of "SEC readiness." They had the trenches. They had the depth. But the 27-17 Longhorn victory proved that the gap isn't as wide as the folks in College Station hoped.
"I have no doubt in my mind that the team we have in that locker room is a playoff football team," Sarkisian said after the game.
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It saved the Texas season. It gave them a "signature win" to show the committee, and it effectively knocked A&M out of the SEC title game in favor of Georgia. That kind of spoiler energy is exactly why this rivalry is the best in the sport.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re planning on attending or betting on the 2026 showdown, keep these things in mind:
- Book Early: Hotels in Bryan-College Station for the 2026 game are already being snatched up. If you don't have a room by June, you're staying in Hearne or Madisonville.
- Watch the Lines: Home-field advantage is worth about 3-4 points in this series, but the "spoiler" team has covered the spread in 4 of the last 6 meetings.
- The "Manning" Factor: If Arch Manning stays for his senior year, the hype for the 2026 game will be unprecedented.
- Check the Friday Move: There is a lot of talk from ADs Chris Del Conte and Trev Alberts about moving this game permanently to Black Friday to avoid NFL Thanksgiving conflicts. Keep an eye on the official SEC schedule release.
The reality is that Texas vs Texas A&M is finally healthy again. The hate is fresh, the stakes are national, and the bragging rights last for 365 days. Whether you're wearing Burnt Orange or Maroon, the last Saturday in November is once again the most important day of the year in Texas.
Next Step for You: Check the official SEC 2026 schedule release in late spring to confirm the exact kickoff time and date for the next Lone Star Showdown.