Texas football is a different beast now. If you've spent any time on the Forty Acres lately, you know the vibe has shifted since the move to the SEC. It’s not just about winning; it’s about surviving a gauntlet that feels like a mini-NFL season every single week. Honestly, looking at the u of texas football schedule for the upcoming 2026 season, you can see exactly why Steve Sarkisian has been obsessed with roster depth.
The 2025 season just wrapped up with a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, finishing the year 10-3. That’s solid. But 2026? It’s arguably the most aggressive slate of games the Longhorns have seen in the modern era. We're talking about a non-conference showdown with a Big Ten powerhouse and a conference schedule that includes trips to some of the most hostile environments in college sports.
The 2026 Non-Conference Reality Check
Texas doesn’t do "warm-up" games anymore.
The season kicks off on September 5 against Texas State. It’s a local matchup, sure, but the real fireworks happen a week later. On September 12, the Ohio State Buckeyes march into Austin. This is a massive revenge game. Remember last year? Texas went up to Columbus and dropped a heartbreaking 14-7 defensive struggle. Having the Buckeyes at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium is going to be electric.
After that, things settle briefly with UTSA on September 19 before the real chaos begins.
Breaking Down the SEC Gauntlet
The SEC recently moved to a nine-game conference schedule, and Texas is feeling the full weight of that decision. This isn't the Big 12 where you might have a "trap game" against a mid-tier opponent. In the SEC, every Saturday is a physical toll.
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September 26: At Tennessee. This is the SEC opener, and it’s a doozy. It’s the first time Texas has ever played at Neyland Stadium. If you haven't seen 100,000 people wearing Tennessee Orange, it’s a lot. It's loud. It’s a literal checkerboard of noise that can rattle even a veteran quarterback like Arch Manning.
October 10: The Red River Rivalry. After a much-needed bye week, it’s off to Dallas. Texas vs. Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. Texas leads this series 65-51-5, and after a 23-6 win over the Sooners in 2025, the momentum is firmly in Burnt Orange territory. But it’s Red River. Anything can happen when the state fair is smelling like fried everything and half the stadium is screaming "Boomer Sooner."
The October Home Stand
Texas actually gets a bit of a breather from travel in mid-October, staying in Austin for three straight weeks:
- October 17 vs. Florida: The Gators are becoming a regular fixture on the schedule. This will be the third year in a row these two have played.
- October 24 vs. Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin coming to Austin. Expect points. Lots of them.
- October 31 vs. Mississippi State: A Halloween matchup at DKR.
The Brutal November Road Trip
If Texas wants to make the College Football Playoff, they have to survive November. This is where the u of texas football schedule gets truly terrifying.
Back-to-back road games at Missouri (Nov. 7) and LSU (Nov. 14). Missouri is an old Big 12 foe, but Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge is a different planet. Texas hasn't played at LSU since 1953. Death Valley at night is where playoff dreams go to die, and the Longhorns will have to be perfect to walk out of there with a win.
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Then, they come home for the "old school" rivalry against Arkansas on November 21. The Hogs always play Texas tough, regardless of records.
The Lone Star Showdown Returns to Kyle Field
Everything culminates on Friday, November 27. The Lone Star Showdown at Texas A&M.
For a decade, this game was a ghost. Now, it’s the most anticipated regular-season finale in the country. Texas beat the Aggies 27-17 in Austin last year, so you can bet Kyle Field will be a literal furnace of resentment when the Longhorns roll into College Station. It’s the 120th meeting between the two schools. Texas holds the edge 78-37-5, but at Kyle Field, records usually go out the window.
Strategy and Expectations
Basically, the path to the SEC Championship and the 12-team playoff is narrow. To navigate this u of texas football schedule successfully, the Longhorns have to solve their November road woes. Last year, the losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia all shared a common theme: the offensive line getting bullied in high-pressure environments.
Sarkisian has been hitting the transfer portal hard to beef up the trenches. You've got guys like Zion Williams coming in from LSU and Dylan Sikorski from Oregon State to provide that veteran presence.
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The defense, led by the secondary, looked elite toward the end of 2025. If they can maintain that level of play, a 10-2 or 11-1 season is definitely on the table. But one slip-up in Knoxville or Baton Rouge, and things get dicey quickly.
What Fans Should Do Next
If you’re planning on attending any of these games, especially the road trips to Tennessee or LSU, you need to book yesterday. SEC travel is no joke, and hotels in Knoxville and Baton Rouge sell out months in advance.
Keep an eye on the official Texas Athletics site for kickoff times, which usually get announced 6-12 days before the game, though big ones like Ohio State and Oklahoma are often set much earlier. Make sure your SeatGeek or Longhorn Foundation account is active, because single-game tickets for the Ohio State matchup will be the hardest ticket in town since the 2006 rematch.
Secure your travel arrangements for the Texas A&M game in College Station now. Friday night after Thanksgiving is a logistical nightmare for travel in Texas, so having a plan for the drive to Kyle Field is essential.