Arch Manning is officially the man in Austin. After a 2025 season that saw the Longhorns finish 10-3 and grab a convincing 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, all eyes have shifted to the future. If you thought the transition to the SEC was a wild ride, just wait until you see what is coming. The university of tx football schedule for 2026 isn't just a list of games; it's a brutal reality check for a program that finally feels like it’s "back" for real.
The conference just dropped the full slate, and honestly, it’s a lot to process. We’re talking about a season where Texas plays nine games within the state borders, yet faces some of the most hostile environments in college football.
The Non-Conference Revenge Tour
Steve Sarkisian isn't easing into things. The season kicks off on September 5, 2026, against Texas State. While that might sound like a "tune-up," the Bobcats are heading into Austin as members of the newly reformed Pac-12. It’s the first time these two have met since 1930.
But let’s be real. Nobody is talking about Texas State. They’re talking about September 12.
Ohio State is coming to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Last year, the Buckeyes broke Longhorn hearts in Columbus with a 14-7 slugfest that basically kept Texas out of the College Football Playoff. This is the revenge game. It’s Manning vs. Jeremiah Smith. It’s arguably the biggest non-conference game in the country for 2026. If Texas loses this one at home, the pressure for the rest of the university of tx football schedule becomes almost unbearable.
They wrap up the out-of-conference slate against UTSA on September 19. It’s a nice local rivalry, but it’s just the calm before the SEC storm.
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Entering the SEC Meatgrinder
The true test begins on September 26. Texas travels to Knoxville to face Tennessee. This is huge. It’s the first time Texas has ever played at Neyland Stadium. Think about that history. Two of the biggest "UT" brands in sports finally clashing on the banks of the Tennessee River.
After a much-needed bye week on October 3, the schedule gets heavy fast:
- October 10: The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas. Texas won the 2025 edition 23-6, so you know the Sooners are going to be looking for blood at the Cotton Bowl.
- October 17: Florida comes to Austin. This is the third year in a row these two have played, and the Gators are always a wild card.
- October 24: Ole Miss makes its first trip to Austin since 2013. This is the Lane Kiffin vs. Steve Sarkisian masterclass everyone has been waiting for.
- October 31: Mississippi State on Halloween.
The Longhorns essentially spend the entire month of October in the state of Texas. It’s a massive advantage compared to the 2025 season where they spent over 40 days without a home game. You’ve gotta win these if you want to stay in the hunt for the SEC Championship.
That Brutal November Road Trip
If October is the "home stretch," November is where the season will be won or lost on the road. Texas starts the month by heading to Columbia on November 7 to play Missouri. We haven't played them since the 2017 Texas Bowl, and Faurot Field is a sneaky tough place to play when the weather starts to turn.
Then comes the "Death Valley" test.
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On November 14, Texas heads to Baton Rouge to face LSU. It’s the first trip to Tiger Stadium for the Horns since 1953. Imagine the atmosphere. Night game. 100,000 screaming fans. It’s the kind of game that defines a Heisman campaign or ruins a playoff seed.
The home finale is November 21 against Arkansas. The Hogs lost 52-37 in Austin last year, and they’ll be looking to play spoiler before the biggest game of the year.
The Lone Star Showdown Returns to College Station
We wrap it all up on Friday, November 27. Black Friday. The Lone Star Showdown.
Texas at Texas A&M.
Last year, Texas ruined the Aggies' perfect season with a 27-17 win in Austin. In 2026, the game moves back to Kyle Field. There is no love lost here. The university of tx football schedule always feels like it’s building toward this crescendo. If Texas is 10-1 or 11-0 heading into this game, it will be the most-watched regular-season game in the history of the state.
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What This Means for Your Travel Plans
If you're a season ticket holder or just a fan trying to catch a game, 2026 is a weird year. You get seven home games in Austin, which is fantastic for the local economy and the tailgating scene at Scholz Garten. But those road trips? They are expensive and legendary. Knoxville and Baton Rouge are bucket-list stadiums.
You should probably start looking at hotels in College Station now for that November 27 date. Seriously.
The university of tx football schedule is designed for drama. With Arch Manning likely entering his final year before the NFL Draft, the stakes couldn't be higher. We’ve moved past the "rebuilding" phase. Now, it’s about whether this roster can survive a November that features Missouri, LSU, and Texas A&M all on the road.
It’s going to be stressful. It’s going to be loud. And honestly? It’s exactly why Texas joined the SEC in the first place.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Mark the Calendar: Specifically September 12 (Ohio State) and November 27 (at Texas A&M). These are the pillars of the season.
- Check the Secondary Market: Since Texas has so many home games in October, expect ticket prices for Florida and Ole Miss to fluctuate early in the season depending on the Ohio State result.
- Logistics: If you are planning on Neyland Stadium (Sept 26), look into lodging in Maryville or Oak Ridge; Knoxville fills up months in advance for SEC openers.