Honestly, if you're looking for the score of the Texas Longhorn football game right now, you’re probably either celebrating a wild postseason or already looking ahead to the 2026 schedule. As of January 18, 2026, the Texas Longhorns have officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 football campaign.
The pads are in the lockers. The stadium lights at DKR are dimmed.
The Longhorns' final act of the season took place on December 31, 2025, in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. It was a high-stakes showdown against the Michigan Wolverines, and Texas fans walked away happy. The final score was Texas 41, Michigan 27. ## Looking Back at the Texas 41, Michigan 27 Victory
Texas didn't exactly have it easy in Orlando. Michigan jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first quarter, making it look like it might be a long afternoon for Steve Sarkisian’s squad. But then, things clicked.
Arch Manning, who has been under the microscope since he first stepped on campus, really showed out in the second half. Texas dropped 17 points in the fourth quarter alone to pull away. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The ground game was lethal, and the defense clamped down when it mattered most.
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If you're wondering about the "live" score today, January 18, there isn't one. The team is currently in the off-season. However, if you see "Texas vs. Texas A&M" on your TV today, you’re actually looking at the basketball schedule—those two rivals are playing a high-stakes hoop game this afternoon.
The 2025 Regular Season: A Rollercoaster in the SEC
Texas' second year in the SEC was a gauntlet. You can’t talk about the final score of the season without mentioning the brutal stretch in October and November.
- The Highs: Crushing Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry and taking down Texas A&M 27-17 in the regular-season finale.
- The Lows: A tough 35-10 loss to Georgia in Athens and a frustrating 29-21 loss to Florida.
They finished the regular season at 9-3. For most programs, that's a dream. For Texas, it meant just missing out on the College Football Playoff (CFP). The committee ranked them No. 13 in the final standings, literally one spot away from the 12-team bracket. That’s why they ended up in the Citrus Bowl instead of a CFP quarterfinal.
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What happened to the College Football Playoff?
There was a lot of chatter about whether Texas deserved the No. 12 spot over teams like Notre Dame or Alabama. Ultimately, the committee pointed toward those losses to Georgia and Ohio State (who Texas played early in September). It's a bitter pill to swallow when you finish with the same record as teams playing for a national title.
What Is the Score of the Texas Longhorn Football Game Next?
Since the 2025 season is in the books, fans are already asking about the 2026 kickoff. We actually already have the dates for the upcoming year, and it’s a doozy.
September 5, 2026 is the date to circle on your calendar. Texas opens at home against Texas State.
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But the real "get your popcorn" game happens the following week. On September 12, the Ohio State Buckeyes come to Austin. If you remember, Ohio State beat Texas 14-7 early in the 2025 season, so the Longhorns will be looking for blood in that rematch.
The 2026 SEC Schedule Highlights:
- Sept 26: At Tennessee (First-ever trip to Neyland Stadium).
- Oct 10: Oklahoma (The usual Dallas chaos).
- Nov 14: At LSU (A night game in Death Valley).
- Nov 27: At Texas A&M (Friday night showdown in College Station).
Making Sense of the Manning Era
The big question moving into the 2026 season is the quarterback room. With Quinn Ewers likely heading to the NFL after a productive career, the keys are firmly in Arch Manning’s hands.
Manning’s performance in the 41-27 win over Michigan gave fans a glimpse of the ceiling. He’s mobile, he’s got the arm, and honestly, he seems to have the "it" factor that's been missing at times. But the SEC is unforgiving. Leading a team through road games at LSU and Tennessee back-to-back is a different kind of pressure.
Your Next Steps for Longhorn Football
Since there's no game today, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Check the Transfer Portal: January and February are huge for roster building. Keep an eye on defensive line depth, as that was a sticking point in the losses to Georgia and Florida.
- Secure Tickets Early: The Ohio State game on September 12 is going to be one of the most expensive tickets in the country. If you aren't a season ticket holder, start looking at secondary markets by late spring.
- Watch the Spring Game: Usually held in April, the Orange-White game will be the first time we see the 2026 roster in a competitive setting. It’s the best way to see which freshmen are actually ready to contribute.
The 41-27 victory over Michigan was a great way to end the year, but in Austin, the expectations are always "National Championship or bust." 2026 starts now.