If you’re checking your phone to see who did Texas play today, you’re likely looking for the latest chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in college sports. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Texas Longhorns hosted the Texas A&M Aggies at the Moody Center in Austin.
This isn't just another game on the schedule. It's the "Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown."
For years, this rivalry was on ice after the Aggies bolted for the SEC, but now that Texas has joined them, the heat is back on. The atmosphere in Austin today was electric, with a tip-off set for 5:00 p.m. CT (6:00 p.m. ET).
A High-Stakes SEC Clash
Texas entered today’s game with an 11-6 record (2-2 in the SEC), riding a wave of momentum after back-to-back wins against Top 15 opponents. They recently knocked off No. 13 Alabama on the road and handled No. 10 Vanderbilt at home earlier this week.
Texas A&M came into the Moody Center at 13-4 overall and 3-1 in conference play. They’ve been playing some gritty basketball lately, despite a heartbreaker of a double-overtime loss to Tennessee a few days ago.
The Matchup by the Numbers
Looking at the stats leading into today, these teams are mirrors of each other in some ways and polar opposites in others.
- Texas Offense: Averaging 87.8 points per game.
- A&M Offense: Averaging 93.0 points per game.
- The Glass: Texas has been dominant on the boards, averaging 38.3 rebounds compared to A&M’s 34.6.
- Shooting: The Longhorns shoot a crisp 49% from the field.
Honestly, the rebounding battle was always going to be the deciding factor. Texas is 10-3 this season when they win the boards. If the Aggies can't keep Dailyn Swain and Matas Vokietaitis off the glass, they’re in for a long night in Austin.
Key Players to Watch
Dailyn Swain has been the engine for the Longhorns lately. He’s putting up 15.8 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. In the win against Vanderbilt, he was everywhere—14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. He’s basically a walking Swiss Army knife for Rodney Terry.
On the other side, the Aggies rely heavily on Rubén Dominguez and Jacari Lane. Lane had 20 points and 9 assists in that marathon loss to Tennessee. He’s the kind of guard who can get into the paint and cause chaos, which is exactly what Texas wants to avoid.
History on the Line
Texas has historically owned this matchup, leading the all-time series 140-87. Even more impressive? The Longhorns have won 11 straight home games against the Aggies. That kind of home-court advantage is hard to break, especially in a building as loud as the Moody Center.
What’s Next for the Longhorns?
Regardless of how today's final buzzer sounded, the SEC schedule doesn't get any easier. The Longhorns have to pack their bags and head to Lexington to face Kentucky on Wednesday, January 21. That’s a 6:00 p.m. CT tip on the SEC Network.
If you're following the women's team, they’ve got their own version of the Lone Star Showdown tomorrow. The Texas women host Texas A&M on Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the live action on ESPN, check the ESPN app or Longhorn Radio Network for highlights.
- Ticket Check: If you're planning on catching the next home game against Georgia on January 24, buy tickets now; the SEC return has made Moody Center seats a hot commodity.
- Stat Tracking: Keep an eye on the rebounding margin in the box score—it remains the most reliable predictor of success for this specific Longhorn roster.