Texas A&M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle finds himself at the center of the heated rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M.
When Jim Schlossnagle took over as head coach of Texas A&M baseball in 2021, he knew the weight of expectations that came with the job. But he couldn’t have predicted just how quickly he would find himself at the center of one of college baseball’s most intense and historic rivalries: Texas vs. Texas A&M. As Schlossnagle has worked to rebuild the Aggies into a powerhouse, he has found himself not only in the crosshairs of the fierce competition with their Lone Star State counterparts but also a pivotal figure in the resurgence of the rivalry itself.
This article takes a deeper look at Schlossnagle’s journey at Texas A&M, his impact on the team, and how he has become a central figure in the Texas-Texas A&M baseball rivalry — a rivalry that had been dormant for several years before Schlossnagle’s arrival. His leadership and ability to rekindle this heated competition are now defining his tenure and reshaping the future of college baseball in the state.
A New Era in Aggie Baseball
Before Schlossnagle arrived, Texas A&M baseball had been known for its tradition and consistent success, but the program had also seen its fair share of struggles in recent years. Under former coach Rob Childress, the Aggies had maintained a solid foundation, but by 2021, A&M had not reached the College World Series since 2017, and the program’s overall trajectory had plateaued.
When Schlossnagle, who had previously led TCU to sustained success and a spot in the College World Series, was hired by A&M, the expectation was clear: bring championship-level baseball back to College Station. Schlossnagle didn’t just bring his coaching acumen to the Aggies; he brought with him an understanding of the culture of Texas baseball and the importance of rivalries in college sports.
“I knew coming in that the rivalry between Texas and A&M was deep, and I knew that it meant everything to the fans,” Schlossnagle said in a recent interview. “But what I didn’t realize was how passionate and electric it was from the players’ standpoint, too. It’s not just a game — it’s an event.”
Rekindling the Rivalry
The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M had been one of the fiercest in college sports, particularly when it came to baseball. However, the intensity of the rivalry had been somewhat muted during the years when A&M was a member of the Big 12, as the Aggies and Longhorns were only occasionally matched up. Then, in 2012, A&M left the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference, and the rivalry went dormant, with the two teams meeting only sporadically in the postseason.
Schlossnagle’s arrival at Texas A&M, however, coincided with the return of Texas to the SEC in 2025. The move set the stage for the long-awaited renewal of one of college baseball’s most iconic rivalries, and Schlossnagle has been at the forefront of making that a reality. As the Aggies and Longhorns faced off for the first time in several years, the excitement and energy were palpable.
“I knew how big this rivalry was, but I don’t think people outside of Texas fully understand the intensity it brings,” Schlossnagle said. “It’s not just about the games; it’s about the pride of each university and the pride of the state.”
The return of the rivalry has reignited the passion of fans, players, and coaches alike, with Schlossnagle standing in the middle as the key figure shaping the future of the Aggies’ program in the heat of this historic competition.
Schlossnagle’s Impact on the Aggies
Since his arrival, Schlossnagle has reshaped the Texas A&M baseball program in his image, emphasizing discipline, toughness, and a strong work ethic. Under his leadership, the Aggies have become a force in the SEC, consistently competing for conference titles and NCAA tournament berths. Schlossnagle has instilled a winning culture in a program that was already proud of its traditions but needed a fresh injection of energy and leadership.
One of the key aspects of Schlossnagle’s approach has been building a team that can compete at the highest level in college baseball. His focus on developing pitchers, creating a strong defensive core, and fostering a dynamic offense has helped turn the Aggies into a balanced and well-rounded team. But it’s his ability to get the best out of his players in big moments — particularly in rivalry games — that has been the most impressive.
In Schlossnagle’s first season, A&M exceeded expectations, advancing to the College World Series and showing that they could hang with the elite programs in college baseball. But it was the Aggies’ dominance in the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry that truly put Schlossnagle on the map as a coach who could not only rebuild a program but elevate it to new heights.
The Importance of the Rivalry for Schlossnagle
For Schlossnagle, the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry represents more than just a chance to beat a rival — it’s a way to establish the Aggies as a premier program in the SEC and to create a lasting legacy in College Station. He understands that the rivalry isn’t just about the wins and losses; it’s about creating an atmosphere where every game is a battle and every victory is a statement.
“Every time we play Texas, it’s more than just a game for us. It’s a chance to show the state, the country, and everyone who follows college baseball that we’re here to compete for championships,” Schlossnagle said. “We want to put the Aggies at the top of the college baseball world, and this rivalry is a big part of that.”
The rivalry has also been a chance for Schlossnagle to showcase his coaching ability on the national stage. With the eyes of the college baseball world fixed on the SEC and the Texas-Texas A&M games, Schlossnagle has used these matchups to demonstrate his team’s resilience, focus, and mental toughness. Whether it’s in front of a packed Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park or a sold-out crowd at Disch-Falk Field, Schlossnagle has embraced the pressure and used it to fuel his team’s success.
The Aggies’ Success Under Schlossnagle in the Rivalry
Under Schlossnagle, the Aggies have had a strong showing in the rivalry with Texas. The team’s success against the Longhorns, especially in key SEC matchups, has proven that Schlossnagle’s formula for success works. The Aggies have become known for their aggressive approach, both on the mound and at the plate, making them a tough opponent in the rivalry.
The Aggies’ performance in these games has elevated the stature of Schlossnagle’s tenure at A&M. Each victory against Texas is another step toward validating Schlossnagle’s decision to leave TCU and join a program with so much potential but also immense pressure.
“It’s always about more than just the win,” Schlossnagle said. “When you beat Texas, it’s about continuing to prove that this program can compete at the highest level. Every victory is a building block for what we want to accomplish.”
Schlossnagle’s Legacy in the Rivalry
As Schlossnagle continues to build the Aggies into a national powerhouse, his legacy in the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry will only grow. The impact of his leadership and his ability to get his players to perform in these high-stakes matchups will define his place in the history of the rivalry.
In many ways, Schlossnagle has restored the Aggies to their rightful place as one of the top programs in the SEC and college baseball at large. But his true legacy will be measured by how he positions the Aggies to compete for national championships and dominate their biggest rivals year after year.
“There’s no bigger stage than the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry,” Schlossnagle said. “And we’re just getting started.”
The Future of the Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry is set to become one of the most exciting and competitive in college baseball. With Schlossnagle leading the Aggies and Texas continuing to build its program under head coach David Pierce, the stage is set for a new era of intense and high-stakes games between the two schools.
As the Aggies continue to build on their early success under Schlossnagle, the rivalry will only continue to intensify, with both programs fighting for supremacy in the SEC and beyond. Schlossnagle has positioned himself and his team to be at the heart of this rivalry for years to come, and as the competition between Texas and Texas A&M heats up, so too will the legacy of Jim Schlossnagle in college baseball.
