No. 5 Longhorns Focused On Beating Texas A&M, Not Road Ahead

As the Texas Longhorns approach another critical game in their 2025 season, they find themselves sitting comfortably in the Top 5 of the College Football Playoff rankings. Their success has been marked by a steady and disciplined approach to the season, as well as a clear focus on what matters most: winning games, week by week. However, as the Longhorns prepare to face a fierce rival in Texas A&M, the focus has shifted entirely to this rivalry game. The aggies, who have long been a formidable opponent, have ramped up their efforts in recent years, and the Longhorns are determined not to overlook them, even as the road ahead grows increasingly difficult.

In this article, we will examine why the Longhorns are laser-focused on their upcoming matchup with Texas A&M, and why that focus is crucial to their aspirations of not only finishing the season strong but of potentially securing a College Football Playoff berth. The piece will explore the historical significance of the rivalry, the challenges each team faces heading into the game, and the mentality that has allowed the Longhorns to remain consistent in a season filled with high expectations.

Texas vs. Texas A&M: A Rivalry That Defines Seasons

The Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in college football. For years, the two programs represented opposite ends of the state, with the Longhorns traditionally regarded as the state’s premier program and the Aggies building a passionate fanbase in the SEC and taking pride in their football prowess. This matchup always carries an emotional weight that transcends just a typical game on the schedule. For both teams, a victory can define a season—especially if one is on the verge of competing for a national championship or a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The rivalry’s roots run deep. From the memorable battles in the 2000s to the years of Texas dominating the series before the Aggies moved to the SEC, each game has added layers of significance. Texas A&M’s move to the SEC in 2012 only intensified the rivalry, with games between these two powerhouse schools being some of the most anticipated of the year. The matchups are typically full of raw emotion, unpredictable plays, and plenty of drama, as both teams fight to prove themselves superior in the state of Texas.

For the Longhorns, this rivalry is not just about bragging rights—it’s about continuing a legacy of dominance in the state. Texas has always prided itself on being the top program in the state, and no game exemplifies that more than when they face Texas A&M. A victory over the Aggies would help bolster their playoff resume and send a statement to the entire college football world that Texas is back at the top of college football.

However, the Aggies have their own motivations. Texas A&M has spent the last few years building a program that can compete at the highest level, both in the SEC and nationally. Beating Texas—particularly in a season where the Longhorns are ranked No. 5—would be a huge statement for head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies, especially with the recruitment battles that the two schools regularly engage in. Beating Texas would help secure bragging rights and solidify their place as a legitimate contender in college football. With this much on the line, the rivalry game is one that no one in the Longhorns’ locker room can afford to take lightly.

Texas Longhorns’ Current Focus: Beating Texas A&M

Though the Texas Longhorns have proven themselves to be one of the most talented teams in the nation this season, their focus in the days leading up to the Texas A&M game has been almost exclusively on one thing: defeating the Aggies. With lofty goals like a Big 12 championship and a potential playoff berth on the horizon, it would be easy for Texas to start looking ahead. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized that the key to success lies in staying locked into the present moment and maintaining a clear focus on the task at hand.

“We’re not thinking about next week, next month, or the playoffs,” Sarkisian said. “The only thing we’re focused on right now is beating Texas A&M. That’s our entire focus. That’s the most important game of the season. It’s a rivalry game, and we know how much it means to this program and this state.”

Sarkisian’s approach to managing expectations and maintaining focus has been crucial to the success of the Longhorns. In a season filled with big games, such as the rivalry matchup against Oklahoma, or the looming Big 12 championship, the Longhorns have stayed committed to their week-to-week mentality. Every player, from their star quarterback to their defensive leaders, is focused solely on what they can control—namely, putting together their best effort against Texas A&M.

This level of focus comes from leadership within the locker room. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has matured significantly this season, has echoed his head coach’s sentiment: “We know how important this game is, and we’re not looking past it for a second. We have to give everything we’ve got to get that win. We’re ready for whatever they throw at us.”

The team’s confidence is built on their consistent performance throughout the season. Despite their high ranking and national recognition, the Longhorns have not allowed the pressure to overshadow their commitment to individual game preparation. Sarkisian’s emphasis on details, from game plan to execution, has ensured that his team remains grounded and not distracted by outside noise.

Challenges for the Longhorns: Overcoming the Aggies’ Strengths

While the Longhorns may enter this game with a higher national ranking and a stronger overall record, they are well aware of the challenges Texas A&M presents. For Jimbo Fisher and his Aggies, this rivalry game is more than just another tough SEC opponent—it’s a chance to make a statement to the college football world. The Aggies are capable of playing spoiler and have shown flashes of brilliance at various points this season.

On offense, Texas A&M’s quarterback play, particularly the development of Conner Weigman, has provided much-needed balance to the Aggies’ game plan. Weigman has shown the ability to make plays under pressure, and he will likely be tasked with pushing the ball downfield against the Longhorns’ secondary. The Aggies also feature a strong ground game, with running back Amari Daniels providing a steady, physical presence in the backfield. Stopping the run will be a priority for Texas’ defense, as it will help limit the Aggies’ ability to control the tempo of the game.

On defense, Texas A&M has one of the more talented defensive lines in college football, led by sophomore edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines. The Longhorns’ offensive line, which has been one of their biggest strengths this season, will need to play its best game to give Ewers time to work and open lanes for their running game.

In addition to the Aggies’ strong individual talent, the atmosphere in Kyle Field will be intense, with the home crowd creating a charged atmosphere that could give Texas A&M an emotional edge. Sarkisian and his staff have made it clear that staying mentally sharp and focused in this hostile environment will be key. Texas cannot afford to get caught up in the emotions of the rivalry and must play their brand of football without being distracted.

The Road Ahead: Looking Beyond Texas A&M

After the Texas A&M game, the Longhorns will have a challenging stretch of games ahead, including key Big 12 matchups and the possible Big 12 Championship Game. With playoff implications on the line, Texas knows the importance of maintaining momentum and securing victories, especially as they approach the postseason. However, their singular focus on Texas A&M is an essential part of their preparation for the entire stretch of games ahead.

For Sarkisian and his coaching staff, it’s crucial to avoid looking too far ahead. “We can’t let what’s coming next distract us,” said Sarkisian. “The only thing that matters is the next game, and right now, that’s Texas A&M.”

As the Longhorns eye their bigger goals, including a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, they will have to navigate the physicality and intensity of a rivalry game first. Afterward, Texas can refocus on the road ahead, knowing that the outcome of their matchup against Texas A&M will have ramifications for their Big 12 standing and playoff chances.