The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, dating back to 1894, is a fierce competition between the Longhorns and Aggies. Paused in 2011, it was renewed in 2025 with Texas joining the SEC.

The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, often referred to as the “Lone Star Showdown,” stands as one of the most intense and storied rivalries in college sports. This fierce competition, which dates back to 1894, has captivated not only the states of Texas but the entire nation. The rivalry centers around two of the state’s flagship universities: the University of Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies. Both institutions boast rich football traditions, passionate fan bases, and deeply rooted cultures that make the rivalry much more than just a game—it is a cultural event.

Origins of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M has its roots in the late 19th century. The two universities, both public institutions in Texas, were at the heart of a growing athletic culture in the state, and college football was becoming a central part of life for students, alumni, and fans alike.

The first football game between the two schools took place in 1894, and it marked the beginning of what would become one of the most fiercely contested matchups in college sports. Back then, Texas A&M (then called the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas) and the University of Texas were not just competitors on the field; they represented two competing visions of the state’s future.

Texas, founded in 1883 in the bustling city of Austin, was seen as the more progressive, urban university, focusing on academic excellence and research, alongside a growing athletic program. On the other hand, Texas A&M, founded in 1876 in the more rural town of College Station, embodied the traditions of agriculture, engineering, and military discipline. This distinction in values helped form the foundation for the rivalry, which quickly extended beyond the football field to encompass state pride, cultural values, and educational philosophy.

The Rivalry’s Growth

Over the decades, the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry grew not only in the frequency of matchups but also in its intensity. The annual football game, typically played on Thanksgiving weekend, became a centerpiece of college football in the state. The games were fiercely competitive, with both teams taking turns asserting their dominance.

Each school’s fan base became increasingly vocal, with chants, cheers, and traditions that grew with each passing year. The Longhorns’ iconic “Hook ’em Horns” hand gesture became a symbol of pride for University of Texas supporters, while the Aggies’ “12th Man” tradition—signifying the importance of the crowd’s support—became a hallmark of Texas A&M’s loyal following.

These traditions weren’t just limited to the football field. Fans from both sides eagerly anticipated the pageantry of game day, with marching bands, spirit squads, and pre-game festivities turning the rivalry into an all-encompassing event. It wasn’t just about football; it was about state pride, tradition, and school loyalty.

The Golden Years: Annual Showdowns

For over a century, the Texas vs. Texas A&M football game was an annual tradition. From 1915 until 2011, the teams played each other every year, with some seasons even featuring matchups in multiple sports like basketball, baseball, and more. The rivalry became a fixture of Thanksgiving weekend, drawing families, alumni, and fans from all corners of the state to witness the bitter clash between the two schools.

Throughout this period, both programs had their moments of dominance. The University of Texas, with its storied history of producing some of the greatest football players and coaches in history, consistently fielded strong teams. Texas A&M, on the other hand, maintained a reputation for physical, hard-nosed football, earning respect for their intense play and solid defense.

The rivalry reached a new level of prominence in the mid-2000s, as both programs began to reach higher levels of success. The Longhorns, led by legendary head coach Mack Brown, won a national championship in 2005, while Texas A&M, under coach Mike Sherman, continued to build a competitive program. The games became more than just a state rivalry—they were viewed as pivotal contests in the national title race, with national championship implications often on the line.

The Rivalry’s Hiatus: Texas A&M’s Move to the SEC

Despite its deep roots and long history, the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry was abruptly paused in 2011. That year, Texas A&M made the controversial decision to leave the Big 12 Conference, in which both teams had been longtime members, to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The move, which was partly driven by financial incentives and the desire for more competitive exposure, marked the end of the annual Texas vs. Texas A&M football game.

The decision to leave the Big 12 and the cessation of the rivalry were met with widespread disappointment, particularly among fans in Texas. The Aggies’ departure from the Big 12 represented a significant shift in the state’s college football landscape, as it fractured one of the most important and enduring traditions in college sports. The move also sparked fierce debates about conference realignment, the influence of the SEC, and the future of college football rivalries.

In the years following Texas A&M’s departure, both programs continued to perform at a high level. Texas, under new head coach Charlie Strong, and later Tom Herman, maintained its status as one of the top programs in college football, while Texas A&M also established itself as a formidable force within the SEC. However, without their annual showdown, there was a noticeable void in the college football calendar, particularly in Texas, where fans sorely missed the rivalry’s pageantry, intensity, and historical significance.

The Renewed Rivalry: Texas Joins the SEC

In 2021, the University of Texas made its own seismic move in the world of college football. Announcing its decision to leave the Big 12 Conference and join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) alongside Texas A&M, Texas set the stage for the long-awaited renewal of the rivalry.

The announcement was met with mixed emotions. Many fans of both schools were thrilled at the prospect of the annual game returning to its rightful place in the football calendar. At the same time, some Aggie fans expressed frustration, feeling that Texas’s move was an attempt to reassert dominance in a conference that already included one of their fiercest rivals. Similarly, Longhorn fans relished the idea of reigniting one of college football’s greatest rivalries, but there were concerns about how the SEC’s expanded schedule would impact other traditional rivalries.

With Texas’s entry into the SEC scheduled for 2025, the Lone Star Showdown will return, bringing back the excitement, drama, and passion that made the rivalry famous. This renewed rivalry promises to rekindle old memories while creating new ones for the next generation of fans. For many, the return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M game represents more than just a football contest—it is a return to tradition, pride, and a long-awaited reunion of two of the most storied programs in college football.

Beyond Football: The Rivalry in Other Sports

While the football game has historically been the most high-profile event in the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, it is by no means the only arena where these two schools compete. The rivalry extends to numerous other sports, including basketball, baseball, track and field, and even in academic and cultural events.

In basketball, the Longhorns and Aggies have battled for supremacy in the Big 12 and SEC, with each team bringing a unique style of play and intense competitive spirit. In baseball, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever, with both teams frequently competing for regional and national titles. Track and field, as well as other Olympic sports, also see these schools vying for dominance, ensuring that the rivalry remains alive in more than just football.

Moreover, the rivalry’s cultural significance extends beyond the athletic field. Texas and Texas A&M are two of the most academically respected universities in the state, with a long history of competitive research and academic excellence. Their rivalry, therefore, also plays out in the classroom and in the realm of higher education, as both universities compete for the best students, faculty, and research initiatives.

The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry is more than just a college football matchup; it is a symbol of the deep-rooted traditions, values, and pride that define the state of Texas. For over a century, this rivalry has brought together families, friends, and communities to witness one of the most exciting and intense rivalries in sports. From the early days of football to the current era of college athletics, the Lone Star Showdown has evolved, but its significance remains unwavering.

As Texas returns to the SEC in 2025, the rivalry will be reignited, offering a new chapter in the storied history of these two iconic programs. Whether on the football field, basketball court, or beyond, the fierce competition between the Longhorns and Aggies will continue to captivate fans, inspire tradition, and foster the pride that has made this rivalry one of the greatest in college sports history.