Texas A&M vs Texas is one of the oldest and most emotionally charged rivalries in college football. Known as the Lone Star Showdown, the series dates back to 1894 and carries the weight of over a century of in-state competition, divided family loyalties, and Thanksgiving weekend tradition. The 2024 conference realignment reunited both programs in the SEC — meaning the Aggies and Longhorns can meet in conference play once again. Here is a full look at the 2025 matchup, the Lone Star Showdown history, and what this rivalry means in the modern era.
Texas A&M vs Texas 2025 – Game Recap
The 2025 meeting between Texas A&M and Texas carries the full weight of the Lone Star Showdown’s history. Both programs entered the season with clear ambitions — Texas pursuing SEC championships and CFP contention, while Texas A&M works toward returning to national prominence. For the official final score and full box score, visit texassports.com or ESPN.com as results are confirmed by official sources.
The Lone Star Showdown – Series History
The Texas A&M vs Texas series began in 1894 and ran as one of the most consistently played rivalries in college football for over a century. For most of the 20th century, the game served as the de facto Texas state championship — with both programs competing in the Southwest Conference (SWC), the winner could claim state bragging rights. Texas holds the all-time series lead with more than 118 games in the books.
The rivalry was played annually on Thanksgiving weekend from the 1930s until Texas A&M’s departure to the SEC in 2012. For 12 years, the two programs did not meet in the regular season — the longest gap since World War II. Texas’s move to the SEC in 2024 changed that dynamic, creating the conditions for potential annual rivalry resumption within the same conference.
Most Memorable Games in the Series
The 1999 Bonfire Game
The 1999 game stands as the most emotionally significant in series history. On November 18, 1999 — just days before the game — 12 Texas A&M students died when the traditional Bonfire structure collapsed during construction. Texas A&M still played the Thanksgiving game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. The Aggies won 20-16, with both fan bases united in grief even as they competed on the field. The circumstances make this one of the most significant single games in the long history of the Lone Star Showdown.
The 2011 Farewell Game
The 2011 Thanksgiving game was the last under the traditional annual rivalry format before Texas A&M’s departure to the SEC. Texas won 27-25 in a game that both fan bases understood would be the final regular-season meeting for the foreseeable future — and it was, for over a decade. The result and occasion gave the game an emotional weight well beyond a typical conference matchup.
The Rivalry in the SEC Era
With Texas joining the SEC in 2024, the Aggies and Longhorns are in the same conference for the first time since 2011. Both programs and their fan bases have advocated strongly for resuming the Thanksgiving rivalry game as an annual fixture. The SEC schedule format does not automatically guarantee annual cross-division matchups, but the demand from fans, media, and advertisers makes Texas vs Texas A&M one of the most natural annual rivalry preservation candidates in college football. Additionally, the recruiting implications of the rivalry — both programs competing for the same Texas high school talent — make the games especially significant beyond conference standings.
For more Texas sports coverage, read our breakdowns of Ohio State vs Texas and Michigan vs Texas, plus our Texas Rangers MLB standings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas A&M vs Texas
What is the history of the Texas A&M vs Texas rivalry?
The Texas A&M vs Texas rivalry, known as the Lone Star Showdown, dates back to 1894 and is one of the oldest in college football. It was an annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition before Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012, ending the annual series.
When did Texas A&M and Texas last play each other?
Texas A&M and Texas last met as annual rivals in the 2011 Thanksgiving game before A&M’s move to the SEC. With Texas joining the SEC in 2024, the two programs are now in the same conference and can meet in regular season play again.
Who leads the Texas A&M vs Texas all-time series?
Texas leads the all-time series against Texas A&M. Complete series records are maintained by both programs at texassports.com and 12thman.com.
Will Texas A&M and Texas play annually again?
With both programs now in the SEC, annual rivalry games are possible. Both fan bases strongly support resuming the Thanksgiving game format that defined the rivalry for most of the 20th century.
What was the most memorable Texas A&M vs Texas game?
The 1999 Bonfire Game stands as the most emotionally significant in series history — played days after 12 students died in the Bonfire collapse at A&M. Texas A&M won 20-16 in a game played under extraordinary circumstances.
