Texas vs Texas A&M is the most important college football rivalry in the state of Texas. Consequently, the Lone Star Showdown between the University of Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies represents more than a football game — it is the competition between the state’s two flagship public universities with generations of family allegiances and institutional pride on the line. This guide covers the full rivalry history, series record, and the renewed SEC era.
Rivalry History
The Texas vs Texas A&M rivalry dates to 1894, making it one of the oldest active college football rivalries in the country. Furthermore, for most of their history the game was played on Thanksgiving, making it a genuine state holiday tradition for Texas families. The rivalry paused after the 2011 season when A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC — a 12-year dormancy that ended when Texas joined the SEC in 2024, resuming one of college football’s most storied matchups.
The Lone Star Showdown Identity
The Lone Star Showdown name captures the in-state pride dimension of this rivalry. In contrast to cross-regional rivalries, Texas vs A&M divides families, workplaces, and communities across the entire state of Texas. As a result, the game week generates more statewide media attention than any other sporting event in Texas — more than Cowboys, Rockets, or Spurs games — because the allegiances run so deep across generations.
Texas Longhorns in This Rivalry
Texas holds the all-time series lead with significantly more wins across the rivalry’s full history. Furthermore, the Longhorns’ SEC membership placed them in the same conference as A&M for the first time since 2011, adding championship race implications to the rivalry’s natural pride dynamic. As a result, Texas fans view every win over A&M as doubly significant — both in the standings and in the ongoing in-state recruiting battle for Texas high school talent.
Texas A&M Aggies in This Rivalry
Texas A&M views the rivalry against Texas as the measuring-stick game that defines success or failure regardless of overall record. Furthermore, the Aggies’ SEC tenure since 2012 built them into a legitimate program with the resources to compete with Texas at the highest level. As a result, the renewed series carries both the historical weight of 100-plus years of competition and the fresh energy of two programs now fighting for SEC position simultaneously.
SEC Era Implications
The return of Texas vs Texas A&M as an annual SEC conference game elevates the rivalry to its highest-stakes format in history. Therefore, every meeting now affects SEC standings, potential division titles, and College Football Playoff positioning for both programs. Additionally, recruiting battles between Texas and A&M for in-state talent intensify around each game week, making the rivalry a year-round competition that climaxes on the football field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Texas and Texas A&M play each other in football?
Yes. Since both Texas and Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2024, the rivalry has been renewed as an annual SEC conference game. The series was dormant from 2011 to 2023 when the programs competed in different conferences.
What is the all-time series record between Texas and Texas A&M?
Texas leads the all-time series against Texas A&M in football. The rivalry dates back to 1894 and is one of the longest-running in college football, with Texas historically holding the series lead across over 100 years of competition.
Why did Texas and Texas A&M stop playing each other?
Texas and Texas A&M stopped meeting annually after the 2011 season when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC. The two programs competed in different conferences until both joined the SEC in 2024, resuming the rivalry.
When is the Texas vs Texas A&M game played?
Since both programs joined the SEC, Texas vs Texas A&M is scheduled as an annual SEC conference game. The specific date varies by season — check the official Texas Longhorns schedule at texassports.com for the current matchup date.
What is the Lone Star Showdown?
The Lone Star Showdown is the traditional name for the Texas vs Texas A&M rivalry game. It is one of the most culturally significant college football rivalries in the state of Texas, representing the competition between the state’s two flagship public universities.
Follow both Texas programs in our Texas Sports section. You can also read our Texas Football Schedule and Texas A&M Football Schedule for the complete season calendars. Additionally, check our Oklahoma vs Texas guide for the other major Longhorn rivalry.