Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts highlighted the significance of the much-anticipated return of the “Lone Star Showdown” during a joint press conference between the two schools in Houston on Thursday morning. Alberts emphasized the prestige and importance of reviving this storied rivalry, which has been eagerly awaited by fans and alumni alike.
Many fans from both sides likely share Trev Alberts’ sentiment regarding the intense local rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies, known as the “Lone Star Showdown.” This storied matchup was played annually from 1915 until 2011, when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC. The rivalry dates back to 1894, only 11 years after the University of Texas was established, with the Longhorns securing a dominant 38-0 victory in their first encounter.
Trev Alberts: "I think that this game has the chance to be the best rivalry game in all of college football."
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) August 22, 2024
Throughout the early 20th century, Texas maintained its dominance, holding a 27-15-4 series lead by the 1940s. The Longhorns continued their success from 1940 to 1975, during which Texas A&M only managed four victories. This period was marked by Texas winning three national championships in 1963, 1969, and 1970 under the leadership of legendary coach Darrell K. Royal, solidifying the program’s national prominence.
Texas A&M began to shift the balance in their favor between 1975 and 1980, winning four out of six matchups. The Aggies then enjoyed their most successful era in the rivalry between 1984 and 1994, going 10-1 against Texas. The only Longhorn victory during this span was a narrow 28-27 win at home in 1990.
As Texas reemerged as a national contender in the early 2000s, so did their success in the rivalry with Texas A&M. The Longhorns won 12 of the final 17 matchups, with the series culminating in a memorable 27-25 victory, thanks to a dramatic 40-yard field goal by kicker Justin Tucker as time expired. Tucker, now regarded as one of the best to ever play the position, seemed to punctuate what many believed would be Texas’ final visit to Kyle Field. However, the Longhorns are set to return to College Station on November 30, reigniting the “Lone Star Showdown” for the first time in 13 years.