COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Ricky Williams, a former standout for the Texas Longhorns and Heisman Trophy recipient, reminisced about his career achievements, which include both an impressive NCAA rushing record and a solid record against Texas A&M during his college years.

Williams expressed his excitement about the revival of the fierce rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M, stating, “For a long time, it’s been a missing ingredient for Texas. During my time at Texas, one of the key elements that made Texas great was consistently beating the Aggies.” The competition, deeply rooted in tradition and nostalgia, is poised to return to the football field on Saturday, reigniting a saga that traces back to the 1890s.

Following a lengthy separation as Texas A&M transitioned from the Big 12 to the SEC, this pivotal matchup, a staple of college football, is making a comeback. From spirited chants like “Hook’em” and “Gig’em” to legendary figures and heartbreaking moments—such as the Aggie bonfire tragedy—the rivalry is packed with history and emotions, and its return is widely welcomed by both former players and fans alike.

Dat Nguyen, an All-American linebacker with the Aggies from 1995-98, expressed his relief, saying, “Growing up in Texas, it was always A&M against Texas during Thanksgiving weekend. It’s been a missing piece, so I’m more than thankful to see it back on the schedule.”

The heightened excitement surrounding the game is reflected in the skyrocketing ticket prices. TickPick, an online platform for ticket resale, reported that this Saturday’s matchup is the most expensive regular-season college football ticket ever, averaging around $1,079. The stakes couldn’t be higher; the winner will also earn a coveted spot in the SEC title game.

For players like Williams, the desire to win has deep emotional implications, where a loss can linger for years. He recalls his time facing the Aggies with mixed emotions. Despite rushing for 750 yards and scoring six touchdowns across four meetings, it’s the memory of a loss during the 1997 matchup, where he played with an injury, that haunts him most. “We should have been 4-0. If I were healthy, I know I would have easily surpassed 200 yards,” he lamented about the 27-16 defeat.

The rivalry first ignited in 1894, with Texas claiming a decisive 38-0 victory. Early accounts describe a game where the Aggies struggled to keep pace: “Every time the Varsity boys made a catch-as-catch-can play, the A&M College boys went to the dust like so many tenpins being knocked down,” noted an Austin newspaper. It wasn’t until 1902 that Texas A&M secured its inaugural win against Texas.

The fervor surrounding this rivalry led to Texas A&M establishing its first pregame bonfire in 1909, a tradition that continued until a tragic accident in 1999 claimed 12 lives and injured many others during the construction of a bonfire tower.

In terms of championship recognition, three Heisman Trophy winners have played in this celebrated rivalry. The first, John David Crow from Texas A&M, won the award in 1957 and helped secure the Aggies’ first victory at Texas’ Memorial Stadium. Williams was the last Heisman winner to compete in this matchup. Johnny Manziel, who tightened the rivalry’s grip in 2012, did not play in it, as Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC then.

Earl Campbell, Texas’ inaugural Heisman winner in 1977, made his mark with a stellar showing against A&M, rushing for 222 yards and catching a touchdown in a memorable 57-28 victory. Throughout the years, Texas has led the series, boasting a record of 76-37-5 through the decades. However, more competitive spirits emerged after the 1970s with A&M claiming a closer edge in recent years.

In the 90s, Williams played a role in re-establishing the rivalry’s balance. He remembers his initial experience visiting Texas A&M as an 18-year-old, expecting a difficult game against their renowned defense. “I was terrified, thinking it would be a bloodbath,” he remembered, but instead, he triumphed with a standout performance that highlighted his potential.

The emotional landscape of the rivalry was certainly shaped by its highs and lows. In 1998, Williams etched his name in history by breaking the NCAA career rushing record during a game against the highly-ranked Aggies, securing a narrow victory through collaborative efforts among his teammates.

The community impact of the rivalry became painfully evident following the 1999 tragedy, which brought together both Texas and A&M players in grief and support. The game held that year, despite the somber atmosphere, not only took on significant meaning but also illustrated the resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity.

While the teams have united during tough times, the essence of their rivalry—grounded in a century of competition and contempt—continues. From spirited fight songs to whimsical traditions, the long-standing dislike for each other serves as motivation for both teams heading into the game. Texas has had bragging rights since their last meeting 13 years ago, with an exhilarating win decided by a last-second field goal.

As the old adage goes, “For an Aggie, that game is everything,” encapsulating the passion and emotions involved as players and fans prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable matchup.