COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The storied football rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M dates back to 1894, creating a connection not only between schools but also within families across generations. However, the relationship soured, leading to a significant estrangement.
In 2011, Texas A&M made headlines by announcing it would leave the Texas Longhorns and the Big 12 Conference to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This decision was fueled by a desire to embrace a promising future rather than cling to a nostalgic past. Following the announcement, both schools exchanged resentful remarks, which eventually faded into a sense of indifference from both sides as they moved on with their separate paths.
Over a decade later, that indifference has transformed into renewed excitement as the two rivals prepare to face off once again. Texas is now part of the SEC, and the No. 3 Longhorns will clash with the No. 20 Aggies on Saturday night in College Station, with a spot in the SEC championship on the line. “I’ve missed this rivalry. It’s too significant of a game to not be played,” said Dan Neil, a former All-American offensive lineman from Texas who competed in the rivalry from 1992-1996.
Neil expressed disappointment regarding the 2011 split, calling it a “shame.” Former Texas quarterback Case McCoy, who notably helped secure a game-winning field goal against A&M in 2011, was more direct about the lost years of this cherished rivalry. “I feel like it was stolen from the last generation of football players,” McCoy stated.
The breakdown in this historic rivalry came during a chaotic era of conference realignment in college football. The Big 12 had already lost teams like Colorado and Nebraska to other conferences, and Texas was considering joining the Pac-12. Meanwhile, Texas A&M explored the SEC as a possible destination, eyeing a potential escape from the shadow of the Longhorns.
In 2011, Texas made headlines again by brokering a 20-year, $300 million deal with ESPN to launch the Longhorn Network. This move garnered significant backlash from rival teams in the Big 12, who felt that Texas was overshadowing the rest of the conference. Frustrated by the ongoing dominance, A&M decided to make a bold move of its own by leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, seeking greater financial resources and respect.
The departure fundamentally disrupted a long-standing tradition in Texas football. The rivalry game had become an integral part of Thanksgiving celebrations for many fans. “I went to Texas to play in the A&M game,” shared McCoy, who has a personal connection to the rivalry. His brother, Colt, is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the school’s history. “For anyone growing up in Texas, this game was essential.”
Despite knowing that a split could happen, the Aggies expressed a desire to maintain their rivalry with Texas, only to be met with a packed non-conference schedule from the Longhorns. This led to an unfortunate conclusion for fans: “goodbye to A&M.” Many felt a sense of loss, and former Texas running back Ricky Williams openly criticized the decision. “To me, that game is more important than conference alignments,” he noted.
The last game before the breakup was a memorable showdown in 2011. McCoy’s dramatic 25-yard scramble allowed Justin Tucker to kick the game-winning field goal as time expired, delivering a 27-25 victory for Texas and sending the home crowd home dejected. “It parted like the Red Sea,” McCoy recounted of the A&M defense. “I’m thankful we won that game.”
Fast forward to today, and whispers about resuming the rivalry have grown louder, culminating in Texas and Oklahoma being invited to join the SEC in 2021. The Aggies, who believed their rivalry days were behind them, were taken aback by this development, especially since the 2011 loss still stung. Initially, Texas was set to join the SEC in 2025, but the timeline was expedited, leading to a highly anticipated reunion this season.
The Aggies will host the Longhorns at Kyle Field, offering a thrilling atmosphere for the highly-anticipated game. “I want my kids and family to experience this rivalry because you never know when it might vanish again,” said former Texas A&M All-American linebacker Dat Nguyen.
R.C. Slocum, former coach at Texas A&M, is also excited for the reunion, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry for players. “This will be a hot topic in cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio,” he remarked, reminding players that this game would be a subject of conversation for years to come. “It’s important to create a memory you’ll cherish and talk about.”
As the Texas A&M and Texas rivalry rekindles, fans can expect a drama-packed clash that reignites the spirit of a cherished tradition, reminding everyone of the power and passion embedded in college football rivalries.