One of college football’s most storied rivalries is set to reignite on November 30, 2024, when the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies square off for the first time since 2011. For nearly a century, the two Texas powerhouses battled for supremacy in the Lone Star State, but their annual matchup came to an abrupt halt when Texas A&M left the Big 12 and joined the SEC in 2012. Now, after over a decade of waiting, the rivalry is back—richer, more intense, and with added stakes that will make this clash one of the most anticipated games of the 2024 college football season.
The History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest and most passionate in college football. Known as the “Lone Star Showdown,” the annual game has historically been a Thanksgiving tradition, a matchup that defined Texas football for generations. For much of the 20th century, these two programs were the giants of the Southwest Conference, dominating the landscape of Texas college football.
Through the years, both teams have traded blows on the gridiron, with intense moments of rivalry on both sides. While Texas has historically been the more successful program, with a greater number of national championships and conference titles, Texas A&M has had its fair share of success, particularly during the era of legendary coaches like R.C. Slocum.
Their battles were full of drama, as each school was desperate for bragging rights in the state. Whether it was an upset win or a defining moment for one team’s season, the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry always had a flair for the dramatic. However, when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012, it took with it a piece of the state’s football identity. The annual showdown came to a halt, and fans were left to wonder when, if ever, the two teams would meet again.
The Breakup: A Decade of Waiting
The breakup of the rivalry left a void not only in the football world but also in the hearts of fans in both Austin and College Station. While both schools moved on to new conference homes—Texas joining the Big 12 and Texas A&M moving to the SEC—the absence of the Lone Star Showdown was felt deeply by alumni, students, and communities alike.
In the years following the separation, the rivalry remained a point of contention. Fans from both schools continued to clash on social media, recalling the legendary games and the moments that defined their passion for college football. However, while both programs continued to grow and evolve—Texas A&M finding its footing in the SEC, and Texas maintaining a strong presence in the Big 12—the door to a future matchup seemed closed.
But in 2021, the landscape of college football shifted once again. Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be joining the SEC, bringing both programs into the same conference as Texas A&M. Immediately, speculation grew about the potential for a renewed rivalry, and fans on both sides began to dream of a time when the Longhorns and Aggies would once again face off on the gridiron. The wait would be long, but in 2024, that wait would finally come to an end.
The 2024 Showdown: Stakes and Storylines
The game on November 30, 2024, promises to be a spectacle. With both teams now members of the SEC, this rivalry will take on new meaning. Here are some of the storylines that will make this matchup one of the most exciting in recent college football history:
1. Reigniting the State Rivalry
The most obvious storyline is the fierce rivalry between the two programs. Texas and Texas A&M have not faced each other on the football field in over a decade, and fans from both sides are chomping at the bit for the first chance to experience the intensity of the Lone Star Showdown once again. The stakes are high: this isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about establishing dominance in a new, more competitive conference. Texas fans have long viewed the Aggies as their bitter rivals, while A&M fans feel the same. The energy surrounding this game will be palpable.
2. Recruiting Battle
In the SEC, recruiting is everything, and Texas and Texas A&M are fierce competitors for the best talent in the state. With both schools now in the same conference, their recruiting battles will be even more heated. This game could play a major role in securing commitments from top recruits in Texas, especially as both teams look to build championship-contending rosters. The outcome of the rivalry game, especially if it’s a close or highly charged contest, could tip the scales in favor of one program in
future recruiting cycles.
3. SEC Implications
As members of the SEC, both Texas and Texas A&M will be fighting for positioning within one of the most competitive conferences in college football. In 2024, both teams are expected to be contenders, and the outcome of their annual game could have significant implications for the SEC standings and bowl game projections. Texas is coming off a strong recruiting cycle under head coach Steve Sarkisian, while Texas A&M, under Jimbo Fisher, is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2023 season. Both teams will be aiming to make a statement in this renewed rivalry.
4. Coach vs. Coach: Steve Sarkisian vs. Jimbo Fisher
The coaching matchup between Steve Sarkisian and Jimbo Fisher adds an intriguing dynamic to this contest. Sarkisian, entering his third year at Texas, is still building the Longhorns into a perennial powerhouse. After a strong 2023 campaign, he’s looking to cement his place as the man who returned Texas to glory. Jimbo Fisher, on the other hand, is under pressure to deliver after a series of near-misses and underwhelming performances in recent seasons. The showdown between these two veteran coaches will be a battle of schemes, adjustments, and leadership styles, with plenty of drama likely to unfold on the sidelines.
5. The Quarterback Battle
Both teams are expected to have talented quarterbacks in 2024, and the performance of these signal-callers could be the key to victory. For Texas, Quinn Ewers, the highly touted QB from Southlake Carroll, has the talent and arm strength to lead the Longhorns to success, but consistency will be key. Meanwhile, Texas A&M will likely turn to a talented quarterback (whether it’s Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, or someone else) to guide the offense in what will be a high-pressure environment. Whichever quarterback can manage the game most effectively and make big plays in clutch moments will go a long way in deciding the outcome.
6. Fan Atmosphere and The Battle for Texas
No rivalry is complete without the passion of the fans. The atmosphere at this game will be electric, with both fanbases eager to finally renew a rivalry that has been on ice for over a decade. Whether the game takes place in Austin or College Station, expect both stadiums to be packed, with tens of thousands of passionate fans sporting their burnt orange and maroon colors. The stakes are higher than ever for both teams, and the energy inside the stadium will reflect that.
Looking Ahead
As college football continues to evolve with conference realignment and shifting power dynamics, the return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry is a reminder of the deep cultural and historical ties that define college sports. When the Longhorns and Aggies meet on November 30, 2024, it will be more than just another football game—it will be a celebration of a rivalry that has endured through the years, ready to write its next chapter in the heart of the SEC.
For fans, the wait is almost over. The Lone Star Showdown is back. The only question is: who will reign supreme in this renewed rivalry?
