The official Texas Longhorns football schedule for 2025 is finally here, and it’s packed with high-stakes matchups, classic rivalries, and must-watch games that will define the Longhorns’ next chapter in the SEC. For fans across the United States, this season promises to deliver everything from nail-biting showdowns to powerhouse performances, as Texas continues to solidify its national standing under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
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A New Era in Texas Football
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their second season as full members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the 2025 schedule reflects both tradition and new challenges. The team will face a balanced mix of home and away games, including marquee clashes with Georgia, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma.
The season’s structure sets up a compelling storyline — from early non-conference confidence builders to heavyweight conference duels that could shape the SEC Championship picture.
Full 2025 Texas Longhorns Football Schedule
Below is the complete breakdown of Texas’ 2025 schedule, including key games and home-field locations:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | Colorado State | Austin, TX | Season opener at home |
| Sept 6 | San Diego State | Austin, TX | Non-conference matchup |
| Sept 13 | at Michigan Wolverines | Ann Arbor, MI | Major early-season road test |
| Sept 20 | Kent State | Austin, TX | Final non-conference tune-up |
| Oct 4 | at Mississippi State | Starkville, MS | SEC play begins |
| Oct 11 | Oklahoma Sooners | Dallas, TX | Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl |
| Oct 18 | at Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Key SEC East opponent |
| Oct 25 | BYE WEEK | — | Midseason rest period |
| Nov 1 | Vanderbilt Commodores | Austin, TX | Home SEC game |
| Nov 8 | at Florida | Gainesville, FL | Major cross-division matchup |
| Nov 15 | Georgia Bulldogs | Athens, GA | One of the biggest road games of the season |
| Nov 22 | Arkansas Razorbacks | Austin, TX | Historic rivalry renewed in Austin |
| Nov 28 (Fri) | Texas A&M Aggies | Austin, TX | Thanksgiving weekend showdown |
The Season’s Most Anticipated Games
Texas vs. Oklahoma – The Red River Rivalry (October 11)
Few matchups in college football are as iconic as Texas vs. Oklahoma. This neutral-site battle at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas will once again be a defining moment for both teams. With Texas’ explosive offense and Oklahoma’s new coaching direction, this edition promises to be one of the most competitive in years. The winner could gain crucial momentum in the SEC standings.
Texas at Georgia – SEC Power Clash (November 15)
A marquee road game against the Georgia Bulldogs will test the Longhorns’ championship aspirations. Georgia, a perennial playoff contender, boasts one of the most dominant defenses in the country. For Texas, this game will serve as a measuring stick for how far the program has come since joining the SEC.
Expect national coverage and playoff implications riding on this matchup in Athens.
Texas vs. Texas A&M – Thanksgiving Rivalry Returns (November 28)
The Lone Star Showdown is officially back on Thanksgiving weekend — and it’s on a Friday night for the first time since 2007. This matchup carries emotional weight and playoff importance, reigniting one of college football’s most passionate rivalries.
Austin will be buzzing for this one, as both fanbases look to reclaim bragging rights in Texas.
What to Watch for in the 2025 Season
1. Second Year in the SEC
Texas made a strong statement in its first SEC season, and 2025 will be about building consistency. Competing against established programs like Georgia, Florida, and A&M will test the Longhorns’ depth and endurance across an intense schedule.
2. Road Challenges
Three of Texas’ toughest matchups — at Michigan, Florida, and Georgia — are on the road. How the Longhorns perform away from home will determine their playoff potential. Winning in Athens or Ann Arbor could significantly boost their national profile.
3. Home-Field Advantage
With Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M all visiting Austin, the Longhorns have several opportunities to protect home turf in front of a passionate fanbase at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The team’s home energy will be a critical factor down the stretch.
Strengths of the 2025 Longhorns Roster
Head Coach Steve Sarkisian returns a talented roster led by a balanced offense and an increasingly dominant defense. Key returning players include:
- Quarterback Arch Manning – entering his sophomore season and expected to take a major leap as a starter.
- Wide Receiver Johntay Cook II – a rising star with speed and route precision.
- Running Back CJ Baxter Jr. – poised to carry the load in the backfield after an impressive freshman year.
- Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. – a defensive leader who anchors a fast, aggressive unit.
With continuity on both sides of the ball, Texas enters 2025 as a legitimate playoff contender if it can navigate its demanding schedule.
Rivalry Weeks and Fan Excitement
The Texas football calendar is built for drama. From the Red River Rivalry in October to the Thanksgiving week clash with Texas A&M, fans can expect packed stadiums and high emotions. The return of these traditions continues to strengthen Texas’ identity in the SEC, where fan engagement and rivalries run deep.
Tailgates, sold-out stadiums, and electric atmospheres are guaranteed, especially for home games in Austin, where attendance regularly tops 100,000.
The Path to the Playoffs
To reach the College Football Playoff, the Longhorns will need to win at least 10 games and perform strongly against ranked opponents. Key goals include:
- Winning at least one of their marquee road games (Georgia or Michigan).
- Maintaining dominance in rivalry matchups (Oklahoma, A&M, Arkansas).
- Securing home-field victories to build consistency and confidence.
If Texas can emerge from November with one loss or less, it will be well-positioned for a playoff berth or SEC Championship appearance.
Schedule Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Closing the regular season with two home games (Arkansas and A&M) gives Texas an ideal opportunity to finish strong.
- The early non-conference slate provides time for the offense to develop rhythm before conference play intensifies.
Challenges:
- The road trip to Georgia comes just before the Arkansas and A&M stretch — a brutal run that could test the team’s stamina.
- Short turnaround before the A&M game due to its Friday date.
Balancing these challenges will determine whether Texas can sustain its momentum into December.
What Fans Should Know Before the Season Starts
- Tickets: High-demand games like Texas A&M and Georgia will sell out quickly — fans should secure tickets early.
- Travel Planning: Fans traveling to Athens, Gainesville, or Ann Arbor should book accommodations well in advance.
- Broadcast Info: Game times and TV networks will be announced throughout the summer, with major matchups expected on ABC, ESPN, and CBS.
- Fan Gear: New official 2025 Texas Longhorns merchandise, including the team’s updated SEC-branded jerseys, is already available online.
Conclusion
The Texas Longhorns football schedule for 2025 is one of the most exciting in recent memory — blending historic rivalries with modern SEC competition. With powerhouse matchups, national exposure, and playoff implications at every turn, this season could define the Longhorns’ trajectory for years to come.
Which game are you most excited about — the Red River Rivalry, the showdown with Georgia, or the Thanksgiving clash against A&M? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates as Texas marches toward another unforgettable season.