The Southeastern Conference announced the upcoming home slate for the Texas Longhorns, revealing two marquee non‑conference matchups that will open the season in September. The first of those contests is set for Saturday, September 5, when Texas hosts Texas State at Darrell K Royal‑Texas Memorial Stadium, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff that will be carried live on ESPN. A week later, on Saturday, September 19, the Longhorns will welcome UTSA, and the game will start at 7 p.m. Central Time on SEC Network+, the streaming arm of the conference’s flagship network.
Both games will be played on the iconic grass of the Austin venue, a setting that has witnessed some of the program’s most memorable moments. Texas holds a 36‑0 victory over Texas State from a 1930 meeting, and the Longhorns have prevailed in each of their last two encounters with UTSA, a streak that adds a layer of historical weight to the upcoming showdown.
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has turned the program into a consistent winner. Over the past three seasons the team has compiled a 35‑8 record, capturing three straight ten‑win campaigns — the first such run since the 2007‑09 stretch. The recent résumé includes a Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl championship last year and back‑to‑back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the program’s resurgence.
The momentum shows no sign of slowing. In 2024 the Longhorns captured the Big 12 Championship and earned a spot in the SEC Championship Game, a testament to the seamless transition from the Big 12 to the SEC. With a schedule that blends traditional rivals and high‑profile non‑conference opponents, the team is positioned to extend its climb toward the pinnacle of the sport.
A Milestone Schedule
The release of the home‑game details marks more than just a calendar update; it signals the conference’s confidence in Texas as a draw for national audiences. The September 5 contest will air on ESPN, while the September 19 showdown moves to SEC Network+, reflecting the growing appetite for streaming‑first broadcasts.
Fans in Austin and beyond will have ample reason to mark their calendars, as the games promise not only competitive football but also a showcase of the program’s evolving identity under Sarkisian. The blend of historic rivalries, national television exposure, and a winning culture creates a narrative that extends far beyond the field.