Texas Longhorns

Deep in the heart of Texas is a proud football program of the University of Texas at Austin. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games.

Born in 1893, the Longhorns were more than just a team; they were a symbol of Texas pride, a rawhide and leather embodiment of the frontier spirit. Early heroes like Earl Blaik and Percy Foreman laid the foundation, carving out victories with grit and dusty determination.

Then came the golden age. Darrell Royal, the "Silver Fox," arrived in 1957, his steely gaze and relentless pursuit of excellence ushering in a dynasty. Under his guidance, Texas devoured opponents like a Longhorn charging across the prairie. Three national championships, 11 Southwest Conference titles, and a staggering 167-49 record solidified Royal's legend and painted Austin in burnt orange.

But Texas hasn't been defined by just one coach or era. Names like Ricky Williams, Vince Young, Colt McCoy, and Earl Campbell etch themselves onto the hearts of fans like championship trophies. Remember "The Run," where Young's fourth-down dash against Oklahoma in 2006 sent chills down spines and ignited celebrations across the state? Or Campbell, the "Human Bulldozer," his unstoppable runs shaking the very foundations of Memorial Stadium?

UT has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even the National Championship. Dig into UT Gridiron's history on this page!

We came across a few stories of students on both sides of a University of Texas and Texas A&M Rivalry that each tried to one-up the other through the team mascots.

Make sure you check out our web story on this podcast episode on Bevo and Reveille.

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The Texas Longhorns football program boasts a rich history dating back to 1893, making it one of the oldest and most successful programs in college football. Here's a glimpse into its journey:

-Early Days and Establishing a Winning Tradition (1893-1925):
The program began modestly, fielding its first permanent team in 1893.
Early success came quickly, with the Longhorns recording undefeated seasons in 1900, 1914, 1918, and 1920.
Notable coaches of this era include John Heisman (1902-1903) and Dana X. Bible (1916-1932).

-Dominant Decades and the Rise of Legends (1926-1976):
The program experienced sustained success under coaches such as Clyde Littlefield (1934-1956) and Darrell Royal (1957-1976).
This era saw the emergence of legendary players like Davey O'Brien (Heisman Trophy winner in 1938), Bobby Layne (Heisman Trophy winner in 1950), and Tommy Nobis (Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1965).
The Longhorns won four national championships during this period: 1963, 1969, 1970, and 1975.

-Ups and Downs and the Quest for Restoration (1977-2009):
After Royal's departure, the program experienced a period of inconsistency, with only occasional flashes of brilliance.


However, the hiring of Fred Akers in 1977 and David McWilliams in 1987 brought some stability and success.
Notable players from this era include Earl Campbell (Heisman Trophy winner in 1977) and Ricky Williams (Heisman Trophy winner in 1998).
Despite individual triumphs, the Longhorns struggled to replicate the dominance of the Royal era.

-The Mack Brown Era and Returning to Glory (2010-2014):
Mack Brown's arrival in 2005 marked a turning point for the program.

He instilled discipline, recruited top talent, and implemented a winning culture.

The Longhorns won the 2005 national championship, their first in 30 years, with Vince Young leading the charge.

The program remained competitive throughout Brown's tenure, consistently ranking among the nation's best.

-Recent Years and the Search for New Heights (2015-Present):
Charlie Strong took over as head coach in 2015, but his tenure was marred by disappointing results.
Tom Herman replaced Strong in 2017, bringing renewed hope and optimism.

While the program has shown improvement under Herman, it has not yet reached the heights of the Mack Brown era.

The Longhorns continue their quest for national championship glory, seeking to add to their rich legacy in college football.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has the program going in the right direction as it heads to the four-team playoff of the FCS in 2023 and to the SEC in 2024.

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The video by TexasISN.com really gets you fired up, doesn't it?
With roots tracing back to 1893, the Texas Longhorns football program boasts a rich history steeped in tradition and punctuated by moments of brilliance. From humble beginnings to national championships and iconic players, the Longhorns have carved their name into the annals of college football.

-Early Days and Establishing a Legacy (1893-1946):
The early years were marked by a spirited journey, with the Longhorns facing limited resources but fueled by unwavering determination. Under coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry, the Longhorns built a reputation for grit and resilience, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

-Golden Era and National Championships (1947-1970):
The arrival of legendary coach Darrell Royal ushered in a golden era for the Longhorns. With Royal's innovative schemes and leadership, the program reached new heights. National championships in 1963 and 1969 cemented the Longhorns' status as a national powerhouse, while iconic players like Earl Campbell and Tommy Nobis became legends of the game.

-Continued Success and Defining Moments (1971-Present):
Despite facing challenges, the Longhorns continued to be a major force in college football. Vince Young's leadership in 2005 culminated in another national title, proving the program's ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Players like Ricky Williams and Colt McCoy continued to leave their mark, further enriching the Longhorns' legacy.

-More Than Just Wins:
Beyond their impressive record of wins and championships, the Longhorns are defined by their unique traditions and passionate fanbase. The iconic "Hook 'em, Horns" phrase, the majestic Bevo mascot, and the booming Smokey the Cannon are just a few symbols that bind generations of fans together.

-Looking Ahead:
As the Longhorns continue their journey in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, their unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence remain constant. With a rich history and a passionate fanbase, the Texas Longhorns football program is poised for continued success, leaving an indelible mark on the sport for generations.

The Texas Longhorns football program boasts a rich and storied history, replete with legendary players who have etched their names in the annals of college football. Today, we take a journey through time, celebrating the Longhorns' all-time statistical leaders across various categories.

-Passing:

Passing Yards: Colt McCoy reigns supreme with 13,253 passing yards, a testament to his exceptional arm talent and leadership during his tenure.


Passing Touchdowns:
Vince Young's 44 passing touchdowns stand as the program record, highlighting his dual-threat ability and knack for making big plays.


-Rushing Records

Rushing Yards: Ricky Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner in 1998, holds the record for most rushing yards with 6,299, showcasing his explosive running style and unmatched production.


Rushing Touchdowns: Earl Campbell, nicknamed "The Golden Boy," sits atop the record books with 55 rushing touchdowns, a testament to his electrifying running style and dominance in the backfield.


-Receiving:

Receptions: Jordan Shipley's 335 receptions stand as the program record, highlighting his consistency and dependability as a reliable target.


Receiving Yards: Billy Williams holds the record for most receiving yards with 2,607, a testament to his exceptional route running and ability to make big plays downfield.

Receiving Touchdowns: Jordan Shipley's 23 receiving touchdowns stand as the program record, showcasing his ability to find the end zone with consistent regularity.


-Total Offense:

Total Offense Yards: Colt McCoy leads the way with 14,135 total offensive yards, a testament to his versatility and ability to contribute through both passing and rushing.


Total Touchdowns: Vince Young's 60 total touchdowns stand as the program record, highlighting his scoring prowess and ability to lead the Longhorns to victory.


-Defense:

Tackles: Britt Hager's 499 career tackles remain the program record, showcasing his exceptional tackling prowess and ability to be a defensive anchor.


Sacks: Kiki DeAyala stands tall with 40.5 career sacks, a testament to his pass-rushing prowess and ability to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.


-Special Teams:


Field Goals Made: Phil Dawson's 84 career field goals made stand as the program record, highlighting his remarkable accuracy and ability to convert critical scoring opportunities.


Punting Yards: Michael Dickson's 12,829 career punting yards remain the program record, a testament to his exceptional leg strength and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory.

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The Texas Longhorns football program is a veritable pantheon of legendary players, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Here are a few of the most iconic figures:

-Earl Campbell (1974-77): The "Golden Boy" electrified fans with his electrifying running style and record-breaking performances. He became the program's first Heisman Trophy winner in 1977 and remains one of the most beloved Longhorns of all time.

-Ricky Williams (1995-98): Nicknamed "Texas Tornado," Williams' smooth moves and record-setting rushing yards cemented his place among the greats. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1998 and left a legacy of dominance in the Longhorns' backfield.

-Tommy Nobis (1963-65): A ferocious linebacker, Nobis was known for his intensity and leadership. He was awarded the Lombardi Trophy in 1965 and became a cornerstone of the Longhorns' defense.

-Bobby Layne (1946-49): A dual-threat quarterback, Layne's talent on the field was matched by his larger-than-life personality. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1950 and became a successful professional player, further solidifying his legendary status.

-Vince Young (2003-05): Young's leadership and clutch performances in big games, particularly the 2006 Rose Bowl, cemented his place in Longhorns lore. He was a key piece of the Longhorns' national championship run in 2005 and remains a fan favorite.

These are just a few of the many legendary players who have donned burnt orange and white. Their talent, dedication, and passion have helped shape the Longhorns' legacy and continue to inspire future generations of players to strive for greatness.

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The Texas Longhorns boast a rich history in college football. With 897 wins (908 adjusted), they rank third all-time, and their 33 conference championships highlight their dominance. Their trophy case also holds 4 national titles, 100 First-Team All-Americans, and 2 Heisman Trophy winners. Throughout their 122 seasons, the Longhorns have consistently produced exciting teams, etching their name as a true powerhouse in the sport.

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders football program has a rich history filled with thrilling moments and iconic victories. Here's a glimpse into some of their most significant games:

1. 1954 Sun Bowl: Tech's first bowl victory, defeating the Pacific Tigers 25-14. This win marked a turning point for the program, showcasing its potential on a national stage.

2. 1976 Cotton Bowl Classic: A dramatic 34-24 victory over Penn State secured a share of the Southwest Conference championship for Tech. This victory cemented their place as a major force in the college football landscape.

3. 2005 Insight Bowl: The largest come-from-behind bowl victory in NCAA history. Tech stormed back from a 31-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 45-42 in overtime. This game solidified the "Air Raid" offensive system and propelled Tech into the national spotlight.

4. 2008 Texas vs. Texas Tech: A nail-biting 39-33 upset victory over rival Texas. Down by 24 points at halftime, Tech staged a remarkable comeback fueled by Michael Crabtree's game-winning touchdown catch. This iconic win solidified Tech's place in Red Raider lore.

5. 2010 Fiesta Bowl: A thrilling 41-38 victory over Boise State. Tech's high-powered offense outlasted Boise State's "Smurf Turf" magic, securing their first Big 12 championship and earning their highest ranking in program history.

Bonus - 2002 Michael Crabtree's "Crabtree Catch": While not a full game, this iconic catch against Texas A&M cemented Crabtree's legacy as a Red Raider legend and became a defining moment for the program's identity.

These are just a few of the many memorable games that have contributed to the rich history of Texas Tech football. Each game showcases the program's resilience, offensive prowess, and unwavering spirit, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Red Raiders.

What better way to enjoy the history of Burnt Orange football than to sit back and enjoy this great video on the lore of the Longhorns.

The official Football page for the University of Texas Longhorns