If Bevo had to step in front of the microphones, cameras and Texas football fans everywhere to deliver an annual State of the Longhorns address, what would he say?
Maybe he would expound on the virtues of Arch Manning and deride the College Football Playoff committee for leaving the Longhorns out. Or maybe he would just as for some more hay to snack on.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) lifts the trophy with head coach Steve Sarkisianas the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) eats a Cheez-It encrusted turkey leg as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a 30-yard pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball 6- yard to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward pours Cheez-Its into the mouth of Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Brandon Baker (73) as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a pass in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) catches a pass to score in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) holds the ball as he is surrounded by Michigan defense in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) jumps for a pass as Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) rushes to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the Texas flag as the Longhorns ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) collides with Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) goes down under the Michigan defense in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns celebrate with Prince Chedward after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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The ball is knocked from the grasp of Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) celebrates a first down gain in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines defensive back Elijah Dotson (22) runs down the field as the ball is kicked off in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) throws a pass in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (11) dives to try to block a pass heading for Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) heads to locker room after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A member of the Longhorn Marching Band wears a Cheez-It hat in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas players eat Cheez-It encrusted turkey legs as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Fans cast shadows on a “Cheez-it” tunnel ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025. The snack brand is the premiere sponsor of the bowl game.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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The Texas cheer team enter the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas takes the field ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward entertains the crowd in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) hands his gloves to young fans as he warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) greets young fans he heads to the locker room after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A fan films the team as they walk into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23) tackles Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kendrick Bell (10) in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas mascot Bevo on the sidelines ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball as Michigan Wolverines tight end Zack Marshall (83) arrives to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) blocks Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Brady Norton (70) in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) runs through an attempt from Michigan Wolverines defensive back Brandyn Hillman (6) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) runs the ball in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kendrick Bell (10) catches a pass in the end zone to score as Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) defends in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) sends a pass in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) gets around Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (29) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) jumps for a pass as Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) rushes to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) defends as Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs the ball in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Ikechukwu Iwunnah (92) grabs the face mask of Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward throws Cheez-Its at players as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Cheez-Its decorate the field as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A scrum forms around the ball in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) puts an arm out to stop a tackle from Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (11) celebrates a play in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A Michigan fan reacts as a touchdown goes to review in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Brad Spence (14) and the Texas defense in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball 6- yard to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns kicker Mason Shipley (49) scores a 51-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu (93) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball in for a 23-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Marshall Landwehr (51) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) lines up in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Bevo and his predecessors have been stomping on the sidelines of Texas games for over 100 years. It might require a few hundred more years and some substantial evolutionary progress before he’s ready to deliver the burnt orange equivalent of the President’s annual State of the Union Address, which took place Tuesday night.
Bevo XV makes his way into Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium during before the start of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Aggies in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
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For now, we’ll take on the task for him. Here’s where things stand with the Longhorns in early 2026.
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Where the Texas Longhorns rank nationally
Texas won the Learfield Directors’ Cup — awarded to the best-performing athletic department in the country — for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the last five years in 2025. That’s a remarkable achievement.
How likely are the Longhorns to repeat in 2026?
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MORE: Texas football is spending a lot on its coaches. Why Steve Sarkisian says it’s necessary
It’s tough to predict. Texas didn’t have a great fall, by its standards. The Longhorns rank 31st in the Directors’ Cup standings, with fifth-place, 13th-place and 33rd-place finishes in women’s volleyball, football and men’s cross country finishes marking the only areas where they picked up points.
The good news for Texas is that the fall typically isn’t kind to the Longhorns. Last year, they came out of the autumn ranked 16th.
The winter should be much better. Texas, as usual, has national championship contenders in both men’s and women’s swimming. The Longhorns have an elite women’s basketball team and top-20 teams in men’s and women’s indoor track and field. They can make up some serious ground when results for those sports are tabulated in April.
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We know less about the Longhorns’ outlook in the spring sports, many of which are just getting going, but that has been a source of strength for UT in years past. Last year, North Carolina paced the Directors’ Cup field after the fall and winter events were scored. Texas nearly doubled the Tar Heels’ spring score to chase them down.
How Texas matches up with its in-state rival Texas A&M
Any successful political endeavor requires success in your power base.
Texas’ move to the SEC ahead of the 2024-25 athletic campaign led to the revival of the Lone Star Showdown against local rival Texas A&M. Like the Directors’ Cup, the Lone Star Showdown measures the results of all sports, compiling outcomes of games between the Aggies and Longhorns throughout the academic year.
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MORE: What a hot start for Dylan Volantis, UT pitchers means for Longhorns
Last year, Texas won the Lone Star Showdown over Texas A&M by a final score of 11-7.
This year, the Aggies hold a 5.5-4 lead at the time of publication. Texas A&M has bested the Longhorns in soccer, cross country, volleyball, women’s tennis and men’s basketball, while Texas took home points in football, women’s basketball and swimming and diving.
There are still 9.5 points up for grabs. Half a point is at stake when the men’s basketball teams meet in College Station on Saturday, Two more points can be had this weekend at the SEC indoor track championships, too.
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Texas Longhorns have a down year financially
The campaign funds did not flow as freely for the Longhorns in the 2025 fiscal year.
Texas made a $23.3 million loss, according to financial documents reviewed by the American-Statesman.
The Longhorns attribute most of that to a diminished SEC media rights share — a stipulation Texas agreed to in order to leave the Big 12 for the SEC a year earlier than originally planned. The average SEC school took in $72.4 million in conference distributions in 2025. Texas received just $12.1 million.
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Texas officials say they’re not concerned about their financial position because their agreement with the SEC puts them in line for a full revenue share in the next fiscal year. Rob Novak, the Longhorns’ Chief Financial Officer, said the $23.3 million loss was considered a good financial outcome internally.
And, Novak says, the Longhorns had cash to fall back on. He told the Statesman that the Athletic Department still has over $30 million available in reserve after earning a profit for three consecutive years prior to 2025.