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Texas Longhorns punt returner Ryan Niblett (21) moves through defense from Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford (27) and safety Dalton Brooks (25) in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown, the rivalry match-up between the Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 28, 2025. The Longhorns won the game 17-27.<\/p>\n
Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 While speaking at SEC media days Wednesday,\u00a0Texas A&M football<\/a> coach Mike Elko received an apology. A reporter wearing a burnt orange shirt apologized for his wardrobe.<\/p>\n Don’t worry, though. Before asking about NIL, the media member assured Elko that he’d wear Aggies apparel Thursday during Texas coach Steve\u00a0Sarkisian’s scheduled session.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko disputes a no-call during the round one College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n GOLDEN: Why should the Power Four keep sharing its billions with the NCAA?<\/a><\/p>\n Yes, even though Texas A&M was in Tampa to talk about Texas A&M \u2014 and Elko delivered quite the one-liner when he responded to a question about potential complacency among his players, saying, “I show them our trophy case and it’s empty” \u2014 the Aggies couldn’t avoid the elephant … er, longhorn in the room.<\/p>\n So, were the Aggies annoyed by the questions they got about Texas?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “Not really,” A&M senior linebacker Daymion Sanford said. “It’s just you know something that you know is just there. We respect that team.”<\/p>\n Aggies\u00a0know Texas has had the upper hand since rivalry’s resumption<\/p>\n Texas A&M has 12 dates on its schedule, but the Nov. 27 home game against Texas looms large. Texas holds a 78-37-5 lead in the all-time series and the Aggies haven’t beaten the Longhorns since 2010. The two teams took\u00a0a 12-year break after the 2011 season<\/a>, but UT has recorded 17-7 and 27-17 wins since the two schools were reunited in the SEC in 2024.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n On Wednesday, Elko said he’s often reminded in College Station about the importance of the Lone Star Showdown. Sanford echoed those sentiments.<\/p>\n “I don’t probably have a day go by without being reminded how important that game is to me, but that’s OK,” Elko said. “I think that’s what’s great about college rivalries, is the passion that our fan base has for that game and certainly is matched by their fan base for that game as well.”<\/p>\n Unlike Elko,\u00a0Sanford grew up in Texas; he’s from Katy, less than a two-hour drive from both Texas and Texas A&M’s campuses.<\/p>\n “It’s OK,” Sanford said. “Rivalry games are interesting. You watched the rivalry game growing up and it’s an honor to play in them. So it doesn’t really bother me.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n MORE: Can Texas A&M learn how to close a football season? We’ll find out, coach Mike Elko says<\/a><\/p>\n In recent seasons, the Texas-Texas A&M game has determined the matchup for the SEC championship game. Two years ago, Texas secured a trip to Atlanta with its 10-point triumph in College Station. The Longhorns were already eliminated from championship contention in 2025 when they met the Aggies, but kept A&M out of the SEC’s finale with their win in Austin.<\/p>\n “I think the past two years when you start off so hot and then end the way we did, it leaves a bittersweet feeling. It leaves a chip on your shoulder,” A&M senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe said. “I think this year as a captain and an older guy, it’s really important for me to let us finish the right way, finish a consistent way.”<\/p>\n Quarterback Marcel Reed of the Texas A&M Aggies speaks at SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Parker S. Freedman\/Getty Images<\/p>\n No trash talk between Texas and Texas A&M’s quarterbacks<\/p>\n During the 121st Texas-Texas A&M game, the spotlight will likely shine the brightest on quarterbacks Marcel Reed and Arch Manning. Last year in Austin, Manning threw for one fewer yard than his Aggies counterpoint but accounted for two touchdowns while Reed was intercepted twice.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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