The 2024 Texas Longhorns football season brings a new chapter in the team’s storied history. With high expectations for the year ahead, the Longhorns are gearing up for an exciting season of college football. As they move into a more challenging Southeastern Conference (SEC) era, the 2024 schedule has fans excited about both familiar rivalries and fresh matchups.
Texas Football 2024 Schedule Overview
The Texas Longhorns 2024 schedule is designed to challenge the team in every possible way, with a mixture of non-conference matchups, a tough slate of Big 12 games, and the introduction of SEC challenges. The team is primed to prove their readiness for the upcoming SEC competition while continuing to dominate their regular-season games. The season begins in late August and runs through early December, ending with key games that could determine their national rankings and potential bowl appearances.
Non-Conference Games
Every college football season begins with non-conference games, and the Longhorns have carefully crafted their opening matches to prepare for both the upcoming Big 12 conference games and their upcoming SEC future. Here’s a detailed look at Texas’ non-conference schedule for 2024:
Colorado State at Texas – August 30, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: Texas opens the 2024 season with a home game against the Colorado State Rams. The Longhorns come into the season ranked as one of the top teams in the country, and this game presents a solid opportunity to ease into the season. A convincing victory would be an important statement to start their year, particularly with the tougher games ahead. Historically, Texas has dominated opponents like Colorado State, making this a game fans expect to win.
San José State at Texas – September 6, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: The San José State Spartans make their way to Austin for another non-conference clash. San José State is a respectable program but does not present the same level of challenge as other upcoming teams on the schedule. Texas aims to build early momentum, using this match as a way to test out strategies and give younger players the experience they need before the bulk of their SEC competition. Expect a high-scoring game in favor of the Longhorns.
UTEP at Texas – September 13, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: Texas welcomes the UTEP Miners to Austin. As a non-Power 5 opponent, this game should offer a similar challenge to the San José State matchup. Given the Longhorns’ talent depth, this game will likely be a showcase of Texas’ athleticism and offensive strength. Fans can expect Texas to make quick work of UTEP as they continue to gear up for the rigors of Big 12 play.
Sam Houston at Texas – September 20, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: Sam Houston is another school that Texas has had great success against historically. This game is expected to be a confidence booster for the team, allowing them to further fine-tune their offense and defense before taking on tougher challenges.
The Big 12 Conference Matchups
After the non-conference games, Texas enters the core of their 2024 football schedule, taking on rival Big 12 teams in highly anticipated matchups. The Big 12 remains a competitive conference, and while Texas transitions to the SEC in future seasons, these games will be pivotal in determining their ranking and confidence moving forward. Below are the key Big 12 games to look forward to:
Texas at Baylor – September 27, 2024
Location: McLane Stadium, Waco, TX
Overview: This road trip to Waco brings Texas face-to-face with their in-state rival Baylor Bears. While Texas has generally dominated this rivalry, Baylor has been a thorn in their side in recent years. A win here is crucial as the Longhorns cannot afford to falter against the conference competition, especially with the SEC looming in their future. This game is likely to feature a lot of intensity as both teams will be motivated to secure a big win.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (Red River Showdown) – October 4, 2024
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX (Neutral site)
Overview: The Red River Showdown is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. Texas and Oklahoma have met annually since 1900, and this neutral-site game at the Cotton Bowl always brings out the best in both teams. As Texas transitions to the SEC, this game holds extra importance for both teams in terms of conference supremacy and preparation for their future SEC schedules. Expect a high-energy game with passionate fanbases on either side.
Texas at Texas Tech – October 11, 2024
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX
Overview: This rivalry game is always full of energy and drama. Texas will travel to Lubbock, where the Red Raiders often give the Longhorns a run for their money. Texas Tech has historically been an unpredictable opponent, but Texas is expected to come out on top, given the team’s depth and talent.
Texas vs. TCU – October 18, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: The Texas Longhorns will look to make quick work of the TCU Horned Frogs in Austin. TCU has had some success against Texas in recent years, but the Longhorns are considered the favorites in this matchup. This game is essential for Texas to gain ground in the Big 12 standings.
Texas at Kansas State – October 25, 2024
Location: Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Overview: A road game against Kansas State will test Texas’ mettle as the Wildcats are always a tough opponent, especially at home. Texas will need to bring their A-game to avoid any potential upsets as Kansas State has a strong defensive unit that can make life difficult for opposing offenses.
Texas vs. West Virginia – November 1, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: West Virginia will travel to Austin for a crucial matchup as the season progresses. Both teams are likely to be in the mix for bowl eligibility, and this game could have postseason implications. Texas will look to leverage their home-field advantage and their high-powered offense to dominate this matchup.
Texas at Iowa State – November 8, 2024
Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Overview: A road game against Iowa State is never an easy task. The Cyclones are known for their tough, physical brand of football, and this game will test Texas’ mental and physical toughness. The Longhorns will need to stay focused and disciplined to avoid an upset on the road.
Texas vs. Kansas – November 15, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: The Kansas Jayhawks come to Austin, and this is another game that Texas is favored to win. However, Kansas has had some surprising victories in recent years, and the Longhorns cannot afford to overlook them. Expect Texas to assert its dominance early in the game and secure the victory.
Texas vs. Oklahoma State – November 22, 2024
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Overview: Oklahoma State is another team that often challenges Texas, and this game could have major implications for the Big 12 standings. Texas will need to ensure that they are fully prepared for this matchup, especially as they look to finish the season strong before heading into their final rivalry game.
Texas at Texas A&M – November 29, 2024
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Overview: This rivalry has been dormant for years, but it’s back on the schedule in 2024. Texas A&M and Texas have a fierce rivalry, and this game is expected to be an emotional and hard-fought battle. With both teams gearing up for SEC competition in the future, this game is a must-watch and could have significant implications for both programs as they head into 2025.
Future of Texas Football: SEC and Beyond
The Longhorns’ 2024 season marks the final year they will compete in the Big 12 before moving to the SEC. The switch to the Southeastern Conference will bring about major changes in terms of competition, travel, and recruiting.
Impact of the SEC Transition
Moving into the SEC represents a major shift for Texas, who has historically been one of the top teams in the Big 12. The SEC’s depth, particularly in football, will provide an entirely new level of competition for the Longhorns. Texas’ future opponents will include perennial powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, and the strength of the SEC will push the Longhorns to raise their game even further.
Increased National Exposure: With the SEC’s massive media presence and global reach, Texas will gain significant exposure, especially in recruiting. The allure of playing in one of college football’s most prestigious conferences could help the Longhorns secure top-tier talent from across the country.
Rivalries Reignited: The rivalry with Texas A&M is back, and it will only grow more intense in the SEC. The annual showdown between Texas and A&M will be one of the conference’s most highly anticipated matchups for years to come.
FAQ’s
What does the 2024 Texas football schedule look like?
The 2024 Texas Longhorns football season includes a mix of non-conference games, Big 12 conference matchups, and a few rivalries that are essential to the team’s identity. Texas will start the season with a series of non-conference home games, before transitioning to tough Big 12 competition. As Texas is set to enter the Southeastern Conference (SEC) soon, this year’s schedule holds even more significance.
When does the 2024 Texas football season begin?
The Texas Longhorns will kick off their 2024 football season on August 30, 2024, against Colorado State. The game will be held at the iconic Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. This will mark the beginning of a fresh season, with high expectations surrounding the team.
To Conclude,
The Texas Longhorns football team has a highly competitive 2024 schedule that features exciting games and rivalries. As they transition into the SEC in the coming years, the Longhorns are building toward a future filled with new challenges and opportunities. With a mix of returning talent, strategic recruiting, and a passionate fanbase, Texas football is well-positioned to continue its rise to prominence in the world of college football.
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