Dive deep into the rich history, legendary figures, and exciting future of Longhorns football as they embark on their journey in the Southeastern Conference.
Program Overview and Historical Significance
The University of Texas at Austin’s storied football program, a prominent member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), officially transitioned into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) on July 1, 2024. Their revered home ground is the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, located in Austin, Texas.
With a history stretching back to 1893, the Longhorns boast an impressive legacy. They hold over 950 victories, placing them fifth in all-time wins and seventh in all-time win-loss percentage in college football.
- National Championships: 3 (1963, 1969)
- Southwest Conference Championships: 27 (record holder)
- Bowl Appearances: 55 (second all-time)
- Bowl Victories: 29 (fourth all-time)
- Cotton Bowl Classic: Leads all teams in both appearances and victories.
The 1963 Texas Longhorns celebrating their National Championship.
Heisman Heroes: The Longhorns’ Legendary Backs
Earl Campbell
The program proudly celebrates two Heisman Trophy recipients, beginning with Earl Campbell. Known as “the Tyler Rose,” Campbell dominated the college football scene from 1974-1977. In his senior year (1977), he led the nation with an astounding 1,744 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, earning him the Heisman Award – the first for a Longhorn. His career concluded with 4,443 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns, notably leading the team to an undefeated regular season and a Southwest Conference championship in 1977. His iconic Jersey Number 20 has been retired in his honor.
Earl Campbell breaking tackles with his powerful running style.
Ricky Williams
The second Longhorn legend to claim the Heisman was Ricky Williams, who played from 1995-1998. His senior year in 1998 was historic, as he led the nation with 2,124 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, securing the Heisman Trophy. Williams famously shattered Tony Dorsett’s 22-year-old NCAA career rushing record, finishing with 6,279 rushing yards and 72 rushing touchdowns. He set an incredible 21 NCAA Division I-A records, 24 Big 12 Conference records, and 46 Texas Longhorns school records. His Jersey Number 34 is also retired, and in a fitting tribute, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium’s field was renamed Campbell-Williams Field in 2021.
Ricky Williams proudly holding the Heisman Trophy.
The SEC Era and Recent Success
2023-2024 Season Highlights
The Longhorns officially joined the SEC on July 1, 2024, marking a new chapter. Their 2023-2024 season, under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, was a resounding success with a 12-2 record. They captured their first Big 12 Championship since 2009 and made an inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Quinn Ewers showcased a stellar performance in the Big 12 Championship, throwing for a record 452 yards and four touchdowns. Their playoff journey concluded with a loss in the Sugar Bowl semifinal to Washington.
Defensive Dominance (2023-2024)
- Ranked seventh-best in FBS, allowing only 92.7 rushing yards per game.
- Ranked 24th in points conceded per game.
- Ranked tenth-best in turnover margin (+10).
2025 Season Outlook: A Roster Poised for Greatness
Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, who recently signed an extension through 2031, is building a formidable team for the 2025 season. ESPN’s Top 100 College Football Players for 2025 features several Longhorns:
- Anthony Hill Jr.: Linebacker, ranked as high as No. 2.
- Arch Manning: Quarterback, set to be the full-time starting quarterback.
- Colin Simmons: Sophomore edge rusher, ranked No. 11, winner of the 2024 Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award.
- Quintrevion Wisner (Tre Wisner): Running back, No. 69, the only returning 1,000-yard rusher in the SEC for 2025.
- Michael Taaffe: Fifth-year safety, No. 64.
- Malik Muhammad: Junior defensive back, No. 61.
- Other notable players include Trey Moore (Senior linebacker), Derek Williams Jr. (Sophomore safety), DeAndre Moore Jr. (Experienced wide receiver), Ryan Wingo (Sophomore wide receiver), CJ Baxter (Running back), and DJ Campbell (Offensive guard).
The 2025 schedule is packed with challenging matchups, including powerhouses like Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Georgia, Arkansas, and the highly anticipated rivalry game against the Texas A&M Aggies on November 28, 2025.
Recruiting and Future Development
2024 Recruiting Class: Nation’s Best
The Longhorns’ commitment to excellence is evident in their recruiting efforts. Their 2024 Recruiting Class was ranked No. 1 nationally by Rivals.com, a testament to Coach Sarkisian’s ability to attract top talent. The class comprised 25 commits, including an impressive 4 five-star recruits and 16 four-star recruits.
- Five-Star Talents: Justus Terry (defensive tackle), Kaliq Lockett (wide receiver), Lance Jackson (defensive end), Jonah Williams (safety).
- Nation’s Top Athlete: Michael Terry III.
- Other Top Recruits: Colin Simmons (five-star edge rusher, early impact player), Brandon Baker (No. 1 offensive tackle), Ryan Wingo (five-star wide receiver, early impact player).
Strategic Recruiting for Sustained Success
Coach Sarkisian’s recruiting strategy is centered on attracting elite talent and fostering strong relationships, ensuring the Longhorns remain perennial contenders for national championships in the highly competitive SEC. This focus on long-term development and high-caliber players is crucial for sustained success in the new conference landscape.
The Enduring Spirit of the Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns football program is characterized by its rich legacy, passionate fan base, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As they enter the SEC, the program aims to build upon its historical successes, inspired by legendary figures and guided by a strong coaching staff and talented roster, with the ultimate goal of securing additional national championships and etching new chapters into their glorious history.
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