The fierce rivalry between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Longhorns is one of college football’s most storied matchups. For fans of both teams, the announcement that Arkansas and Texas will face each other as conference opponents for the first time since 1991 sparks excitement, nostalgia, and a renewed sense of anticipation. With Texas joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the 2024 season, the two teams will reignite a battle that has simmered for over three decades, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Arkansas and Texas first faced each other on the gridiron in 1894, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would become one of the most heated in college football. As founding members of the Southwest Conference, the Razorbacks and Longhorns played almost annually for nearly 80 years, with Texas often holding the upper hand. Over the years, the series developed a reputation for its intensity and high-stakes games, fueled by the pride and passion of fans on both sides.
One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry came in 1969, when the two teams met in what was dubbed the “Game of the Century.” Ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the time, Texas narrowly edged out Arkansas 15-14, a win that helped Texas secure the national championship that year. It’s games like these that have cemented this rivalry’s place in the history books, creating memories and narratives that linger in the minds of fans even decades later.
However, the rivalry took a backseat when Arkansas joined the SEC in 1991. The separation left fans on both sides missing the regular clashes, with only a few non-conference matchups here and there to satisfy the rivalry’s hunger. Now, more than 30 years later, Texas’ entrance into the SEC has restored this classic rivalry, giving it a chance to shine once more, this time on the grand stage of the SEC.
With Texas entering the SEC, the Razorbacks-Longhorns rivalry has taken on new life. No longer just a historic footnote or an occasional out-of-conference matchup, the two teams will now face each other as part of the SEC’s annual conference schedule. This means that Arkansas and Texas will have to compete not only for bragging rights but also for critical conference standings, bowl game opportunities, and possibly even playoff implications down the road.
Both Arkansas and Texas have evolved considerably since their last conference clash. Arkansas has carved out a place in the competitive SEC West, known for its hard-nosed defenses and physical play. Texas, meanwhile, has been undergoing a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has brought renewed energy and strategic innovation to the Longhorns. Joining the SEC, Texas will face new challenges and elevated competition, with Arkansas standing ready as one of its first major tests in this new era.
The renewed rivalry also has recruiting implications. Texas and Arkansas share many recruiting territories, especially in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. With Texas now in the SEC, both programs will vie for top talent in a highly competitive landscape. Winning these rivalry games can be a powerful draw for recruits, as young players want to be part of matchups that are rich in history and loaded with intensity.
For fans, the return of the Arkansas-Texas rivalry is a dream come true. Both fan bases are known for their passionate support and deep-seated pride. Razorback and Longhorn fans will have plenty to look forward to, with renewed stakes and regular opportunities to assert dominance over the other. For many Arkansas fans, beating Texas is more than just winning a game—it’s a matter of state pride, rooted in a long-standing rivalry that extends beyond football into cultural and regional identities.
The buildup to these games will surely be filled with excitement and intensity, especially for those who remember the rivalry’s heyday in the Southwest Conference. Expect to see “Beat Texas” and “Horns Down” rallying cries from Arkansas fans, while Longhorns supporters gear up to prove their place in the SEC hierarchy. With Texas’ inclusion in the SEC, this rivalry is bound to become one of the conference’s most anticipated matchups every season, providing a fresh storyline to one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
As Texas joins the SEC, the rivalry has the potential to expand and intensify in new ways. The SEC’s landscape is already a pressure cooker, and adding a rivalry of this magnitude only raises the stakes. Each season, the outcome of this game will not only affect school pride but could also have significant implications for conference rankings, postseason opportunities, and recruiting momentum.
For Arkansas, the chance to play Texas regularly presents an opportunity to prove themselves against one of their historical rivals and a brand-new SEC competitor. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman has emphasized building a program that can compete with anyone, and games against Texas will allow him to demonstrate that mission to fans and recruits alike.
Texas, on the other hand, enters the SEC looking to establish itself as a formidable force. Beating Arkansas—especially in a competitive SEC environment—would validate Texas’ entry into the conference and demonstrate their readiness to compete with the traditional SEC powerhouses.
With the 2024 season on the horizon, fans are already counting down to the first Arkansas-Texas showdown as SEC rivals. The return of this rivalry promises to bring back all the drama, intensity, and passion that defined it for so many years. For Arkansas, it’s a chance to prove their worth against a team that has often been a thorn in their side. For Texas, it’s a new beginning in the SEC and an opportunity to prove they belong among college football’s elite.
The Razorbacks and Longhorns are no strangers to each other, but after more than 30 years, they’ll finally clash again with conference pride on the line. In this new SEC era, the Arkansas-Texas rivalry stands poised to become one of the most electrifying fixtures in college football, reviving old memories while creating new ones for generations to come.