The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that deserves its own moment in the national spotlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Should this historic matchup truly stand alone, free from the shadow of other high-profile games? Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, certainly thinks so. As the two teams prepare to face off this Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Austin, Sarkisian is vocal about why this rivalry warrants undivided attention.
With Texas leading the all-time series 77-37-5 and securing a 17-7 victory in College Station last year, the stakes are already high. But this year’s matchup feels different. The Aggies, currently ranked No. 3 in the CFP rankings and boasting an undefeated 11-0 record, present a formidable challenge. For the Longhorns, this game isn’t just about pride—it’s a chance to shift the trajectory of their entire season. And this is the part most people miss: The rivalry’s return after a 13-year hiatus in 2024 has reignited passions on both sides, making this Friday’s game a must-watch event.
Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of this game standing alone, whether it’s on Thanksgiving or the Friday after. “I think this game deserves the spotlight to stand alone,” he said. “The fact that we’re playing on Friday night with all eyes of college football—really, the football world—on this game, I think this game deserves that.” Last year’s Saturday night slot, competing with other games, didn’t do the rivalry justice. This year’s prime-time Friday slot, however, ensures the focus remains squarely on Texas and Texas A&M.
Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts echoes Sarkisian’s sentiments, predicting the game will remain a Black Friday staple. “You want this game to be in a window where you’re like, ‘This is it,’” Alberts explained. “When two teams invest so much in football and this game means a lot to them, you want that to be in a prime-time window when the entire country is focused on those two brands.”
But here’s the bold question: Is the rivalry truly best served by this scheduling, or does it risk overshadowing other deserving matchups? Some argue that while the Texas-Texas A&M game is iconic, other rivalries deserve similar spotlight treatment. What do you think? Does this rivalry deserve its own stage, or should the spotlight be shared? Let’s debate in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
