For over a century, the University of Texas Longhorns have played a significant role in college football history. Their tradition is rich, and their storied rivalries have shaped the landscape of the sport. One of the most iconic traditions in college football revolves around Thanksgiving Day, a time when families and friends gather to give thanks, enjoy a hearty meal, and of course, watch football. For the Texas Longhorns, playing on Thanksgiving has become a fixture, with the team having played 87 times on this holiday, marking a tradition that spans generations of fans and players.
The significance of Thanksgiving football for Texas is more than just a yearly occurrence. It’s a time to honor the team’s history, to showcase talent, and to continue rivalries that have been passed down for over a century. From the early days of the program to the current era of competitive college football, Texas has been a key part of this Thanksgiving football legacy. In this article, we will explore the history of the Longhorns’ Thanksgiving games, the meaning behind this tradition, and how these games have shaped the program over the years.
The Origins of Thanksgiving Football
Thanksgiving football has its origins in the early 20th century. In 1905, the first college football game played on Thanksgiving Day was between Yale and Princeton, but it wasn’t until a few years later that the tradition truly began to take root across the nation. As college football grew in popularity, many programs started scheduling annual Thanksgiving Day games. For the University of Texas, Thanksgiving became a special occasion, especially with the emergence of one of their oldest and most competitive rivalries—the Texas vs. Texas A&M game.
The Longhorns’ involvement in Thanksgiving football began in 1922, when Texas and Texas A&M faced off on the holiday. The rivalry between the two schools, which would eventually become known as the “Lone Star Showdown,” became synonymous with Thanksgiving. Over the years, this game became one of the most anticipated matchups in college football, with both teams vying for state bragging rights. The timing of the game, played just after Thanksgiving dinner, made it an ideal matchup for families to watch together on television or attend in person, solidifying the tradition.
The Texas vs. Texas A&M Rivalry: A Thanksgiving Staple
The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, dating back to 1894, is one of the most storied in college football. The rivalry reached its peak in the 20th century when the two teams began playing on Thanksgiving Day with regularity. The games became a national event, drawing large audiences and captivating fans across the country.
Throughout the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, the Texas-Texas A&M game on Thanksgiving Day became the centerpiece of the holiday. Many of the games during this period were thrilling, with each team showcasing its talent and pride for the state of Texas. For both programs, Thanksgiving football was not just another game; it was an opportunity to establish dominance over their bitter rivals. The Longhorns, in particular, viewed the matchup as an essential part of their season, a game that could elevate their status as a national contender.
The Thanksgiving Day rivalry continued to be a staple of college football until 2011 when Texas A&M left the Big 12 Conference and joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Although the game was no longer played annually on Thanksgiving, the legacy of Texas vs. Texas A&M on this day lives on, with fans continuing to look back at the many classic matchups that occurred on Thanksgiving throughout the decades.
While the Texas-Texas A&M game may no longer be an annual event on Thanksgiving Day, the memory of these historic games is a crucial part of the Longhorns’ Thanksgiving tradition. These contests helped cement the importance of playing on Thanksgiving for the Longhorns, who are proud of their history on this holiday.
The Other Thanksgiving Games: More Than Just Rivalries
While the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry took center stage for many years, the Longhorns have also played other Thanksgiving Day games that have contributed to their legacy. One notable example is the annual game against Baylor. Baylor, like Texas A&M, was once part of the Big 12, and the Thanksgiving weekend matchup between these two teams became a regular occurrence, particularly in the 2000s.
These games, although not as historically significant as the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, were nonetheless important for Texas. They represented the Longhorns’ ability to compete at a high level on a national stage, especially in the face of challenging opponents. In these matchups, the team had the opportunity to showcase its strength, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. These Thanksgiving games often had major implications for bowl games, conference standings, and national rankings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Beyond the conference rivalries, Thanksgiving games also gave Texas the opportunity to face teams from other conferences. The Longhorns’ Thanksgiving appearances against schools from the Big Ten, Pac-12, and other conferences further cemented their place in college football lore. These interconference games introduced a different style of play and a different type of competition, providing fans with a well-rounded college football experience during the holiday.
The Impact of Thanksgiving Games on the Texas Football Program
The Longhorns’ 87 Thanksgiving Day games have had a significant impact on the program, both in terms of tradition and on-field performance. These games have provided the team with a platform to showcase its talent to a national audience, especially with the increasing television exposure of college football during the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Showcasing Talent
Thanksgiving games have historically been an opportunity for the Longhorns to showcase some of the best talent in college football. Over the years, Texas has produced countless legendary players who have used Thanksgiving games as a stage to shine. Names like Earl Campbell, Vince Young, Ricky Williams, and Colt McCoy have all played in significant Thanksgiving Day games, etching their names into Longhorn lore.
For players, these games were a chance to elevate their status, either in front of scouts or in the eyes of the Texas fanbase. Performing well on Thanksgiving not only made a statement about the player’s individual skills but also helped solidify the reputation of Texas football as a dominant force in college football.
- Building a Winning Legacy
Winning on Thanksgiving became an essential part of Texas’ football legacy. Historically, the Longhorns have been one of the most successful programs in college football, and playing on Thanksgiving gave the team another opportunity to extend that winning tradition. Whether it was a rivalry game against A&M or a clash against a team from another conference, the Thanksgiving game often played a pivotal role in the team’s season.
For many years, Texas was a national contender, with the Longhorns frequently competing in major bowl games and even securing national championships. These Thanksgiving games were key to maintaining that high level of competition, and victories on the holiday were often necessary for Texas to stay in contention for postseason success.
- Creating Tradition and Connection
Beyond the Xs and Os of the football field, Thanksgiving games have played an important role in creating a sense of tradition and connection for Longhorns fans. These games became a focal point of the holiday season for fans who gathered together with family and friends to cheer on the team. The Thanksgiving game, often viewed as a symbolic marker for the end of the regular season, created a sense of unity and pride for fans, both in Texas and around the country.
Even as the rivalry with Texas A&M came to an end, and the structure of Thanksgiving football games shifted, the connection between the Longhorns and their fans has remained strong. The memories of Thanksgiving games, the victories, the upsets, and the heart-pounding moments, are woven into the fabric of Texas football. For fans, it’s not just about the outcome of the game; it’s about celebrating the tradition, the passion, and the pride that come with being part of the Texas football family.
The Longhorns’ Thanksgiving Legacy Moving Forward
As Texas continues to evolve in college football, with the program transitioning to the SEC in the coming years, the Thanksgiving tradition remains an important part of the team’s history. While the game against Texas A&M may no longer be an annual event, the impact of these Thanksgiving matchups continues to resonate. The Longhorns will undoubtedly face new challenges and new rivalries in the SEC, but the legacy of playing on Thanksgiving will always be a part of the team’s story.
With the increased visibility and competition in the SEC, Thanksgiving games will continue to be an important opportunity for the Longhorns to demonstrate their prowess on a national stage. As Texas enters this new chapter, the memories of those 87 Thanksgiving games will continue to inspire players, coaches, and fans alike, reminding everyone that the spirit of Thanksgiving football lives on, as strong as ever.
