Ranking the Top Six Most Iconic Moments in Texas Longhorns Football History That Forever Changed the Game in Austin

The history of Texas Longhorns football is packed with unforgettable moments, legendary players, and championship glory. For a program that has long stood as a pillar of college football greatness, the iconic moments don’t just belong to one generation—they span decades of dominance, heartbreak, redemption, and triumph. From miraculous plays to championship-clinching heroics, these six iconic moments have become landmarks in the sport’s landscape. Here’s our definitive ranking of the top six moments that every Texas fan holds dear, each playing a role in shaping the legacy of burnt orange greatness.

1. Vince Young’s Heroics in the 2006 Rose Bowl (National Championship)
There is no debate when it comes to the top spot. January 4, 2006, remains the most transcendent moment not just in Texas football history, but arguably in all of college football. The Longhorns were facing a seemingly unstoppable USC team in the BCS National Championship game, one led by Heisman winners Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. But it was Texas quarterback Vince Young who delivered an all-time performance, throwing for 267 yards, rushing for 200 more, and accounting for three total touchdowns.

With 19 seconds remaining and Texas trailing 38-33, Young scrambled on 4th-and-5 and glided untouched into the end zone for the game-winning score. The play not only sealed Texas’ first national title in 35 years but also dethroned a USC team riding a 34-game win streak. Young’s performance earned him Rose Bowl MVP honors and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history.

2. The “Big Shootout” vs. Arkansas in 1969
Before the term “Game of the Century” was overused, there was the original: Texas vs. Arkansas in 1969. It was No. 1 vs. No. 2. President Richard Nixon was in attendance. The entire nation was watching. And it lived up to every ounce of the hype.

Texas was trailing 14-0 going into the fourth quarter in a hostile Fayetteville environment. But legendary head coach Darrell Royal’s squad stormed back, with quarterback James Street leading the comeback and running back Jim Bertelsen pounding away at the Razorbacks’ defense. The turning point came on a gutsy 4th-and-3 call from the Texas 43-yard line, where Street connected with Randy Peschel for a 44-yard gain. The drive led to the game-winning touchdown and a 15-14 victory. Texas would go on to win the national title, and that game became one of the most-watched regular season college football matchups of all time.

3. Colt McCoy’s 2008 Last-Second Win Over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl
Though it wasn’t for a national championship, Colt McCoy’s final-minute magic against Ohio State in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl (following the 2008 season) delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in Texas bowl history. After being controversially left out of the BCS title game despite beating Oklahoma during the regular season, the Longhorns found themselves facing a stout Buckeyes team.

With just over two minutes remaining and Texas trailing 21-17, McCoy led a methodical and poised drive down the field. On 2nd-and-10 from the 26-yard line with just 16 seconds remaining, McCoy hit Quan Cosby over the middle, who spun and raced into the end zone for the game-winner. The play electrified Longhorn Nation and reminded everyone why McCoy was a Heisman contender. It wasn’t a championship, but it was redemption—and one of the best bowl finishes in Texas history.

4. The Miracle Comeback vs. Oklahoma State in 2004
Trailing 35-7 late in the first half, Texas appeared dead in the water against Oklahoma State. But what followed was one of the most jaw-dropping comebacks in program history, led by none other than a young Vince Young. Before halftime even arrived, Texas scored 14 quick points to close the gap to 35-21, reigniting belief.

The second half was a showcase of dominance, with Young and Cedric Benson combining for over 400 total yards and the defense stepping up to shut down the Cowboys. Texas outscored Oklahoma State 42-0 the rest of the way, eventually winning 56-35. That game served as a turning point for Young’s development and confidence, setting the stage for the historic 2005 national title run. It also proved the Longhorns could never be counted out—no matter the deficit.

5. Ricky Williams Breaks the NCAA Rushing Record in 1998
Ricky Williams had already cemented his place as one of the greatest running backs in college football history by the time Texas played Texas A&M on November 27, 1998. But it was on that day in Austin that Williams turned his legend into immortality. Needing just 63 yards to break Tony Dorsett’s all-time NCAA career rushing record, Williams did it in unforgettable style.

On his fifth carry of the game, Williams burst through the A&M defense for a 60-yard touchdown run, setting the new record in front of a roaring crowd. He would go on to rush for 259 yards that day, cementing his Heisman Trophy status and delivering a 26-24 win over the Aggies. It was the ultimate curtain call for one of the most dominant careers in college football history—and a moment that will forever be linked to Texas greatness.

6. Sam Ehlinger’s 2018 Sugar Bowl Victory Over Georgia
While Texas had fallen out of national championship contention in the post-Mack Brown era, the 2018 season under Tom Herman brought renewed energy and hope. That crescendoed in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day 2019, when the No. 15 Longhorns stunned No. 5 Georgia with a 28-21 victory that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger was the star of the show, throwing for 169 yards and rushing for three touchdowns. Following the win, he famously declared “We’re baaaack!” during the postgame interview—a quote that instantly went viral and symbolized Texas fans’ thirst for a return to national relevance.

Though hindsight has revealed that Texas wasn’t quite “back” in the long-term, the game remains iconic. It was a reminder of what Texas football could be again. The swagger, the power, the tradition—it all came together on that night in New Orleans, even if just briefly.

From national championships to record-breaking performances and game-winning touchdowns, these six moments capture the heartbeat of Texas Longhorns football. While fans may debate the order or even argue for their own unforgettable games, there’s no denying the impact these events had on the program, its players, and college football as a whole. Each moment stands tall on its own, but together they form the legacy that defines Texas Football—a story of greatness that continues to unfold, season after season.

Whether you were in the stands at the Rose Bowl, glued to your television during the Big Shootout, or cheering in disbelief at another epic comeback, these are the plays and games that echo through time. And while the list may grow in the years ahead, one truth remains certain: when it comes to college football history, Texas will always be one of the greats. Hook ‘Em.