Could the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry be renewed soon?
COLLEGE STATION - It's hard not to ask anyone from the state of Texas who they support at the college level. A majority of people will give one or two answers. If their hands make a horn shape, they support Texas. If they give you a thumbs up, it's Texas A&M.
While Texas and A&M haven't played on the gridiron since the latter's departure of the Big 12, the rivalry still exist in life. Since 2011, fans have hoped for a chance to bring back the Thanksgiving classic, restoring order in the football world.
With a new athletic director in College Station, that song could be the case.
During a Texas Tribune Festival panel, Matthew Watkins asked Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte and Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork if the schools were going to play again in football. Bjork believed that the two could meet in the coming years.
“Obviously, I’m new. But I’m learning a lot about this,” Bjork said. “When A&M left for the SEC, there was an offer made - ‘Hey, we’re going to have a placeholder.’
“We’re in discussions to finalize something in 2028 and 2029. Where would we play the game in the season? We’re playing LSU the last game of the season."
Del Conte later commented, stating that while their schedule might be booked, the Longhorns will find a way to fit their old rival onto the list.
“I’ll say this, we’ll play the second Saturday of September, any time, any place, anywhere. You can always get a game off your schedule," De Conte said. "What I’m getting at is these games matter.
"Whether Ross and I are working at Texas A&M or Texas, it doesn’t make any difference. These games matter to college football. They matter to this state. They matter to the people."
The rivalry between the schools began in 1984 and has been a staple to the sport. In 118 meetings, the Longhorns lead the series with 76 wins against A&M's 35.
De Conte believes that without the pair meeting on the field, the game is missing a special element that needs to return.
"Us not playing Texas A&M is not good for football," De Conte later said.
In the final meeting, Texas claimed victory at College Station, 27-25.
