COLLEGE STATION, TX & LUBBOCK, TX – After more than a decade of dormancy, one of Texas’s most passionate collegiate football rivalries is set to ignite once more. Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University today jointly announced a historic agreement to renew their annual non-conference football series, much to the delight of fan bases across the Lone Star State. The inaugural game of this highly anticipated reboot will be hosted at a neutral site in Dallas, a move designed to maximize fan accessibility and generate significant statewide excitement.
The announcement, made during a simultaneous virtual press conference featuring athletic directors and university presidents from both institutions, marks a significant moment for Texas college football.
Aggies and Red Raiders, former conference foes in both the Southwest Conference and the Big 12, last met on the gridiron in 2011. Since then, geographical separation due to conference realignments (Texas A&M to the SEC, Texas Tech remaining in the Big 12) had rendered the rivalry a casualty of the evolving collegiate sports landscape.
“This is a fantastic day for college football in Texas, and truly, for college football nationwide,” stated Texas A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork. “The A&M-Texas Tech rivalry is steeped in history, tradition, and an intense competitive spirit that has been sorely missed.
We’ve heard our fans loud and clear, and we are thrilled to bring this annual showdown back to the forefront of the Texas sports calendar. This isn’t just a game; it’s a celebration of state pride and the deep roots of Texas football.”
Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt echoed Bjork’s enthusiasm. “Reviving this series has been a top priority for us and our fan base for many years. There’s a unique energy when the Red Raiders and Aggies clash, and it’s an experience that current and future generations of student-athletes and fans deserve to be a part of.
This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving the rich traditions of Texas collegiate sports while also looking forward to thrilling matchups for years to come.”
The new agreement outlines a home-and-home series rotation following the neutral site opener. The specifics of the scheduling commitment are for a minimum of ten years, ensuring the rivalry’s sustained presence on future football schedules.
Key details of the renewed series include:
Inaugural Game: The first game of the rebooted series will take place in the 2026 season at a major neutral venue in Dallas, with specific stadium details to be announced at a later date. This strategic choice aims to allow both fan bases equal access and create a monumental event in the heart of Texas.
Home-and-Home Rotation: Following the Dallas opener, the series will alternate between Kyle Field in College Station and Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock in subsequent years.
Non-Conference Status: The games will be played as non-conference matchups, allowing both universities to maintain their respective conference schedules while adding a marquee out-of-conference contest.
The rivalry between Texas A&M and Texas Tech dates back to 1927, with the Aggies currently holding a 35-34-1 edge in the all-time series. Matches between the two programs were historically known for their passionate fan turnout, intense on-field battles, and spirited off-field banter. The absence of this rivalry has been a frequent topic of conversation among Texas sports enthusiasts, with many clamoring for its return.
The neutral site opener in Dallas is expected to be a massive economic boon for the city and a significant draw for tourists statewide. Both athletic departments anticipate rapid sellouts for all games in the series, highlighting the enduring power of historical rivalries in college football.
“This reboot isn’t just about football; it’s about reconnecting communities and celebrating a shared heritage,” said Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III. “We are excited for the opportunities this series will create for our students, alumni, and the entire state.”
Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec added, “Our institutions share a proud history, and this renewed rivalry is a testament to the strong bonds that tie us together, even across different conferences. We look forward to many years of exciting competition.”
The announcement is expected to immediately impact recruiting within the state, as players from Texas will once again have the opportunity to participate in a storied in-state rivalry. The “Great Rivalry Reboot” promises to deliver high-stakes football and rekindle a cherished tradition for a new generation of fans.