Texas football ready for its SEC jump
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The UT Tower, lit up in late June to spell SEC. Photo: Courtesy University of Texas Athletics
With its move to the Southeastern Conference, Texas football is about to get even bigger.
Why it matters: The move catapults the already storied Texas program into one of the wealthiest, most visible athletic conferences in the country, with consequences for the university's profile and its ability to rake in television money and alumni donations.
- It also rekindles rivalries with historic foes Texas A&M (Nov. 30) and Arkansas (Nov. 16), which previously shared conferences with Texas.
- Texas nemesis Oklahoma is also making the move, maintaining the Red River showdown (Oct. 12).
The big picture: The move, years in the making, aligns Texas with the tradition-rich SEC, now home to 16 schools, including athletic powerhouses Alabama, LSU and Georgia.
The intrigue: Before a ball is even snapped, Texas has already notched a victory against the Aggies.
- "We want to be the only SEC team from the state of Texas," then-A&M athletic director Ross Bjork said in 2021.
Between the lines: Texas and Oklahoma had to pay a combined $100 million early exit fee to the Big 12 for not being part of the league's media package in 2025.
Yes, but: The SEC had revenue of $852.6 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year, leading to payouts to member schools of more than $50 million apiece.
- The Big Ten, home to Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State, pulled down $879.9 million that year.
What they're saying: "I detected incredible enthusiasm, exuberance, excitement," SEC commentator Paul Finebaum said after students and fans celebrated Texas' entrance into the conference with a campus celebration at the end of June.
The bottom line: Saturdays this fall will see Texas football, the flagship university's flagship sport, enjoying marquee, nationally televised matchups, and nothing inspires many of UT's biggest donors to support their alma mater like a signature win.
- Prepare to see Alabama polo shirts and Tennessee orange ball caps on South Congress as out-of-towners flock to Austin to support their football, basketball or volleyball teams and plunk down cash for vintage boots and chic hotel rooms.
What we're reading: This USA Today rundown of SEC traditions, including the Razorback Hog Call and the Vol Navy.
What's next: Texas plays its first game (against Colorado State) on Aug. 31 before a massive matchup with defending national champion Michigan on Sept. 7.
Its conference schedule kicks off Sept. 28 against Mississippi State.