The University of Texas will join the ranks of the top football teams in college football in 2024. The Longhorns were originally a part of the Big 12 Conference, but due to an early exit agreement, the Horns and the Oklahoma Sooners could join the SEC (Southeastern Conference) a year earlier than projected.
This move will result in major growth in the university’s publicity. They are largely closer to their competition geographically, and the elevated competition will bring in more viewers. Plus, with ESPN getting a new deal, the Longhorns will have more nationally televised games.
Texas’ first game will come against the Colorado State University Rams at the Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on August 31st, at 2:30 pm. The game will be televised by ESPN and will be broadcast by the Longhorn Radio Network. If you plan on tailgating the event, Texas Athletics is hosting a free state fair style tailgate at Bevo Boulevard. Join other Texas fans in watching the football game while enjoying amenities like food trucks, giant LED screens, a Ferris wheel, carnival games, drink specials, and live music. Bevo Boulevard will be open for three hours pre-game. Make sure you bring your UT gear and energy to enjoy the afternoon.
The Longhorns are looking to start the season strong after coming off a strong 12-2 finish last season. Only losing one game in conference, the Longhorns made the College Football Playoffs. They would take on the Michael Penix-led Washington Huskies and be felled on a 4th down heartbreaker for the win. However, the finish was still impressive, and Texas would like to continue their momentum going forward.
Quinn Ewers, the Junior out of Southlake Texas, will be leading this team again this year with the patient Arch Manning waiting in the wing for his chance. Other familiar faces on the roster like CJ Baxter and Isaiah Bond will also be returning.
See the Longhorns 2024-2025 football schedule here.
However, Texas lost eleven players to the NFL Draft, many of whom are widely regarded as essential playmakers for their new homes. So there will be some fresh faces getting their shine this season. On the other hand, the Colorado State Rams are coming off a 5-7 record and are hoping to see more of their now sophomore Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. He had a promising start to his career by throwing 3,460 yards in 12 games. He did struggle taking care of the ball at times, but he is looking to improve on that.
The Rams have a tough start to their season with a formidable opponent in the Texas Longhorns. Texas will attempt to hit the gas and not look back. So the Rams will need to slow down the game and control the pace. For Texas, their goal is to not play down to their competition. Yes, they are now in the SEC, but as we’ve seen from Florida State University this past weekend, anything can happen. This should be a thriller for the first game of the season.
Tailgating at Bevo Boulevard will begin at 11:30 am. Learn more about UT Athletics and get Texas Longhorns tickets and merchandise.
