History of Texas Longhorns in Timeline
The Texas Longhorns are the athletic teams of the University of Texas at Austin. Both men's and women's teams are known as the Longhorns, a name derived from the Longhorn cattle significant to Texas history. Their mascot is a Texas Longhorn steer named Bevo. The Longhorns are widely recognized as a leading brand in college athletics, distinguished by their large department and broad appeal.
1900: "Longhorn" Nickname Appears in Texas Newspapers
By 1900, the nickname "Longhorn" started appearing in Texas newspapers, marking an early adoption of the moniker for the university's athletic teams.
1906: Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball Begins Varsity Competition
The University of Texas's men's basketball team embarked on its varsity intercollegiate competition journey in 1906, marking the beginning of a rich and storied history for the program.
1914: Texas Longhorns vs. Rice Owls Rivalry Begins
A historic rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Rice Owls began in 1914. Texas has historically dominated the rivalry.
1932: Texas Longhorns' Historic Basketball Season
The 1932-1933 season is considered one of the most successful in Texas Longhorns men's basketball history. The team achieved a remarkable 22-1 record, claimed the Southwest Conference title, and earned the unofficial National Champion title from the Premo-Porretta Power Poll.
1943: Texas Longhorns Reach NCAA Final Four
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team achieved a significant milestone in 1943 by reaching the NCAA Final Four, showcasing their dominance on the court.
1947: Texas Longhorns Reach NCAA Final Four
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team repeated their impressive feat of 1943 by reaching the NCAA Final Four in 1947, solidifying their place as a national basketball powerhouse.
1949: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The University of Texas Longhorns secured their first College World Series title in 1949, establishing their presence as a force to be reckoned with in college baseball.
1950: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The Texas Longhorns continued their dominance in college baseball by winning their second consecutive College World Series title in 1950, cementing their legacy as a program with a winning tradition.
1953: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns showcased their consistency by reaching the College World Series Championship Game in 1953, highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level of college baseball.
1969: Texas Longhorns Win National Championship Against Arkansas Razorbacks
The 1969 football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks became a defining moment in their rivalry, with the Longhorns emerging victorious to claim the national championship.
1975: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The Texas Longhorns claimed their third College World Series championship in 1975, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of college baseball across different eras.
1977: Earl Campbell Wins Heisman Trophy
Earl Campbell's exceptional performance on the football field earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1977, solidifying his place as a legendary Longhorn athlete.
1978: Eddie Reese Becomes Men's Swimming Coach
Eddie Reese took the helm as the Texas Longhorns men's swimming coach in 1978, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
1978: Texas Longhorns Win NIT Championship
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team showcased their prowess by winning the NIT Championship in 1978, adding another accomplishment to their storied history.
1981: AIAW National Championship Win
Before joining the NCAA, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team won the AIAW national championship in 1981.
1981: Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving National Championships
Both the Texas Longhorns men's and women's swimming and diving teams achieved national championship titles in 1981.
1982: University of Texas Joins NCAA and Southwest Conference for Women's Sports
The University of Texas marked a significant milestone in 1982 by joining the NCAA and Southwest Conference for women's sports, expanding opportunities for female athletes.
1983: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The Texas Longhorns secured their fourth College World Series title in 1983, adding to their rich history of success in the sport and showcasing their consistent ability to field competitive teams.
1984: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns made another strong run in the College World Series in 1984, reaching the Championship Game and solidifying their reputation as a perennial contender.
1984: Start of Women's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak
The Texas Longhorns women's swimming and diving team began a dominant championship streak by winning the national title in 1984.
1985: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns continued their impressive streak of College World Series appearances in 1985, reaching the Championship Game for the third consecutive year, demonstrating their dominance in the sport.
1985: Texas Longhorns Rugby Team Founded
The Texas Longhorns rugby team was established in 1985, marking the beginning of their journey in the Allied Rugby Conference and Varsity Cup Championship.
1986: Texas Longhorns Women's Basketball Team Wins National Title
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team reached the pinnacle of success in 1986 by clinching the national championship. This victory solidified their status as a dominant force in women's college basketball.
1986: NCAA Cross Country Championship Victory
The Texas Longhorns women's cross country team achieved a significant victory in 1986 by winning the NCAA Cross Country Championship.
1988: Start of Men's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team began an impressive championship streak, securing the national title in 1988.
1988: NCAA National Championship Win
The Texas Longhorns volleyball team secured the NCAA National Championship title in 1988.
1989: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns returned to the College World Series Championship Game in 1989, proving their ability to consistently field competitive teams and compete for the title.
1990: Women's Swimming and Diving National Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's swimming and diving team continued their winning ways, claiming the national championship in 1990.
1991: End of Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championship Streaks
Both the Texas Longhorns men's and women's swimming and diving teams concluded their respective championship streaks in 1991 with national title wins.
1992: Women Athletes Sue University of Texas for Title IX Violations
In 1992, seven female athletes filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas, citing Title IX violations. This legal action highlighted the inequalities between men's and women's athletic opportunities at the university and sparked a movement toward change.
July 1993: Texas Settles Title IX Lawsuit
In July 1993, Texas settled a lawsuit alleging Title IX violations, agreeing to establish women's rowing, soccer, and softball programs. This settlement marked a crucial step towards gender equity in the university's athletic programs.
1993: Women's Soccer Program Established
The Texas Longhorns women's soccer program was founded in 1993 as part of the Title IX settlement, expanding athletic opportunities for women.
1993: Title IX Settlement Leads to New Opportunities
The Title IX settlement in 1993 paved the way for the establishment of the Texas Longhorns women's rowing team, expanding opportunities for female athletes.
1994: Texas A&M Football Game Moved
Due to Texas A&M's TV restrictions during probation in 1994, the annual football game against Texas was moved from Thanksgiving weekend to the first weekend in December.
1994: Rice Owls Last Victory Against Texas Longhorns
The Rice Owls last defeated the Texas Longhorns in 1994, with a score of 19-17.
1995: Women's Softball Added at University of Texas
The University of Texas added women's softball in 1995, expanding opportunities for female athletes and demonstrating a commitment to gender equity in athletics.
1996: Chancellor's Spurs Rivalry Begins
The Chancellor's Spurs rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders football teams began in 1996 with a traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the annual game.
1996: Men's Swimming and Diving National Championship
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team added another national championship title to their record in 1996.
1996: Southwest Conference Dissolves
The Texas Longhorns participated in the Southwest Conference until its dissolution in 1996, marking the end of an era for the conference and its member institutions.
1997: Women's Rowing Added at University of Texas
In 1997, the University of Texas introduced women's rowing as a varsity sport, further diversifying athletic options for women and reflecting the university's commitment to Title IX compliance.
1998: Ricky Williams Wins Heisman Trophy
Ricky Williams's outstanding skills and contributions to the Longhorns were recognized with the Heisman Trophy in 1998, making him the second Texas running back to receive this prestigious award.
1998: Women's Rowing Team Established
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team was officially established in the fall of 1998 as a result of the 1993 Title IX settlement.
2000: Start of Men's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team embarked on a new championship streak by winning the national title in 2000.
2001: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2002: Texas Named "America's Best Sports College"
In 2002, Sports Illustrated recognized the University of Texas at Austin as "America's Best Sports College," highlighting the strength and success of its athletic programs.
2002: Texas Longhorns' Best Season Since Introduction of AP Poll
Since the AP Poll's inception, the 2002-2003 season stands out as the most successful for the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. With a 26-7 record, a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, a Final Four appearance, and a #3 ranking in the final AP poll, the team etched its name in Longhorns basketball lore.
2002: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The Texas Longhorns further solidified their status as a college baseball powerhouse by winning the College World Series in 2002, demonstrating their ability to attract top talent and compete for championships.
2002: End of Men's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team concluded their championship streak in 2002 with another national title.
2002: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2003: Texas Longhorns' Best Season Since Introduction of AP Poll
Since the AP Poll's inception, the 2002-2003 season stands out as the most successful for the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. With a 26-7 record, a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, a Final Four appearance, and a #3 ranking in the final AP poll, the team etched its name in Longhorns basketball lore.
2003: Texas Longhorns Reach NCAA Final Four
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team once again reached the pinnacle of college basketball by reaching the NCAA Final Four in 2003, demonstrating their continued excellence in the sport.
2003: Women's Rowing Team's First NCAA Championship Appearance
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team made their debut at the NCAA championships in 2003, with their varsity 8 placing 12th nationally.
2004: Women's Soccer Reaches Sweet Sixteen
The Texas Longhorns women's soccer team made a strong run in the NCAA tournament, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004.
2004: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2004: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns reached the College World Series Championship Game in 2004, adding to their legacy as a dominant force in college baseball.
2004: Lone Star Showdown Begins
In 2004, Texas and Texas A&M launched the Lone Star Showdown, a competition across various sports to increase rivalry attention. Points were awarded based on matchup wins, with a trophy awarded to the year's overall winner.
November 14, 2005: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Renovations Begin
Renovations to enhance Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium commenced on November 14, 2005, aiming to modernize the facility and improve the fan experience.
2005: Texas-Oklahoma Rivalry Ranked Among Top in College Football
A 2005 poll of 119 Division 1A football coaches by The Dallas Morning News ranked the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry as the third-best rivalry game in college football.
2005: Texas Tops Collegiate Licensing Company Rankings
From 2005 to 2013, Texas held the top spot on the Collegiate Licensing Company's list of clients, earning the most annual trademark royalties from merchandise sales. This achievement showcased the massive popularity and brand recognition of the university's athletic programs.
2005: Red River Shootout Gains Corporate Sponsorship and Criticism
In 2005, the annual football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma, known as the "Red River Shootout," attracted corporate sponsorship. The game was renamed the "SBC Red River Rivalry" (later changed to "AT&T Red River Rivalry" in 2006), a move that sparked criticism for its commercialization and political correctness.
2005: Texas Longhorns Top Collegiate Licensing Company Ranking
Texas held the top spot for Collegiate Licensing Company clients from 2005 to 2013, indicating the highest trademark royalty earnings from merchandise sales. This revenue benefited the university, not just athletics.
2005: Texas Longhorns Win College World Series
The Texas Longhorns clinched their sixth College World Series title in 2005, marking a period of dominance in the sport and adding to their impressive collection of championships.
2005: Texas Longhorns Celebrate 100 Years of Basketball
The University of Texas celebrated the centennial anniversary of its basketball program during the 2005-2006 season, marking a century of hoops history. Special logos were incorporated into the team's uniforms to commemorate this significant milestone.
2005: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2006: Women's Soccer Achieves Highest Ranking and Sweet Sixteen Appearance
The Texas Longhorns women's soccer program celebrated its most successful season to date in 2006, finishing the year ranked #8 in the nation and making another appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
2006: Texas Wins BCS National Championship
The Texas Longhorns secured their 800th victory in a memorable fashion by defeating the USC Trojans in the 2006 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. This victory solidified their status as a college football powerhouse.
2006: Red River Rivalry Sponsorship Changes Name
Following SBC's corporate name change to AT&T, the sponsored name of the annual football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma was updated to the "AT&T Red River Rivalry" in 2006.
2007: Women's Soccer Reaches Sweet Sixteen Again
The Texas Longhorns women's soccer team maintained their competitive edge, reaching the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year in 2007.
2007: Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball Ranked Sixth in Harris Poll
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team achieved national recognition in 2007 when they secured the sixth spot in the Harris Poll for favorite men's college basketball teams. This ranking highlighted the team's growing popularity and national appeal.
2008: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2008: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Renovations Completed
The renovations to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, including the installation of "Godzillatron," were finished before the start of the 2008 football season, marking a new era for the stadium.
August 2009: South End Zone Expansion Completed
August 2009 marked the completion of a $27 million expansion and renovation project at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The south end zone received significant upgrades, including 4,525 additional permanent bleacher seats, enhancing the stadium's capacity and fan experience.
November 21, 2009: Record Attendance at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
On November 21, 2009, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium witnessed a record-breaking attendance of 101,357 spectators during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Kansas Jayhawks. This historic event showcased the stadium's capacity and the immense support for the Longhorns.
2009: Texas Longhorns Appear in College World Series Championship Game
The Texas Longhorns made their final appearance in the College World Series Championship Game in 2009, concluding a remarkable run of success in the sport and showcasing their enduring competitive spirit.
2009: Women's Rowing Team Wins Inaugural Big 12 Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team made history by winning the first-ever Big 12 Championship in 2009.
2009: Texas Football Returns to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a dip in the Texas Longhorns' football success. However, the team experienced a resurgence, finishing in the top six of the AP and Coaches' Polls in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, marking their return to national prominence.
2010: Men's Swimming and Diving National Championship
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team continued their winning ways, securing the national championship in 2010.
January 20, 2011: UT Announces Plans for 24-Hour Sports Channel
On January 20, 2011, UT Athletics announced a 24-hour channel dedicated to UT sports and academics. This joint venture with ESPN, part of a deal to retain Texas within the Big 12 Conference, was planned for the 2011-2012 academic year pending carriage agreements.
July 2011: Controversy Surrounding Longhorn Network's High School Coverage and Texas A&M's Departure
The Longhorn Network's plan to air high school games sparked controversy. Concerns arose about potential violation of NCAA recruiting rules and the University Interscholastic League's ban on Friday night live telecasts, contributing to Texas A&M's decision to join the SEC in July 2011.
August 2011: Ban on High School Game Broadcasts
In August 2011, the Big 12 banned the Longhorn Network from broadcasting high school games. Shortly after, the NCAA implemented a broader ban on high school game broadcasts by school or conference networks, ending the controversy.
August 2011: Longhorn Network Launch
The Longhorn Network launched in August 2011, with ESPN Texas banners appearing on ESPN programming from Fort Worth, Texas, the week before.
November 24, 2011: Final Lone Star Showdown Before Conference Shift
The last Lone Star Showdown took place on November 24, 2011, marking the end of the 118-year Thanksgiving Day tradition as Texas A&M moved to the Southeastern Conference. Texas won the final game 27-25.
2011: Women's Rowing Team Wins Conference USA Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team further solidified their dominance by winning the Conference USA Championship in 2011.
2011: University of Tennessee Merges Athletic Departments
The University of Tennessee merged its men's and women's athletic departments at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.
2011: Texas Longhorns Rugby Reaches CRC Quarterfinals and Gains Recognition
The Texas Longhorns rugby team's participation in the 2011 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC), broadcasted live on NBC, brought them national recognition and boosted their program. They defeated their rival Oklahoma, reaching the quarterfinals.
2011: Texas Longhorns Rugby Wins Southwest Conference
The Texas Longhorns rugby team showcased their dominance in the 2011-2012 season by winning the Southwest Conference title.
2012: Launch of the Longhorn Network
The Longhorn Network was planned to launch in the 2011-2012 academic year and required carriage commitments.
2012: Texas Longhorns Rugby Qualifies for National Championships
The Texas Longhorns rugby team continued their successful run in 2012 by winning the Southwest 7s tournament, securing their place in the USA Rugby Sevens Collegiate National Championships.
2012: Texas Longhorns Rugby Reaches CRC Quarterfinals Again
The Texas Longhorns rugby team repeated their success in the 2012 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC), overcoming their rival Oklahoma to reach the quarterfinals once more.
2012: NCAA National Championship Win
The Texas Longhorns volleyball team emerged victorious again, claiming the NCAA National Championship title in 2012.
2013: End of Texas Longhorns Reign in Collegiate Licensing
Texas' nine-year streak as the top Collegiate Licensing Company client ended in 2013, signifying a shift in the merchandise market.
2013: Texas Longhorns Rugby Wins Southwest Conference 7s Championship
The Texas Longhorns rugby team demonstrated their prowess in the shorter format of the game by winning the Southwest Conference 7s Championship in 2013, earning them a spot in the USA Rugby Sevens Collegiate National Championships.
June 2014: Dave O'Neill Becomes Head Coach of Women's Rowing
Dave O'Neill was appointed as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns women's rowing program in June 2014.
2014: Texas Longhorns Rugby Wins Southwest Conference 15s Championship and Achieves Varsity Cup Top 8 Finish
In a historic achievement, the Texas Longhorns rugby team became the first team in their conference to win both the 7s and 15s championships in the same season, adding the 2014 Southwest Conference 15s Championship to their trophy cabinet. They also participated in The Varsity Cup Championship for the first time, finishing in the top 8.
2015: Start of Men's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team initiated yet another championship streak by winning the national title in 2015.
2016: Texas Surpasses Nebraska in Total Wins
During the 2016 season, the Texas Longhorns achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the University of Nebraska in total wins, securing their position as the second-ranked NCAA Division I FBS program in college football history.
2017: Women's Soccer Returns to Sweet Sixteen
After a decade, the Texas Longhorns women's soccer team returned to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament in 2017, demonstrating their enduring strength and resilience.
2017: Texas Longhorns' NCAA Tournament Record
By the end of the 2017-2018 season, the Texas Longhorns held a notable record in NCAA Tournament history, ranking sixth among all Division I men's basketball programs for the most tournament games won without securing a national championship.
2017: Texas Merges Men's and Women's Athletic Departments
In a significant organizational shift, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte spearheaded the merger of the university's separate men's and women's athletic departments in 2017. This move aligned Texas with the prevailing structure of most NCAA Division I schools.
2017: Women's Rowing Team Achieves Fourth Place at NCAA Championship
Under the leadership of coach Dave O'Neill, the Texas Longhorns women's rowing team achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championship.
2018: Women's Rowing Team Secures Third Place at NCAA Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team continued their upward trajectory, finishing third at the 2018 NCAA Championship.
2019: Texas Longhorns Win NIT Championship
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team added another NIT Championship to their trophy cabinet with a victory in 2019, demonstrating their consistent competitiveness on the court.
2019: Women's Rowing Team Achieves Second Place at NCAA Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team narrowly missed the top spot, securing a commendable second-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Championship.
2021: End of Men's Swimming and Diving Championship Streak & Eddie Reese's Retirement and Return
The Texas Longhorns men's swimming and diving team's championship streak ended in 2021 with a final national title. This year also marked the retirement of their long-time coach, Eddie Reese, after 43 years. However, due to challenges in finding a suitable replacement, Reese returned to his position as Head Coach.
2021: Women's Rowing Team Claims Victory at NCAA Championship
The Texas Longhorns women's rowing team reached the pinnacle of success, clinching the first-place trophy at the 2021 NCAA Championship, marking their best finish in program history.
2022: NCAA National Championship Win
Adding to their impressive record, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team clinched the NCAA National Championship title once more in 2022.
2023: NCAA National Championship Win
Continuing their winning streak, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team secured the NCAA National Championship title again in 2023.
2023: Texas Longhorns vs. Rice Owls Latest Matchup
In 2023, the Texas Longhorns defeated the Rice Owls 37-10 in their latest matchup.
July 1, 2024: Texas Joins the Southeastern Conference
Texas is scheduled to join the Southeastern Conference by July 1, 2024, reigniting their rivalry with Texas A&M as a conference game.
2024: Texas Longhorns Join Southeastern Conference
The Texas Longhorns became a part of the Southeastern Conference in 2024, alongside the University of Oklahoma, for a reported $100 million. This significant move marked a new chapter in the university's athletic history.
2025: Texas Longhorns Begin Play in Southeastern Conference
The Texas Longhorns began competing in the Southeastern Conference in the 2024-2025 season as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.