In mid-February 2026, the Texas Longhorns have officially solidified their roadmap for a high-stakes second season in the Southeastern Conference. The 2026 schedule marks a historic shift as the SEC moves to a nine-game conference slate, intensifying the path to the College Football Playoff.
With the return of the “Lone Star Showdown” as an annual fixture, Coach Steve Sarkisian is recalibrating the roster to handle what analysts are calling one of the most physically demanding schedules in program history.
2026 Texas Football Schedule
The Longhorns will play nine games within the state of Texas, including seven home games at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The schedule is highlighted by the first-ever trip to Knoxville to face Tennessee.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sept 5 | Texas State | Austin, TX |
| Sept 12 | Ohio State | Austin, TX |
| Sept 19 | UTSA | Austin, TX |
| Sept 26 | at Tennessee | Knoxville, TN |
| Oct 10 | vs. Oklahoma | Dallas, TX (Red River Rivalry) |
| Oct 17 | Florida | Austin, TX |
| Oct 24 | Ole Miss | Austin, TX |
| Oct 31 | Mississippi State | Austin, TX |
| Nov 7 | at Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| Nov 14 | at LSU | Baton Rouge, LA |
| Nov 21 | Arkansas | Austin, TX |
| Nov 27 | at Texas A&M | College Station, TX (Lone Star Showdown) |
Sarkisian’s Strategic Focus: The Trenches
Anticipating the “SEC grind,” Sarkisian has prioritized offensive line depth and strength during the winter cycle.
The “KIRK” Mentality: Following the 2025 season, the staff has focused on “maturing the young bucks” in the trenches. Key returners like Trevor Goosby (LT) and Brandon Baker (RG) are being paired with high-impact portal additions like Melvin Siani to ensure a two-deep rotation capable of surviving the November stretch at LSU and Texas A&M.
Quarterback Continuity: With Arch Manning expected to be full-go for spring after minor preventative foot surgery in January, the offense is projected to be among the nation’s most explosive.
Important Dates
March 9, 2026: Spring Practice begins.
April 18, 2026: The Orange-White Spring Game returns to DKR after a one-year hiatus, coinciding with a campus-wide Fan Day.
