College football fans across the Lone Star State have reason to rejoice: the legendary rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies is officially returning to its traditional post-Thanksgiving time slot in 2025. For the first time since 2007, the game will be played on Friday, November 28, marking the revival of one of college football’s most storied and passionate rivalries in its most iconic time frame—Black Friday.
A Long-Awaited Return
The announcement by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) that Texas vs. Texas A&M would be held the day after Thanksgiving has stirred excitement not only among alumni and students of both universities but also among neutral fans who cherish college football tradition. This matchup, once a centerpiece of Thanksgiving weekend in Texas households, disappeared from the calendar after the 2011 season when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC. That decision ended an uninterrupted streak of annual meetings dating back to 1915.
But now, with the University of Texas joining the SEC in 2024, the pieces have finally aligned to bring back the Lone Star Showdown—and in its most beloved time slot.
“This game means so much to so many people,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Bringing it back on Black Friday honors a tradition that generations of Texans grew up with. We’re thrilled to make it happen.”
Tradition, Tension, and Trophies
The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M isn’t just another game on the schedule—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Historically played with bragging rights, bowl implications, and state pride on the line, the matchup has often defined seasons. Families are divided, friendships temporarily put on hold, and campuses buzz with anticipation for weeks leading up to kickoff.
“The Texas-Texas A&M game is a Thanksgiving tradition like turkey and dressing,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to restore this great rivalry in a way that respects its history and energizes our fanbase.”
On the other side, Aggies head coach Mike Elko, who took over in 2024 after the departure of Jimbo Fisher, echoed that sentiment: “This game is deeply personal to Aggies everywhere. Playing it on Friday after Thanksgiving makes it even more special. We’re ready.”
The last time the two teams met was in 2011, a nail-biting thriller in which Texas won 27-25 on a last-second field goal. In the all-time series, Texas leads with 76 wins to A&M’s 37, with 5 games ending in a tie. However, recent years have seen Texas A&M build a stronger national presence in the SEC, creating speculation that the series could become more competitive moving forward.
Black Friday Bonanza
The return of the game to Black Friday also makes sense from a television and revenue standpoint. Positioned in a standalone primetime slot, the rivalry is expected to draw massive ratings. ESPN and ABC have already confirmed national broadcast coverage, and early advertising deals indicate that the game will be one of the most lucrative regular-season matchups of the 2025 season.
“People are off work, they’re with family, and they’re looking for something entertaining,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “This is the perfect storm: tradition, rivalry, high stakes, and a captive audience. Texas vs. Texas A&M is going to deliver.”
Retailers in College Station and Austin are already preparing for a tourism and merchandise boom. Hotels are nearly sold out in both cities for the Thanksgiving weekend, and university bookstores have reported a surge in rivalry-themed gear.
Stakes Higher Than Ever
Beyond tradition, the 2025 matchup could carry serious implications for the College Football Playoff. Both Texas and Texas A&M are expected to be ranked in the preseason top 15, and with the expanded 12-team playoff format now in place, the winner of this game could secure a critical spot—or knock the other out of contention.
Texas enters the season with a stacked offense led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Quinn Ewers and a top-rated receiving corps. Meanwhile, the Aggies boast one of the most experienced offensive lines in the SEC and a revitalized defense under Elko’s leadership.
“This isn’t just a rivalry game anymore,” said CBS Sports analyst Barrett Sallee. “It could very well be a play-in game for the CFP. The stakes are sky-high.”
Reactions from Fans and Alumni
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms exploded with excitement following the SEC’s announcement.
“Been waiting over a decade for this. No better way to spend Black Friday than watching the Aggies take down the Horns,” wrote one A&M fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Longhorn fans were just as enthusiastic. “This is the tradition we missed the most. Can’t wait to welcome the Aggies back to Austin—or head to Kyle Field and ruin their weekend,” posted a UT alum.
Former players also weighed in. Colt McCoy, who quarterbacked Texas to victory in the 2009 game, said, “Some of my favorite memories came from playing A&M on Thanksgiving weekend. Glad to see it’s back.”
A New Chapter Begins
While much has changed since 2011—new coaches, conference affiliations, and playoff structures—the essence of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry remains the same. It’s personal. It’s passionate. And now, it’s back where it belongs: under the Friday night lights of Thanksgiving weekend.
Whether you wear burnt orange or maroon, whether you say “Gig ’em” or “Hook ’em,” one thing is clear: this Black Friday, all eyes will be on Texas.
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