College Sports Established
1915
Location
Austin, Texas
College Name
University of Texas at Austin
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1915 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2024 - Present / SEC Conference
1996 – 2024 / Big 12 Conference
1915 - 1996 / Southwest Conference
Nickname
Longhorns - The Texas Longhorns are among the nation's most iconic college sports teams. Their trademark burnt orange and white colors and “Hook 'em Horns” hand sign have become synonymous with collegiate athletics. But where did this nickname come from? Let's take a look at the origins of this beloved team name!
The Texas Longhorns first adopted their famous moniker in 1900 when they were still known as the Varsity Football Association. The association was made up mostly of alumni from the University of Texas who wanted to play football on campus but weren't eligible for varsity competition due to NCAA rules. They decided to call themselves "Longhorns" after seeing a herd of longhorn cattle near Austin, TX, that reminded them fondly about home state pride and heritage- something they could rally behind while playing football together on campus grounds!
Since then, many other schools around the country have adopted similar nicknames inspired by UT's success, such as Oklahoma State Cowboys or LSU Tigers; however, none can compare with the originality and spirit found within “Texas Longhorns” brand today, which continues bring out the best fans across the US every Saturday during fall season each year!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 6
2005, 2002, 1983, 1975, 1950, 1949
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 1
1986
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1930
- 1963
- 1969
- 1986
- 2005
- 2014
-
Texas wins its first SWC men’s basketball title
In 1930: Texas wins its first Southwest Conference (SWC) men’s basketball title and makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance. -
Longhorns national championship title in football
In 1963: Texas wins its first national championship in football, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Tommy Nobis. -
Second National Championship in Football
In 1969: Texas wins its second national championship in football, led by Heisman Trophy winner Steve Worster. The last all-white national championship team. Julius Whittier, the first African-American Longhorn, was enrolled as a freshman but not eligible due to NCAA regulations at the time. -
1986 NCAA Champs in Women’s Basketball
The 1986 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament began on March 12 and ended on March 30. The tournament expanded to 40 teams from 32. The Final Four consisted of Texas, Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and USC, with Texas defeating Southern California, 97-81 in the championship game. Texas’s Clarissa Davis was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. With their ... -
2005 Texas Baseball College World Series Champs
The 2005 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was held from May 30 through June 26, 2005. Sixty-four NCAA Division I college baseball teams met after having played their way through a regular season, and for some, a conference tournament, to play in the NCAA Tournament. The tournament culminated with 8 teams in the College World Series at historic Rosenblatt Stadium ... -
Texas hires Charlie Strong as its head football coach
In 2014: Texas hires Charlie Strong as its head football coach, becoming the first African-American head coach in program history.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Longhorns
Since its inception in 1893 as The University Of Texas Athletic Association (UTAA), The University Of Texas has been at the forefront of collegiate athletics excellence. In 1960 UTAA became part of what was then known as the Southwest Conference (SWC). During this time, they won two National Championships under legendary head coach Darrell Royal who led them from 1957 until 1976, when he retired with a record-setting 167 wins over 20 seasons, including 10 SWC titles and three National Titles — 1963, 1964, 1969 — along with four runners up finishes during his tenure at UT Austin making him one of only five coaches to win more than 150 games while coaching there since 1900.
After Coach Royal's retirement, Fred Akers took over for 8 years before being replaced by David McWilliams, who lasted just 2 seasons before John Mackovic came into town, bringing some much-needed success back to Austin, winning 4 conference titles within his 5-year stay. Following Mackovic was former NFL coach Vince Young whose 6-year run saw 3 bowl game appearances but no conference or national championships. Finally, after Young left, current head coach Mack Brown stepped up, leading them through another golden age where they've gone on to win eleven straight Big 12 Championships, 2 BCS Bowl Games (2005 & 2009), along with 1 National Title( 2005 ) all while becoming perennial contenders every season since taking charge back in 1998.
Throughout its long history, The University Of Texas has established itself as not only a powerhouse program but also an integral part, if not THE significant contributor towards shaping modern-day college football both on and off the field, giving us many memorable moments throughout those past 120+ years which will continue well into future generations!
Sports Fan Products
