As of 2025, the University of Texas Longhorns football team has participated in a notable number of Cotton Bowl Classic games, one of the premier bowl games in college football. This article explores the history of the Cotton Bowl, Texas’ participation in this prestigious event, and their impact on the overall significance of the game.
The History of the Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl Classic is held annually in Dallas, Texas, and was first played in 1937. It has since grown into one of the most storied bowl games in college football history. The game is traditionally played at AT&T Stadium (formerly known as the Texas Stadium and the Cotton Bowl), and it has often been a showcase for some of the top teams in college football. The event is named for the bowl’s location in the cotton-producing state of Texas, and the first official Cotton Bowl was played in 1937 between the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs and the Marquette Golden Avalanche.
The Cotton Bowl became part of the New Year’s Day bowl game lineup, historically competing with games like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Orange Bowl. In the mid-1990s, with the rise of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), the Cotton Bowl’s profile increased significantly, and it became one of the top bowls in the nation, often hosting teams with high rankings and strong seasons. The game is known for its passionate fan base, large attendance numbers, and the significant cultural impact it has had on college football.
Texas Football’s Legacy
The University of Texas Longhorns football program is one of the most successful and storied in college football. Known for their rich history, championship pedigree, and talented rosters, Texas has maintained a dominant presence in college football for decades. With numerous conference championships, bowl victories, and national championships under their belt, the Longhorns have been a regular fixture in major postseason bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl.
As of 2025, Texas has participated in 10 Cotton Bowl games. Their presence in the game reflects not only their historical strength as a football program but also the significance of the Cotton Bowl in Texas football lore. Below is an overview of Texas’ participation in the Cotton Bowl, with each appearance having its unique context and memorable moments.
Texas in the Cotton Bowl
1. 1944 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Texas A&M)
Texas made their first appearance in the Cotton Bowl in 1944 when they faced Texas A&M in a game that proved to be one of the most memorable matchups between the two rivals. Texas won the game 27-7, marking a major milestone for the program’s success in bowl games.
2. 1957 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Tennessee)
In the 1957 Cotton Bowl, Texas was invited to face the Tennessee Volunteers in what became a classic showdown between two powerhouse programs. Texas won the game 41-28, showcasing their ability to compete on the national stage and solidifying their reputation as a top-tier football team. This victory played a crucial role in the Longhorns’ rise to prominence within the world of college football during the 1950s and 1960s.
3. 1963 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Alabama)
The 1963 Cotton Bowl featured one of the biggest matchups of the decade as Texas faced off against Bear Bryant’s Alabama Crimson Tide. In a thrilling contest, the Longhorns emerged victorious with a 42-28 win, a result that propelled them to national prominence and marked the beginning of an era of dominance under head coach Darrell Royal. This victory was significant for Texas, as it marked their first national championship, which they would later solidify by winning the national title that season.
4. 1970 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Notre Dame)
In the 1970 Cotton Bowl, Texas faced a tough challenge in the form of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game became a classic, with Texas managing to hold off a late charge by Notre Dame to win 21-17. The victory was a crucial part of the Longhorns’ successful 1970s, during which they won multiple conference championships and became a dominant force in college football.
5. 1972 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Georgia)
Another prominent appearance came in 1972 when Texas faced Georgia in the Cotton Bowl. The game featured two of the nation’s best teams at the time, and it ended with Texas securing a narrow 17-14 victory. The win solidified Texas’ place as a consistent powerhouse in college football, continuing their dominance under Darrell Royal and the Longhorns’ reputation for excellence in big games.
6. 1977 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Notre Dame)
In the 1977 Cotton Bowl, Texas again squared off against Notre Dame, this time in a matchup featuring two teams with different styles of play. Notre Dame was known for their precision offense, while Texas was a hard-hitting, run-heavy squad. Despite Notre Dame’s efforts, Texas emerged with a commanding 38-10 victory, once again showcasing their strength on the national stage and proving that the Longhorns were consistently among the best teams in the country.
7. 1984 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Georgia)
Texas faced Georgia again in the 1984 Cotton Bowl, with the Bulldogs looking for redemption after their earlier loss to Texas in 1972. However, the Longhorns were too much for Georgia, winning 10-7 in a hard-fought battle that highlighted the toughness and resilience of Texas football. The game was one of several victories that kept the Longhorns near the top of the college football standings during the 1980s.
8. 1990 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Miami)
One of Texas’ most memorable appearances in the Cotton Bowl came in 1990 when they faced the Miami Hurricanes, a team known for its explosive offense. Despite being underdogs, the Longhorns managed to stun Miami with a 46-3 blowout win. The victory helped cement Texas’ reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the college football world, and it remains one of their most dominant bowl performances.
9. 2001 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. LSU)
In the 2001 Cotton Bowl, Texas met LSU in a thrilling matchup that featured two of the top teams in the nation. The game ended in a dramatic 35-20 victory for Texas, marking one of their most successful bowl appearances during the early 2000s. The victory helped set the stage for Texas’ eventual national title win in the 2005 season.
10. 2010 Cotton Bowl (Texas vs. Alabama)
One of the more recent and notable Cotton Bowl appearances for Texas came in 2010 when they played Alabama in a battle of powerhouse programs. While Texas ultimately lost the game 24-21, the contest was a hard-fought, physical matchup that displayed Texas’ resilience and determination against one of the nation’s top teams.
The Impact of the Cotton Bowl on Texas Football
Texas’ success in the Cotton Bowl helped to solidify their reputation as one of the premier programs in college football. The Longhorns have used the game as a springboard for future success, and many of their performances in the Cotton Bowl played a significant role in shaping the program’s rich history. With multiple victories in this prestigious game, Texas has solidified its status as a perennial powerhouse in the sport.
The significance of the Cotton Bowl is not just in the games themselves but in the culture of college football in Texas. The bowl’s close connection with the state’s deep-rooted football tradition has made it an important event in the state’s sports calendar. For Texas, the Cotton Bowl represents more than just a bowl game; it is a symbol of excellence, pride, and a celebration of the program’s storied legacy.
