The History of Texas Football Championships: How Many National Titles Have the Longhorns Won?

The University of Texas Longhorns football program is one of the most storied and successful in college football history. From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its status as a perennial powerhouse in the sport, Texas has long been synonymous with excellence on the gridiron. A key measure of that excellence is the number of national championships the Longhorns have won. Over the years, the Longhorns have cemented their place among college football’s elite, with multiple national titles, a rich history of success, and a passionate fanbase that continues to support the program.

In this article, we will explore the history of the Texas Longhorns football program, focusing on their national championships and the key moments and players that contributed to their success.

Early Years and Establishment of the Program

The University of Texas football program was founded in 1893, with the team playing its first game in that same year. While the early years of the program were filled with modest success, it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that Texas began to establish itself as a major force in college football. The Longhorns were known for their competitive play and solid football traditions, but the road to national championships was still a distant prospect during these years.

In the early days, Texas played in regional games and was primarily considered a regional power within the Southwest Conference (SWC), which was formed in 1915. The team’s first significant success came under head coach Dana X. Bible, who coached Texas from 1937 to 1946. Bible’s coaching tenure included a SWC championship in 1943, but the national stage was still out of reach.

The breakthrough for Texas on a national level came after the hiring of coach Darrell Royal in 1957. Royal’s tenure would forever change the fortunes of the Longhorns, establishing them as one of college football’s premier programs.

The Rise of the Texas Longhorns Under Darrell Royal

Darrell Royal, hired as Texas head coach in 1957, is one of the most significant figures in the history of college football. He brought a new level of discipline and strategy to the Longhorns program, introducing the “wishbone” offense in the 1960s. This offensive scheme was instrumental in the Longhorns’ rise to national prominence.

Royal led the Longhorns to their first national championship in 1963. Texas finished the season 11-0, and though they didn’t receive an official invitation to a bowl game, the Associated Press (AP) poll crowned them as national champions. This title, while not accompanied by a bowl victory, was nonetheless a defining moment for the program. It proved that Texas was no longer just a regional power; they were a national force to be reckoned with.

But the Longhorns’ success didn’t stop there. Under Royal, Texas went on to win more championships in the 1960s and 1970s, solidifying their legacy as one of the dominant programs in college football.

The 1969 National Championship and the “Game of the Century”

One of the most iconic moments in Texas football history came in 1969, when the Longhorns won their second national championship under Darrell Royal. This championship was achieved in dramatic fashion during a season that saw Texas face off against the archrival Oklahoma Sooners in what would later be referred to as the “Game of the Century.”

The Longhorns entered the 1969 season with an undefeated record and were ranked number one in the nation. However, a monumental challenge awaited them in the form of the powerful Sooners, who also entered the game undefeated. The showdown, played on November 29, 1969, at the Cotton Bowl, saw Texas defeat Oklahoma 27-7 in one of the most unforgettable games in college football history. This victory would propel the Longhorns to the national championship, as they went on to beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 15-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic to secure the title.

The 1970s and Continued Success

The 1970s were another highly successful decade for the Texas Longhorns under Darrell Royal. Although the Longhorns were not able to capture another national championship during the 1970s, they remained one of the top teams in college football, consistently competing for SWC titles and national recognition. Royal led Texas to multiple bowl games and high rankings in the polls throughout the decade, further cementing the program’s place among the elite teams in college football.

The 1970s also saw the emergence of several key players, including running back Chris Gilbert, who helped the team achieve success in both the SWC and on the national stage. The Longhorns consistently ranked among the top ten teams in the country during this time, a testament to Royal’s leadership and the strong foundation he built.

The 2000s and the Return to Glory: The 2005 National Championship

After a period of stagnation in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Texas football saw a resurgence under head coach Mack Brown, who took over in 1998. Brown revitalized the program, leading the Longhorns to consistent success throughout the 2000s.

The pinnacle of Brown’s tenure came in the 2005 season when the Longhorns won their fourth national championship under the leadership of quarterback Vince Young. Texas entered the 2005 season ranked third in the country and quickly proved themselves as one of the best teams in college football. The Longhorns dominated their way through the regular season, culminating in an epic showdown with the USC Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl for the national championship.

In one of the greatest games in college football history, the Longhorns defeated the previously unbeaten Trojans 41-38, with Vince Young leading Texas to victory with a legendary performance. Young’s 200-yard, three-touchdown performance in the game secured him the title of Rose Bowl MVP and helped solidify his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. This victory marked Texas’ fourth national title and their first since 1969.

The 2009 National Championship Game and Near-Miss

Though the Longhorns had reached the pinnacle of success in 2005, they were once again in the national spotlight just a few years later. In 2009, the Longhorns, led by quarterback Colt McCoy, returned to the national championship game, this time against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game.

The game, played on January 7, 2010, was a highly anticipated matchup between two dominant teams. Texas was competitive throughout the game but ultimately fell short, losing 37-21 to Alabama. McCoy was injured early in the game, which limited the Longhorns’ offensive production and proved to be a significant factor in the outcome.

Despite the loss, the 2009 season was another testament to the strength and resilience of the Texas football program. It was clear that the Longhorns were still a major player in college football, even if they fell just short of capturing another national title.

A Legacy of Success: How Many National Titles Have the Longhorns Won?

As of the 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns have won a total of four national championships in their history. These titles came in 1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005. Each of these championships represents a different era of Texas football, but they share a common thread: they were all earned through excellence on the field, great coaching, and outstanding individual performances.

While the Longhorns have not won a national championship since 2005, their history of success, rich tradition, and loyal fanbase ensure that Texas remains one of the most respected programs in college football. The program’s legacy, as one of the few schools with four national titles, places Texas in rare company among college football’s elite.