GOOD NEWS: Longhorns confirm another 5-star for return of Lone Star Showdown
Cotton Holdings has been announced as the official sponsor for the Lone Star Showdown between Texas and Texas A&M, as revealed on Thursday.
“This sponsorship agreement, in partnership with Texas A&M Sports Properties and Longhorn Sports Properties, marks a new chapter in the intense rivalry between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns,” Cotton Holdings stated in a press release.
As both schools are set to become conference rivals in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after A&M’s move to the SEC, the announcement also mentioned the introduction of a new trophy that will be awarded to the school that wins the most matchups across various sports.
“Cotton Holdings will have the privilege of sponsoring all head-to-head contests between the two schools across multiple sports. The rivalry series will involve up to 19 sports, with the results determining the annual Lone Star Showdown rivalry series trophy winner. Even in sports without direct head-to-head matchups, points will be awarded based on final standings in respective conference championships,” the release detailed.
During Thursday’s announcement, athletic directors from both schools spoke about the return of the football game and the annual rivalry.
“Cotton Holdings is a perfect sponsor for this, considering what we’re trying to achieve,” said Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte.
“When I took on the role of athletics director at Texas, one of the first questions was about the A&M rivalry. I said then, and I still believe, that the most important thing we could do is restore this rivalry. College athletics thrive on great rivalries—it’s the passion and history that sets us apart.”
Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts, who has been with the program for less than a year, humorously mentioned having prepared two speeches, referencing the departure of now-former A&M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle to Texas.
“I had two speeches ready, just in case Chris said something unexpected,” Alberts joked.
He expressed his thoughts on the significance of the rivalry’s return in modern college athletics.
“Rivalries are the essence of college sports,” said Alberts. “It was truly unfortunate that the Texas and Texas A&M rivalry was absent for so long. We share Texas’ excitement about its return. I’ve only been part of the Aggie family for six months, but I frequently get asked about this rivalry and what to expect. It’s wonderful to have it back.”
The series begins with the first head-to-head event on September 27 in College Station, featuring a volleyball match. The 119th football meeting between these two storied programs—the first since 2011—will take place at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field on November 30.