What happened the last six times that Texas lost its conference opener? Danny Davis, University of Texas Beat Writer- ddavis@statesman.com

Article dated 10/05/2025

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Saturday, No. 9 Texas was stunned by Florida in a 29-21 loss at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The Longhorns were dealt an eight-point defeat in their Southeastern Conference opener. After starting its season with four nonconference games and a bye, UT had been the only SEC team that hadn’t yet been tested in conference play.

Texas is now one of five SEC teams without a conference win.

This is not the first time that Texas lost its conference opener. In fact it happened six times while Texas was a member of the Big 12 from 1996-2023.

2022: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 37-34 game at Texas Tech in overtime. Texas eventually went 6-3 in conference play and finished third in the Big 12 standings.

2016: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 49-31 game at Oklahoma State. Texas eventually went 3-6 in conference play and finished tied for sixth place in the Big 12 standings.

2015: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 30-27 game against Oklahoma State. Texas eventually went 4-5 in conference play and finished tied for fifth place in the Big 12 standings.

2007: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 41-21 game against Kansas State. Texas eventually went 5-3 in conference play and finished fourth in the Big 12 standings.

1998: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 48-7 game at Kansas State. Texas eventually went 6-2 in conference play and finished second in the Big 12 South standings.

1997: In its conference opener, Texas lost a 42-16 game at Oklahoma State. Texas eventually went 2-6 in conference play and finished tied for fourth place in the Big 12 South standings.

Texas has won a conference championship after losing its league opener, but it has been a while since that happened. Back in 1968, Texas lost its first game in Southwest Conference play but rallied to eventually tie Arkansas atop the SWC standings.