The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
10.20.2026 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte
Longhorn Nation,
We love you, we appreciate you and WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Tough times don't last, tough people do — and we are TEXAS TOUGH. Saturday certainly didn't end the way any of us wanted. It was an SEC football heartbreaker, and we're all disappointed. But together, we can lift this team, rally behind them and bring a whole lot of Texas Fight to another big-time game at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium this week. Y'all brought it from Bevo Blvd, to DKR and from "The Eyes" to "The Eyes" and we are truly grateful. You've been with us through thick and thin, and we need you more than ever as we get behind our Horns for a Saturday night showdown on the Forty Acres. No. 7 Ole Miss is coming to town, and it's time to get back on track. There's a whole lot of football left to play, we're still in the hunt, and it's GO TIME on Saturday (6:30 p.m. CT/ABC)! Let's join Coach Sark and the squad in getting back up, pulling together and moving forward. Bring your passion, bring your pride and let's cheer our hearts out! There's nothing like a night game at DKR — the energy y'all bring, the festivities we enjoy together and the roar of Longhorn Nation. We're fired up to have y'all back, so Get those Horns Up, bring the noise and let's Hook 'Em!
DKR at night🤘 Texas vs. Ole Miss 🗓️ Saturday 10.24 🕒 6:30 PM CT 📺 ABC Presented by St. Davids Healthcare https://t.co/3yG7EG8Bxi
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 19, 2026
COACH BATES IS IN THE MIDST OF A STRONG FIRST SEASON ON THE FORTY ACRES as she builds our Soccer program. Our Horns had an outstanding week at Mike A. Myers Stadium, starting things off by taking down LSU, 4-1, on Thursday — with four different players netting goals (Caroline Swann, Ava McDonald, Audrey Bryant, then Amalia Villarreal) — and following that with playing to a 1-1 tie with No. 6 South Carolina on Sunday. Freshman Addie Brink scored her first career goal — with Audrey Bryant on the assist — to secure the draw and the crucial point against the Gamecocks. That improves Coach Bates' record to 8-3-4 in her inaugural year heading up our program with a lot to still play for. This week it's a trip to No. 2-ranked, undefeated, and SEC-leading Vanderbilt on Friday (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+) before getting a week off heading into the regular season finale against Auburn on Sunday, Nov. 1 right here at Myers Stadium (Noon CT/SEC Network+). Meanwhile, Coach Elliott and No. 12 Volleyball lost a gut-wrencher on Sunday night in a five-set SEC thriller against No. 7 Florida. LONGHORN NATION SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT for that one bringing the energy to Gregory Gym like you always do. We came just short on that night but we did pull off the sweep against Auburn last Friday at The Greg with a raucous bunch of you cheering us to victory. It's always such a joy to be with all of you in the best home court environment in the nation. Now it's back to the road as we head to Columbia for a match with South Carolina on Sunday (Noon CT/SEC Network+). We'll be back in The Greg with y'all soon enough as next Wednesday we welcome in Georgia (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network). Can't wait to see you there!
Men's and Women's Golf had a heck of a week, and THERE WAS PLENTY OF HARDWARE TO GO AROUND! Coach Fields, Coach Ianello and our Horns traveled to Scotland and returned to the Forty Acres with an impressive sweep of the team championships at the St. Andrews Links Collegiate. In addition to winning the team trophies, we swept the coveted individual crowns as well, with Daniel Bennett and Farah O'Keefe claiming medalist honors. Daniel battled windy conditions in the UK to top the field with an even-par 140 (64-76) over the 36-hole stroke play portion of the tournament, earning SEC Men's Golfer of the Week honors for his performance. Also facing those blustery winds, Farah finished at 2-under par over 36 holes to bring home the individual crown on the women's side. It was another sensational showing for the world's No. 1-ranked amateur golfer as she notched her seventh career collegiate victory at Texas. Yes indeed — she's moving on up! Farah now stands alone in second place on the program's all-time individual wins list.
took over the old course 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/293VKkMA0P
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 14, 2026
There's a ton of fun on the Forty and beyond for y'all this week. We got the week started off with Coach Schaefer and Women's Basketball traveling to UConn for a battle of two of the nation's elite programs in a preseason exhibition. Now, in addition to Football, Soccer and Volleyball, there's plenty of burnt orange and white to pull for this week. Come on out and get a preview of our Women's Basketball squad on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for the annual Orange-White Scrimmage in Moody Center. Then, the ladies will be at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park for another colossal clash in an exhibition with defending national champions UCLA on Sunday (1 p.m. CT). For more on the hardwood, No. 7 Men's Basketball will be traveling to the Big Apple and tipping it off in an exhibition game against St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Sunday (11 a.m. CT/ESPN+) as well. It's postseason time for Coach Flo and Cross Country with the SEC Championship Meet in Columbia, Mo. on Friday. Softball continued its Fall Ball schedule hosting Temple Community College this week, while Men's and Women's Tennis take to the court for more individual tournament action. We'll see you on the Forty!
a look at the week 🤘 #HookEm | @SeatGeek https://t.co/wqNQY2DnN1
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 19, 2026
In closing, I want to address the video circulating on social media showing unacceptable behavior by an individual who had the privilege of field access following Saturday's game. We pride ourselves on sportsmanship and treating our opponents with respect. This individual's actions did not reflect those values or meet our standards and will not be tolerated. The matter has been addressed internally, and I want to personally apologize to the University of Florida and its entire football program. Having access to our field comes with a responsibility to represent Texas with class and respect. This individual failed to uphold that responsibility and has been permanently banned from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Hook 'Em Horns,
Saturday Night Lights at DKR, let's make it one to remember!
There's absolutely nothing like a Saturday night under the lights at DKR, Longhorn Nation, and we've got an incredible one in store for y'all this weekend! This week, we welcome Ole Miss to the Forty Acres for a HUGE SEC showdown at 6:30 p.m. presented by St. David's HealthCare, and we can't wait to see DKR come alive! From our spectacular pyrotechnics, drone shows and stadium light shows to the roar of 100,000+ in Burnt Orange and White, there's no atmosphere quite like it. And this Saturday, we're taking it to another level with our first-ever LED wristband experience that will transform DKR into a sea of Burnt Orange lights! We've got an amazing day of gameday festivities leading into an electric night of Texas Football, and we need every one of y'all decked out in Burnt Orange and White, bringing the energy and making your voices heard. Let's pack DKR, light up the night and show the nation what Texas Football gameday is all about!
The Forty Acres comes alive at 2 p.m. so get here early and enjoy it ALL!
There's no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than right here on the Forty Acres, and we've got another incredible lineup of gameday fun waiting for y'all! Beginning at 2 p.m., Bevo Blvd pres. by H-E-B, Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, Big Bertha's Bazaar at Moody Center and Hook 'Em Hangout will all be open and ready for Longhorn Nation. And remember, admission to all of our pregame destinations is completely FREE! From rides and games for the Little Longhorns to exclusive shopping, live music, great food and Happy Hour pricing on drinks, and all of our beloved Texas traditions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We've got a tremendous afternoon planned before the lights come on at DKR, so grab your family and friends, come early and make the most of every minute!
Action-packed Bevo Blvd this weekend
We need Bevo Blvd lined with Burnt Orange and White on Saturday as we welcome the Big Guy and our Horns to DKR! The Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance gets things rolling at 3:30 p.m., so be in position along the south side of the boulevard beginning at 3:15 p.m. Then, let's turn up the volume as Coach Sark and the team arrive for the Stadium Stampede at approximately 4:15 p.m. And here's another one y'all won't want to miss. Our back-to-back National Champion Texas Softball team will be signing autographs from 4:30-5:30 p.m. across from Gate 5! Plus, Hook 'Em Herd pres. by DICK'S Sporting Goods signups for Little Longhorns ages 7-12 begin at 2 p.m. across from Gate 1, with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. There's plenty happening on the boulevard, so come out, get those Horns Up and let's give our team one heck of a Texas welcome!
Cold War Kids and The Bright Light Social Hour at Longhorn City Limits!
We've got an incredible afternoon of live music lined up at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister, and it's all FREE! We're thrilled to welcome alternative rock favorites Cold War Kids to the LBJ Lawn, bringing their catalog of hits including "First," "Hang Me Up to Dry," "Love Is Mystical" and "Miracle Mile." Joining them is Austin's own The Bright Light Social Hour, whose unique blend of psychedelic rock, soul and funk is sure to get the party started. The Tito's Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge open at 2 p.m., with The Bright Light Social Hour taking the stage from 3-4 p.m., followed by Cold War Kids from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grab your crew, enjoy some great live music, and let's get that Burnt Orange energy rolling before we head into DKR. And don't forget, our fan-favorite Silent Disco returns to the LBJ Lawn after the game to keep the party going!
BIG NEWS🚨 @ColdWarKids is coming to LCL this weekend with special guest @tblsh 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/64eTtqKOQF
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 20, 2026
Take a spin on our Texas-sized Ferris wheel and enjoy FREE family fun at Smokey's Midway!
If you haven't had a chance to check out our new, larger Texas-sized Ferris wheel yet, Saturday is your opportunity! Back for its second week at Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, this new addition has quickly become a fantastic way to take in the sights of gameday on the Forty Acres. And remember, it's completely FREE, along with all of our other rides, games and family-friendly activities throughout the Midway! Be sure to also stop by for photo ops with Smokey the Cannon from 2:30-4 p.m. Bring the Little Longhorns, enjoy some great family time and take advantage of everything we've got waiting for you before heading into DKR!
Big Bertha's Pit Stop brings exclusive Texas x McLaren gear to the Forty Acres!
Start your engines, Longhorn Nation, because Big Bertha's Bazaar at Moody Center is getting into the racing spirit this Saturday! Doors open at 2 p.m., and we've got something really special waiting for y'all with the debut of our exclusive Texas x McLaren Collection featuring unique Longhorns' racing-inspired designs. These are the kinds of gameday-exclusive drops you won't want to miss, so get there early! We'll also have fresh merchandise from Faherty Brand, Emerson Street Clothing, Lusso and more. And while you're shopping, make a pit stop at the Bazaar Bar for this week's signature drinks, including Green Apple Margaritas and Texas Oranges. From exclusive gear to great drinks and a whole lot of racing-inspired fun, Big Bertha's Bazaar is one stop you'll definitely want to make Saturday!
Limited-edition Texas Longhorns racing YETIs are HERE!
We've got another must-have addition for all of our gameday YETI collectors this Saturday! With the eyes of the racing world taking over Austin this weekend, we're getting in on the fun with limited-edition Texas Longhorns racing collection YETI Ramblers available at more than 15 concession stands throughout DKR. These special designs are a great way to commemorate an incredible weekend on the Forty Acres, so be on the lookout and grab yours while supplies last!
Here's your complete Saturday schedule
• 7 a.m. – Parking Lots open
• 2 p.m. – Bevo Blvd pres. by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, and Hook 'Em Hangout open
• 2 p.m. – Tito's Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge open at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 2 p.m. – Big Bertha's Bazaar opens on Moody Center Plaza. Get there early for an exclusive Texas x McLaren racing collection product drop!
• 2 p.m. – Hook 'Em Herd (pres. by Dick's Sporting Goods) signups begin for kids ages 7-12 across from Gate 1 on Bevo Blvd (spots available on first-come, first-served basis)
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Autographs with Quinn Ewers at Dick's Sporting Goods activation on Bevo Blvd.
• 2:30 p.m. – Huntington Bank Gate Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
• 2:30 – 4 p.m. – Photo ops with Smokey the Cannon on Smokey's Midway
• 3 p.m. – Photo ops with Hook `Em and friends at Hook `Em Hangout
• 3 – 4 p.m. – The Bright Light Social Hour at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 3:30 p.m. – Texas Exes Tailgate opens at Alumni Center for Texas Exes members
• 3:30 p.m. – Sports Radio AM 1300 AM The Zone Longhorn Gameday Pregame Show LIVE at Hook `Em Hangout begins
• 3:30 p.m. – Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance on Bevo Blvd (fans line up at 3:15 p.m. at South Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 3:30 p.m. – ShopBack Gate and ShopBack Gate Ticket Resolution opens for Big Ticket holders with general admission lower-level student tickets
• 4:15 p.m. – Stadium Stampede team arrival on Bevo Blvd (fans line up at 4:30 p.m. at North Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.– Cold War Kids at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 4:30 p.m. – LLH Gate Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
• 4:30 p.m. – All stadium gates and Longhorn Foundation hospitality areas open
• 4:45 p.m. – Photo ops with Hook `Em and friends at Hook `Em Hangout
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.– Softball autographs on Bevo Blvd across from Gate 5
• 5:30 p.m. – Longhorn Band March to the stadium (starts on Robert Dedman Drive near Longhorn City Limits)
• 6 p.m. – Bevo Blvd, Smokey's Midway, Hook 'Em Hangout and Big Bertha's Bazaar close
• Pregame – F/A-18E Block III Super Hornet Flyover by the Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 94 VFA-94
• 6:30 p.m. – Kickoff vs. Ole Miss!
• Halftime – Longhorn Band Halftime Show
• Postgame – Silent Disco
For a full list of activities and everything you want to know about all-things gameday, please visit our Football GameDay headquarters page.
Congrats to Longhorn Legends Doug Dawson and Casey Hampton!
While I've got you, here's an emphatic Hook 'Em for a pair of LONGHORN LEGENDS SELECTED FOR INDUCTION INTO THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME! An All-American offensive lineman and Academic All-American on the Forty Acres in the early 1980s, Doug Dawson is a member of the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor (Class of 1997) who went on to a tremendous 11-year career in the NFL. A second-round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1984 NFL Draft, Doug was a prep star at Houston's Memorial High School, where he helped lead his squad to the school's only state championship game appearance and earned a spot on Dave Campbell's Texas Football's all-time high school football team in 1997. Casey Hampton starred at Galveston Ball High School — where he is the only player in school history to have his jersey number (63) retired — before his All-American career at Texas. A member of the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor (Class of 2014), Casey followed his spectacular Longhorn career by becoming one of the most decorated NFL players in UT history. The Pittsburgh Steelers' Hall of Famer who has been on both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame ballots, he was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft and went on to play 12 seasons in the Steel City. He helped lead the Steelers to three Super Bowls, winning two, and was selected to the Pro Bowl five times. The announcement just came out, and the class will be officially enshrined next spring. We're fired up for Doug and Casey, two incredible players and people who continue to represent our great university with pride. Hook 'Em, my friends!
Texas Legends. Doug Dawson and Casey Hampton are members of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 🤘 https://t.co/RQgaxa6a6m
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 20, 2026
P.S. — We see ya Farah!
climbing the @TexasWGolf career wins leaderboard 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/A6IyEyKETN
— Texas Women's Golf (@TexasWGolf) October 16, 2026
P.S. — What Starts Here — way to go David!
Texas Longhorn David Hamilton 🤘 #HookEm | @D_Ham27 https://t.co/C1DHz10ppG
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) October 16, 2026
P.S. — World class care, INDEED!
world-class care for world-class athletes 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/Kp1ul5i5Qb
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 15, 2026
P.S. — Good to have you back on the Forty, Michael! Check out the interview on LHN, what an incredible story Mr. Taaffe is!!
In town for the @MiamiDolphins bye week, appreciate @MichaelTaaffe4 being our special guest on this week's edition of Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark🤘🏻 It will be streaming on @longhornnetwork soon, and check your local listings for air times on the Longhorn Radio Network🤘🏻 https://t.co/WPlL1QPRsz
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 15, 2026
P.S. — Fellas, thanks for your support!
Look who's home🤘 https://t.co/UJJWXzIuhL
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 17, 2026
P.S. — The best fans in the land! See you again Saturday night!!
no morning too early for Longhorn Nation 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/7yQD8ACipG
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 17, 2026
HEADLINES:
Video: Steve Sarkisian press conference (Oct. 19):
Video: Sean Miller media availability (Oct. 19):
Texas Lottery Veteran Recognition: Jim Daigle:
Video: Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark featuring Michael Taaffe (Oct. 16):
Video: Texas & Os Season 2, Episode 7 with Justin Cryer, Sterling Berkhalter and Dylan Sikorski:
