The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Forty Acres Insider: September 15
09.15.2026 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte
Longhorn Nation,
THAT WAS EPIC … breathtaking … unforgettable … downright legendary — THAT WAS TEXAS FIGHT AT ITS FINEST! From College GameDay to our plethora of pregame festivities to a game for the ages, it was a night to remember at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Y'all made us oh-so-proud at every stop as you absolutely energized the Forty Acres and brought the juice all the live-long day. What a day it was, and oh what a night indeed. Two of the nation's best teams went toe-to-toe for 60 minutes in a high-stakes showdown that had all eyes squarely focused on Texas. It certainly delivered, producing one of the most electric environments and greatest comebacks in college football history as we lit the Tower for a thrilling 24-23 Longhorn victory. There were 105,000+ in the house, thousands more with us around the stadium and millions upon millions watching, and as our Horns stormed the field after stampeding to the second-biggest fourth-quarter comeback in our history, the fireworks were booming, "The Eyes" was pumping for all to hear, and our Longhorns were the toast of college football. So were you, the passionate and dedicated Longhorn fans who absolutely brought it, never stopped believin' and let the nation know what Texas Fight is all about!
DKR at its finest🤘 https://t.co/4a9W9iICDq
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2026
We had so much doggone fun, LET'S DO IT AGAIN! The party rolls on this week, folks, with UTSA in town for another glorious night game (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+). We'll have all the pregame fun and excitement starting at 2 p.m. on the Forty, then Coach Sark and our now No. 1-ranked Horns will take dead aim at the Roadrunners. Can't wait to see everyone again on Saturday!
Up next🤘 Texas vs. UTSA Sat 9.19 | 7:00 PM CT | SECN+ Presented by Ford https://t.co/yv3Dn0izyy
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 14, 2026
We've got to go back to that sensational performance from Coach Sark and our Horns. GUTSY, GRITTY, RESILIENT — JUST TRULY MAGICAL. Everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong through the first two-and-a-half quarters, but there's no need to fear, Texas Fight is here! This is a group that is unified (and you can feel it in the locker room!), has put in the work, training and preparation, and is made for the moment — Arch and our squad were ready for it, dug deep and turned in a fantastic finish. Three straight stops by Coach Champ and the D got the ball back to the offense quickly. And they delivered with three consecutive touchdown drives — and there were no gimmes on those drives as our Horns steadfastly drove down the field, converting crucial third and fourth downs while scoring once by air and twice by land. A 15-play, 91-yard TD drive, a second that went 13 plays and 72 yards, ending with a TD, then the final 12-play, 73-yard march to cap it off. Twenty-one unanswered points, and when Hollywood Smothers reached pay dirt with 25 seconds remaining … DKR was absolutely en fuego! The final, 24-23, is etched in the record books as our Horns took down No. 1 and got their just rewards, climbing to the top spot in this week's poll. And the best part, y'all, we're just getting started!
Unforgettable night. Hook 'em Horns🤘 https://t.co/y7TGv8pj8o
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2026
We KEPT THE GOOD TIMES ROLLIN' across the street from DKR with a packed house for Volleyball at Moody Center on Sunday. In a top-10 matchup of a pair of perennial powers, Coach Elliott and our No. 9 Longhorns took down No. 6 Wisconsin with an emphatic 3-1 victory. It was a quick turnaround from a late-night football game and celebrations to the early afternoon match, but y'all delivered big-time, showing up and showing out and raising the roof for an always special opportunity to get in The Mood for Volleyball. Just another reason to be forever grateful for the best fans in the land! We appreciate you more than you know!!
GET LOUD Y'ALL🤘🗣️ #HookEm https://t.co/2THc3qNNZ7
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) September 13, 2026
Before we get to another fabulous Football Saturday and while Volleyball gets a well-deserved break — after facing seven top-25 opponents in its first eight matches — Soccer hosts Tennessee on Friday (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+) at Mike A. Myers Stadium. We've also got the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony on Friday, when we'll honor 13 of our all-time greats at our annual induction ceremony. Men's and Women's Golf are in action at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup in Frisco as we speak, too. Let's rock that Burnt Orange and White and GET THOSE HORNS UP, my friends!
coming up this week 🤘 #HookEm | @SeatGeek https://t.co/K0vbZuNauG
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) September 14, 2026
Make plans now to attend Friday's Texas Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony!
What a week this is as we honor 13 Longhorn Legends on Friday night at our TEXAS ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR ENSHRINEMENT. It's always such a festive evening and one you don't want to miss as we salute the best of the best to ever wear the Burnt Orange & White! The ceremony will start at 7 p.m. CT (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) in the LBJ Auditorium and Conference Center on the UT campus. There's still time to GET YOUR TICKETS for $25 per person. We'll also salute this year's class on the field during the first quarter on Saturday night as well, so be sure to stay in your seats for that!
celebrating true Longhorn Legends. welcome your Texas Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2026! 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/SFJEzjhjeA
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) July 30, 2026
Get your tickets and parking passes ready before you head our way
A smooth trip into DKR starts before you ever leave home. Take a minute this week to download your mobile ticket(s) and parking permits directly to your phone so they're ready to go when you arrive Saturday. Be sure to also check the designated entry gate on your ticket and use that gate when entering DKR. It's the most direct route to your seat and helps us keep everyone moving efficiently. And remember, Gates 4 and 5 are ONLY available to fans whose tickets specifically list those gates for entry. Get everything downloaded ahead of time, arrive early and get inside with plenty of time to settle in before kickoff!
Plan your route to and from the game
Before heading to the Forty Acres Saturday, take a few minutes to map out your travel to/from the stadium. With ongoing I-35 construction and another big crowd headed our way, it's important to plan things out in advance. Visit TexasLonghorns.com/Parking before you leave for individualized parking and traffic-flow maps along with the latest gameday traffic information. Give yourself some extra time, know where you're going and spend less time worrying about traffic and more time enjoying everything we've got waiting for you on campus!
Your gameday guide is right at your fingertips!
There's a lot to see and do on Texas Football gameday, and our interactive 3D gameday map makes it easier than ever to find exactly what you're looking for. Use it to navigate to your seats, find a specific concession item, locate the nearest restroom or water station, or explore everything happening at Bevo Blvd, Longhorn City Limits, Smokey's Midway, Big Bertha's Bazaar and Hook 'Em Hangout. It's also a great companion to our Fan Journeys, helping you navigate all the stops along your Families, Explorers or Essentials experience. Download the Texas Longhorns app presented by Huntington Bank or visit TexasLonghorns.com/DKRmap before Saturday and put your entire gameday right in the palm of your hand!
Hydration starts NOW. Plan ahead for Saturday!
We felt the Texas heat these past two weeks, and with another full day of gameday activities ahead of us this week, don't wait until you arrive on gameday to start hydrating! Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the game and continue hydrating before, during AND after Saturday's festivities. Once inside DKR, we'll have 19 FREE "water monsters" located throughout the stadium. And remember, every fan is permitted to bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle of water up to one liter into the stadium. Take care of yourselves and your fellow Longhorns, use the resources we have available throughout DKR, and let's stay cool, hydrated and ready to bring that Texas Fight all night long!
Longhorn Nation! Game day is going to be a hot one! Please make sure that you begin hydrating before, during, and after the game! Here are all the locations you can find our free water stations on gameday! https://t.co/MB7qZPcjin
— Texas Fan First (@TexasFanFirst) September 3, 2026
The Forty Acres comes alive at 2 p.m. with all of our pregame destinations opening!
Why wait until kickoff to start your gameday? Bevo Blvd pres. by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, Hook 'Em Hangout, Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister and Big Bertha's Bazaar at Moody Center all open at 2 p.m., giving y'all five hours to enjoy everything happening around DKR before we take on UTSA! Bring the Little Longhorns, shop exclusive gameday drops, grab a bite and a cold drink, take some photos with our Texas traditions and explore all the activities we've got waiting for you. Come early and soak up everything that makes gameday on the Forty Acres so special.
Give Bevo and the Horns a Texas-sized welcome!
One of the best parts of every home gameday is seeing Bevo Blvd lined with Burnt Orange, and we need y'all there again Saturday! The Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance gets underway at 4 p.m. as the Big Guy makes his way down the Boulevard alongside Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, the Longhorn Band and Hook 'Em. Then at approximately 4:45 p.m., turn up the volume for Coach Sark and the Horns as they make their Stadium Stampede arrival. Grab your spot early, get those Horns Up and let's make sure our team feels that Longhorn Nation energy from the moment they arrive!
New week, new drops at Big Bertha's Bazaar!
If you're looking to add something fresh to that Burnt Orange wardrobe, make Big Bertha's Bazaar at Moody Center one of your first stops Saturday! The Bazaar opens at 2 p.m. with another round of exclusive and limited-edition Longhorns merchandise, including new offerings from Concho, Mizzen+Main, Desden, Horn Legend, BCKR and more. And remember, the Bazaar is about much more than shopping. This week you can sip a Mango Margarita or Strawberry Smash from the Bazaar Bar and grab some Smoked Pastrami Mini Sliders while you explore. These gameday drops don't stick around forever, so get there early, find your favorites and enjoy one of the most unique stops on the Forty Acres!
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 exclusive drops from Concho, BCKR, Mizzen+Main, and more!
• 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)
• 3 p.m. – Huntington Bank Gate Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
• 2 – 4:30 p.m. – Photo ops with Smokey the Cannon on Smokey's Midway
• 3:30 p.m. – Photo ops with Hook `Em and friends at Hook `Em Hangout
• 4 p.m. – Texas Exes Tailgate opens at Alumni Center for Texas Exes members
• 4 p.m. – Sports Radio AM 1300 AM The Zone Longhorn Gameday Pregame Show LIVE at Hook `Em Hangout begins
• 4 p.m. – Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance on Bevo Blvd (fans line up at 3:45 p.m. at South Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 4 p.m. – ShopBack Gate and ShopBack Gate Ticket Resolution opens for Big Ticket holders with general admission lower-level student tickets
• 4:45 p.m. – Stadium Stampede team arrival on Bevo Blvd (fans line up at 4:30 p.m. at North Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 5 – 6 p.m.– Soccer autographs on Bevo Blvd across from Gate 5
• 5 p.m. – LLH Gate Ticket Resolution open for mobile ticket support
• 5 p.m. – All stadium gates and Longhorn Foundation hospitality areas open
• 5 p.m. – Photo ops with Hook `Em and friends at Hook `Em Hangout
• 6 p.m. – Longhorn Band March to the stadium (starts on Robert Dedman Drive near Longhorn City Limits)
• 6:30 p.m. – Bevo Blvd, Smokey's Midway, Hook 'Em Hangout and Big Bertha's Bazaar close
• Pregame – T-6 Flyover by the 18th Flying Training Wing
• 7 p.m. – Kickoff vs. UTSA!
• Halftime – Longhorn Band Halftime Show
For a full list of activities and everything you want to know about all-things gameday, please visit our Football GameDay headquarters page.
Hook 'Em Horns,
P.S. — Earned not Given — just getting started!
No. 1 across the board🤘 pic.twitter.com/lHrMGY8h1j
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2026
P.S. — This means everything, here's to our Hero!
it just means more 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/O2SU4UGvJ8
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) September 13, 2026
P.S. — Well said, my friend!
MOC gets it 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/VK8mWfUgCT
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) September 13, 2026
P.S. — KD in the House!
couldn't miss this one 🤘 #HookEm | @KDTrey5 https://t.co/hcO4FXzdj4
— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) September 13, 2026
P.S. — What Starts Here — Honoring our Longhorn Legends!
Longhorn Legends 🤝 LOVB Champions #HookEm https://t.co/3OLAE7X5NE
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) September 13, 2026
P.S. — Thanks for Stoppin' By Fellas!
GSG 🤝 Hook 'Em https://t.co/tplbSHOTif
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) September 13, 2026
P.S. — Deep in the Heart of Texas, INDEED!
Deep in the heart of Texas🤘 https://t.co/qEyzMkCsLw
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2026
HEADLINES:
Video: Steve Sarkisian press conference (Sept. 14):
Video: Texas & Os Season 2, Episode 2 featuring Torrey Stafford, Nya Buntoh and Amalia Villareal:
Texas Lottery Veteran Recognition: Allan Mazurak:
Women's Basketball announces complete 2026-27 schedule:
Longhorn Legend and College Football Hall of Famer Bob McKay passes away:
Softball releases 2027 SEC schedule:
Baseball releases 2027 SEC slate:
