The landscape of college football never really sits still. Recent changes have led to the cancellation of a home-and-home football series between Texas and Arizona State, which was supposed to happen in 2032 and 2033.
This move is tied to the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) shift to a nine-game league schedule. That change has a big impact on non-conference matchups, and honestly, it’s making things pretty complicated for everyone involved.
Cancellation of Texas vs. Arizona State Series
A source close to the situation says the Texas Longhorns won’t be facing the Arizona State Sun Devils in the series originally set for 2032 and 2033. Texas was scheduled to play at Arizona State on September 11, 2032, and host Arizona State on September 11, 2033.
The main reason? The SEC’s new nine-game league schedule, which starts this fall, has changed the landscape. There’s a clause in the contract between Texas and Arizona State that allowed either side to cancel without penalty if the SEC bumped up its schedule to nine games.
Now, Texas has to rethink its future non-conference matchups to make sure everything fits with the new rules. It’s a lot to juggle, and honestly, who can blame them for wanting some flexibility?
Future Non-Conference Games for Texas
With Arizona State out of the picture, Texas still has plenty of big non-conference games on the horizon. These aren’t just for show—they’re important for keeping the program in the spotlight and staying competitive.
- Ohio State in Austin on September 5, 2026
- Michigan in Austin on September 11, 2027
- At Notre Dame on September 9, 2028
- Notre Dame in Austin on September 22, 2029
The home-and-home series with Notre Dame in 2028 and 2029 is still on, at least for now. Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte mentioned during his annual Town Hall that any non-conference games beyond the home dates against Ohio State in 2026 and Michigan in 2027 are under review.
Evaluating Future Schedules
Del Conte talked about how future schedules might need another look, especially with possible changes to the College Football Playoff (CFP) format. If the CFP field grows from 12 to 16 or even 24 teams, losing one non-conference game might not be such a big deal anymore.
That could change how Texas approaches these matchups. It’s all about staying adaptable as the postseason landscape keeps shifting.
Strategic Moves for Early SEC Entry
Texas’ move to the SEC meant they had to get creative with their non-conference schedule. To leave the Big 12 a year early, Texas had to flip the order of its series with Michigan and Ohio State.
This way, FOX, the Big Ten’s main broadcast partner, could air those big games as part of its Big Noon Kickoff. Not a bad deal for anyone who likes a good Saturday matchup.
Details of the Schedule Flip
Texas agreed to play at Michigan in 2024, with the return game in Austin in 2027. They’ll also play at Ohio State in 2025 and host the Buckeyes in 2026.
Del Conte pointed out that these games matter for more than just the money—they’re huge opportunities for the team. By making these changes, Texas locked in its early entry into the SEC, which was a big goal for the program.
Looking Ahead: Texas Football’s Future
As Texas gets ready for life in the SEC, their scheduling decisions are going to be a big deal. The Arizona State cancellation is just one example of how much conference dynamics and playoff changes can shake things up.
Texas still seems committed to keeping a strong non-conference schedule with plenty of high-profile matchups. It’s all about staying competitive and making sure the program stays in the national conversation. And honestly, isn’t that what college football is all about?
Adapting to Changes in College Football
The landscape of college football just keeps shifting. Programs have to stay quick on their feet and think ahead when making scheduling decisions.
Texas, for its part, has managed to secure some solid matchups and keep an eye out for strategic opportunities. This ability to roll with the punches could set them up nicely down the line.
With the College Football Playoff format and conference schedules always in flux, Texas can’t afford to get too comfortable. They’ll need to keep tweaking their non-conference schedules if they want to stay ahead of the curve.
For more details on the cancellation and Texas football’s future schedules, you can read the full article here.
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