History of Texas Football Championships: How Many National Titles Have the Longhorns Won?
The University of Texas Longhorns football program stands as one of the most storied and successful teams in college football history. Established in 1893, Texas has produced a remarkable tradition of excellence, with numerous conference titles, bowl victories, and national championships.
The question of how many national titles the Texas Longhorns have won is central to understanding the program’s legacy.
Early Years and Initial Success
The Longhorns football program began in the late 19th century, and for much of its early existence, the team struggled to achieve national recognition.
However, with the development of college football, Texas began to establish itself as a competitive force.
The team’s first major success came in the early 20th century when Texas claimed its first conference championship in 1904, although they did not win a national title.
The team continued to build its reputation throughout the early and mid-1900s, consistently performing well in the Southwest Conference (SWC), but it wasn’t until the post-World War II era that Texas began its ascent to national prominence.
During the 1950s and 1960s, under coaches like Ed Price and Darrell Royal, the Longhorns began to achieve more consistent success.
The First National Championship: 1963
The Texas Longhorns won their first national championship in 1963 under the leadership of head coach Darrell Royal.
The season was a standout one for Texas, as they finished with a 10-1 record.
The defining moment of the season came with a dominant victory over Navy in the Cotton Bowl, which helped secure their place atop the rankings.
Texas finished the season ranked #1 in the AP Poll, earning them their first-ever national title.
Royal’s leadership was pivotal in shaping the program’s identity during the 1960s.
His emphasis on strong defense, a powerful running game, and disciplined football became trademarks of the Longhorns’ success during this era.
The 1963 national title marked the beginning of a period of consistent success for the program, with Texas competing for national championships regularly throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The 1970s: Consistent Success but No Title
Throughout the 1970s, Texas remained one of the top teams in college football, but they were unable to secure another national championship.
Despite winning several Southwest Conference titles and appearing in numerous bowl games, the Longhorns’ efforts were thwarted by rivals such as Nebraska and Alabama, who dominated the national title picture during that time.
The closest Texas came to winning another national championship in this decade was in 1970 when they finished the season ranked #2 in the country. The Longhorns’ only loss that year came at the hands of Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, which kept them from claiming the title. However, the 1970s cemented Texas as a powerhouse program that would contend for championships in the future.
The 1980s and 1990s: Competitive but No Championship
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Texas Longhorns were highly competitive, continuing to win conference titles and secure prominent bowl appearances. However, they still fell short of winning a national championship.
The 1980s saw the team’s fortunes rise and fall, with some notable moments like the 1983 season when Texas finished with an 11-1 record but was ranked #2 behind the Miami Hurricanes.
The 1990s, under head coach John Mackovic and later Mack Brown, saw Texas consistently competing for top honors, but the national title continued to elude them.
The Longhorns were often ranked highly and were perennial contenders in both the Big 12 Conference and in the national picture.
The 1994 and 1995 seasons were particularly memorable for the Longhorns, with standout players like Ricky Williams and Major Applewhite leading the way.
However, Texas was unable to secure the elusive national championship during these decades.
The Longhorns’ Second National Championship: 2005
The Texas Longhorns’ second national championship came in the 2005 season, one of the most memorable in college football history. Led by head coach Mack Brown and star quarterback Vince Young, Texas had an undefeated season and finished as the top team in the country. The Longhorns’ victory in the Rose Bowl against the USC Trojans is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football games ever played.
In that game, Texas triumphed 41-38, with Vince Young’s legendary performance, including a game-winning touchdown run in the final minutes, securing the national title. The 2005 season marked the culmination of a decade of growth under Mack Brown, who had transformed Texas into a national championship contender. This victory also helped solidify the Longhorns as one of the top programs of the 21st century.
The 2000s and Beyond: Continued Success
In the years following their 2005 national championship, Texas continued to be a national contender.
They appeared in several major bowl games and remained a dominant force in the Big 12 Conference.
The Longhorns’ success in the 2000s and early 2010s was anchored by strong recruiting, talented players, and a stable coaching staff.
The 2009 season, under Mack Brown, came very close to adding another national title to the Longhorns’ trophy case.
Texas finished the regular season undefeated and entered the 2010 BCS National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, the game ended in a heartbreaking 37-21 loss for Texas, as quarterback Colt McCoy was injured early in the game.
Despite the loss, the season served as a reminder of Texas’ continued excellence and status as one of college football’s elite programs.
Conclusion: Two National Titles
As of 2025, the Texas Longhorns have won two national championships in football: the first in 1963 and the second in 2005.
While the team has consistently been among the best in college football, these two titles stand as the pinnacles of the program’s illustrious history.
Texas remains one of the most prestigious and storied football programs in the nation, and despite some periods of struggle, the Longhorns’ legacy as a national powerhouse continues to this day. With their strong recruiting base, high-level coaching staff, and dedicated fanbase, the Longhorns are always a contender for future championships.
