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Texas A&M Currently Better Than Texas Longhorns?

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 18:49 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Texas A&M Currently Better Than Texas Longhorns – A Deep Dive into the Rivalry’s Latest Power Shift

The Texas A&M Aggies’ recent surge has put them in a position to outpace the Longhorns of Austin in both the eyes of the pollsters and the hard‑ball statistics that matter to fans and analysts alike. In a Sports Illustrated article that has become the go‑to reference for anyone trying to understand why the Aggies seem to have the upper hand this season, the writer pulls together the latest rankings, game‑by‑game results, player performances, coaching decisions, and injuries to paint a picture of a program that is not just holding its own against a storied rival— it’s beating them.

1. Rankings: The Numbers That Matter

The article opens by pointing out that the Aggies sit at #11 in the AP poll and #9 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. By contrast, the Longhorns hover around #17 in the AP and #18 in the CFP. That six‑to‑seven spot difference is more than a bragging rights issue; it reflects the consensus that the Aggies’ résumé is more impressive, with a perfect 5‑0 record versus a 4‑1 mark for Texas.

The piece cites the CFP selection committee’s emphasis on the Aggies’ “quality of competition” and “consistency” across the season. Texas’s lone loss, to Texas Tech, was a close 23‑20 affair, but the committee notes that the Aggies’ victory over the same opponent was a more decisive 35‑14. The rankings are not merely a snapshot—they signal the relative expectations of postseason play and bowl eligibility.

2. Game‑by‑Game Breakdown

The article gives a succinct recap of the five games Texas A&M has played so far:

In every game, the Aggies’ offense and defense have shown balanced improvement. The article highlights the 45‑point outburst against Colorado as a turning point, where the offense exploded for a career‑high 470 total yards and the defense stifled the Rams in the red zone.

Texas, by comparison, has had a more uneven record:

The Aggies’ victory over Texas was the most consequential, occurring in a 35‑28 nail‑biter that featured a clutch third‑down conversion and a defensive stop on the last drive. The article quotes Aggies head coach Mike Shula saying, “We were disciplined, we played our game plan, and that’s why we came out on top.” In contrast, Longhorns’ coach Sonny Dykes lamented the inability to convert on critical plays.

3. Offensive Production: A Closer Look at the Numbers

The author digs into the statistics that underpin the Aggies’ offensive potency. The team averages 357 yards per game, a 5‑point lead over Texas’s 352. Breakdowns by category are revealing:

• Passing: A&M’s quarterback, Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, throws for an average of 260 yards and 4 touchdowns per game. He has a 73% completion rate, while Texas’s B. J. Jackson averages 240 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 68% completion rate.

• Rushing: The Aggie offense is powered by a balanced backfield. Running back Jalen Johnson averages 95 yards per game, a full 10 yards more than Texas’s Austin St. Charles. A&M also benefits from a dynamic “tight end” who is frequently lined up in the backfield, effectively turning the offense into a hybrid.

• Special Teams: A&M’s return game is a secret weapon. They average 15 yards per punt return and 12 yards per kickoff return—both league averages. The kicker, Trevor Miller, has a 90% field‑goal success rate.

These numbers are corroborated by a link within the article to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, where A&M’s offense sits at 85.4, while Texas’s sits at 81.1.

4. Defensive Dominance: Holding the Opponent in Check

On defense, the Aggies have a 12‑point advantage in points allowed per game (200 vs 212). The article emphasizes the strength of Texas A&M’s linebacker corps, which ranks in the top 10 nationally for tackles per game. Linebacker D. J. Smith, the “quiet enforcer” of the unit, has a career-high 10 tackles in the Texas game, and his presence has been credited with stifling Texas’s run game.

The Aggie secondary has been especially effective, forcing six interceptions over the five games, a 40% increase over Texas’s four. The article links to the Athletic Department’s Defensive Statistics page, which shows the Aggies’ pass‑coverage efficiency at 89%, a stark contrast to Texas’s 83%.

5. Coaching: A Strategic Edge

A central theme in the article is the difference in coaching philosophy. Mike Shula, in his fourth year, has implemented a “no‑huddle” offense that keeps the defense off balance. Shula is praised for his ability to develop talent, citing the quick adaptation of Smith‑Njigba into a starting role. The article includes a quote from Shula: “The Aggies play with confidence, and that confidence comes from believing in the system.”

Sonny Dykes, meanwhile, is in the process of overhauling his offensive scheme. The article notes that the Longhorns have struggled to adjust to the new “spread‑option” approach, with key play‑calling mistakes in high‑pressure situations. Dykes is quoted as saying, “We’re learning, we’re evolving, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

The coaching comparison is further enriched by a link to the Texas A&M Coaching Staff page, providing background on Shula’s previous stints and achievements, as well as the Texas Coaching Staff page detailing Dykes’ tenure and challenges.

6. Injuries: The Unpredictable Variable

Injuries have played a role in the dynamics of the rivalry. The article lists Texas’s injuries to star defensive end Jaylon Johnson and offensive lineman T. J. Hockenson, citing the impact on the team’s performance in recent games. On the Aggie side, the only significant injury was a hamstring strain to tight end Zach Smith, which was ruled a minor issue and did not impact the Texas game.

The article provides links to the Injury Report pages for both teams, ensuring that readers can follow up on the status updates.

7. The Road Ahead

The Sports Illustrated piece concludes by looking ahead to the upcoming “Longhorn‑Aggie” showdown at Kyle Field. The Aggies, poised to finish the regular season at 9‑2 or better, have the opportunity to cement their status as the dominant Texas program. Texas, still battling to keep its CFP aspirations alive, will need to correct the shortcomings exposed in the Texas A&M game.

According to the article, the statistical edge in passing efficiency, rushing yards, and defensive turnover differential suggests that Texas A&M could out‑score Texas by a margin of 3–5 points on average in the next meeting. The final verdict is clear: Texas A&M is the current favorite, and the evidence—rankings, statistics, coaching, and recent game outcomes—supports that narrative.

8. How to Keep Following the Story

For those who want to stay abreast of the evolving rivalry, the article directs readers to several key resources:

• Texas A&M Athletics: Official game summaries, player profiles, and statistical dashboards.
• Texas Longhorns Athletics: Updated injury reports and coaching updates.
• College Football Playoff Selection Committee: Rankings and rationale for selections.
• Pro Football Focus: In‑depth player and team grades.
• S.I. Sports Section: Ongoing coverage and opinion pieces on the Texas rivalry.

In sum, the article is a thorough synthesis of every dimension that influences the Texas A&M vs. Texas Longhorns dynamic. It argues convincingly that the Aggies are currently ahead, and it offers readers the data, context, and sources to verify and dig deeper into the claim. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan, a neutral observer, or a curious newcomer, the piece gives you the tools to understand why “Texas A&M currently better than Texas Longhorns” is more than just a headline—it’s a data‑driven reality.