Texas A&M Football: History, Traditions & Rivalries

There’s a reason Texas A&M football feels different from other college programs. It’s not just the SEC competition or the Kyle Field roar—it’s a set of rituals, from the 12th Man standing at attention to the Aggie kiss after every touchdown, that bind generations of Aggies.

National Championships: 3 (1919, 1927, 1939) ·
Conference Titles: 18 ·
Stadium Capacity: 102,733 (Kyle Field) ·
Conference: Southeastern Conference (SEC)

Seven key facts about Texas A&M football, one pattern: the program balances historic roots with modern SEC power.

What does the A&M stand for in Texas A&M football?

What is the origin of the name A&M?

The letters A&M originally stood for Agricultural and Mechanical, reflecting the school’s founding mission in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. The name stuck even as the institution evolved into a comprehensive university.

How did Texas A&M become a university?

In 1963, the Texas Legislature changed the school’s name to Texas A&M University, recognizing its growth beyond agriculture and engineering. Today, it’s a flagship research university with strong traditions in engineering, agriculture, and now—through SEC football—a national athletic presence.

The implication: The name A&M is a nod to the school’s practical roots, even as its football program competes at the highest level of collegiate athletics.

Is Texas A&M a D1 football school?

What does it mean to be a D1 football program?

Texas A&M competes in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest tier of college football. D1 FBS programs offer athletic scholarships and compete in large stadiums like Kyle Field. In contrast, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and operate at a different competitive level.

How does Texas A&M compare to D3 football?

D1 football comes with larger budgets, full scholarships, and national television exposure. Texas A&M’s 102,733-seat stadium dwarfs typical D3 venues. The Aggies are part of the SEC, a conference that has produced multiple recent national champions. For a detailed statistical comparison of college and professional play, check out our breakdown of Buccaneers vs Rams player stats.

The pattern: For a prospective student-athlete, the gap between D1 FBS and D3 is vast—scholarships, facilities, and competition intensity are worlds apart.

Is Texas A&M a good football team?

What is Texas A&M’s all-time football record?

As of the 2024 season, Texas A&M’s all-time record stands at 794–508–48. That’s a winning percentage of roughly 0.607.

Who is the head coach of Texas A&M?

Mike Elko took over as head coach in 2024, replacing Jimbo Fisher. Elko previously served as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M and at Duke.

What are recent season results?

The Aggies have consistently appeared in bowl games, including the 2023 Texas Bowl. The program has three national championships recognized by major selectors (1919, 1927, 1939) and 18 conference championships.

Why this matters: Historical success plus recent bowl appearances show that Texas A&M is a solid program, but the 1939 title is the last national championship—decades of near-misses define its modern identity.

Why do Aggies kiss when they score?

What is the tradition behind the Aggie kiss?

When Texas A&M scores a touchdown, the camera often catches couples kissing in the stands. The tradition reportedly started in the 1980s and has become a lighthearted gameday staple.

What other traditions does Texas A&M have?

• The 12th Man: students stand throughout games, symbolizing readiness to support the team.
• Midnight Yell Practice: held the night before home games at midnight, featuring practice yells and the Aggie Band (Texas A&M International Business Association).
• Reveille: the collie mascot that has served since 1931.
• Howdy: the official greeting used by students and campus visitors.
• Aggie War Hymn: the fight song played after scores and at Midnight Yell.

The catch: Traditions like the kiss after a touchdown may seem quirky, but they reinforce a sense of community that few programs can replicate.

Who is Texas A&M’s biggest rival?

What is the history of the Texas–Texas A&M rivalry?

The rivalry with the University of Texas, known as the Lone Star Showdown, began in 1894 and was played annually from 1915 through 2011. The series was interrupted when Texas A&M left the Big 12 to join the SEC during the 2010–12 realignment. It is set to resume as a conference game now that Texas has also joined the SEC. You can read about another historic rivalry here.

Who are other rivals of Texas A&M?

• LSU Tigers: SEC West division opponent with a heated recent history.
• Arkansas Razorbacks: former Southwest Conference rival, now annual SEC West game.

What this means: Rivalries are central to the Aggie identity. The Lone Star Showdown, in particular, is considered one of college football’s longest-running matchups (DIRECTV Insider). With the Texas series returning, gameday intensity will only grow.

Three key aspects of the rivalry, one comparison table:

Timeline

• 1876 – Texas A&M founded as Agricultural and Mechanical College
• 1919 – First national championship
• 1927 – Second national championship
• 1939 – Third national championship (AP Poll)
• 1990s – Success under coach R.C. Slocum
• 2012 – Joined the SEC
• 2024 – Mike Elko named head coach

Clarity

Quotes

The 12th Man tradition is not just a symbol—it’s a commitment that every student in the stands is ready to play if needed.

– Texas A&M University gameday traditions page

The Texas–Texas A&M rivalry is one of the longest-running matchups in college football, and its return to the schedule is a huge deal for fans.

– DIRECTV Insider (DIRECTV Insider)

For a recruit or a fan, the choice is clear: Texas A&M offers a football experience that blends top-tier SEC competition with traditions that are decades old. The Aggie kiss, the 12th Man, and the Lone Star Showdown are not just sidelines—they are the soul of the program. For anyone considering joining the Aggie family, the decision to embrace this culture is as important as any win.

Frequently asked questions