Texas Earns Bowl Season Team Challenge Title

Longhorns excel in on-field success, community service, and fan engagement

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Texas Longhorns were named the 2025-26 Coca-Cola Bowl Season Team Challenge champion, recognized for their outstanding performance across three key pillars: on-field success, meaningful community impact, and passionate fan engagement.

Why it matters

The Bowl Season Team Challenge award is designed to honor programs that best represent the spirit of bowl season, going beyond just on-field results to also showcase a commitment to community service and strong fan support. Texas' selection as the winner highlights the well-rounded nature of their football program under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

The details

Texas defeated Michigan 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, led by a standout performance from quarterback Arch Manning. To satisfy the community service component, the Longhorns hosted a "Day for Kids" event, engaging with local youth. Texas also led all teams in fan participation for Bowl Season's Bowl Pick 'Em.

  • Texas defeated Michigan 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025.
  • The Bowl Season Team Challenge title was announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team.

Arch Manning

The Texas quarterback who had 221 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 155 rushing yards with 2 rushing touchdowns in the Citrus Bowl.

Chris Del Conte

The athletics director of the University of Texas.

Nick Carparelli

The Executive Director of Bowl Season.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to Texas on being named the 2025–26 Bowl Season Team Challenge Champion. This award is designed to recognize the programs that best represent what bowl season is all about—success on the field, meaningful community impact, and passionate fan engagement. The Longhorns demonstrated a complete bowl season effort by excelling across all three pillars.”

— Nick Carparelli, Executive Director of Bowl Season (Bowl Season)

“We're extremely proud of Coach Sarkisian and our football program and thrilled to see them recognized for their outstanding performance at the Citrus Bowl. The way our team represented Texas throughout bowl week and on game day exemplified everything Texas Athletics stands for. Their commitment to the community and unwavering support of Longhorn Nation is truly second to none. Winning the Bowl Season Team Challenge Title is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and championship culture built within our program. It reflects the leadership of Coach Sarkisian and the first-class operation he has established and continues to build on.”

— Chris Del Conte, Athletics Director, University of Texas (on3.com)

What’s next

The Longhorns will look to build on their successful 2025 campaign and continue their strong performance on the field, in the community, and with their passionate fan base as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Texas' selection as the Bowl Season Team Challenge champion showcases the well-rounded nature of their football program under Steve Sarkisian. By excelling in on-field results, community service, and fan engagement, the Longhorns have set a high standard for what it means to be a successful college football program both on and off the field.