All
What the World Looked Like the Last Time Texas A&M Beat Texas
Fifteen years is a long time in college football — long enough for stadiums to renovate, coaching staffs to change, and entire generations of players to cycle through a program. Yet for Texas A&M fans, one moment remains crystal clear: the last time the Aggies defeated the Texas Longhorns back in 2010.
Tonight, the rivalry returns with both sides fighting for pride, rankings, and bragging rights. As Texas A&M enters the game undefeated and in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth, the memories of 2010 feel especially relevant. It was the last time the Lone Star Showdown ended in maroon, and everything around it paints a nostalgic picture of a completely different era.
Here’s a look back at what the world looked like the last time Texas A&M beat Texas — on and off the field.
A Rivalry Renewed After a 13-Year Pause
From 1915 to 2011, Texas and Texas A&M met every year. But when the Aggies left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012, the rivalry went silent. What followed wasn’t just a break — it became one of the sport’s most talked-about missing matchups. Fans, former players, and even politicians debated its return for years.
And during that long pause, both sides changed dramatically:
- Recruiting pipelines shifted
- Conference styles evolved
- NIL and the transfer portal reshaped roster building
- Stadium renovations transformed game-day atmospheres
Meanwhile, Texas A&M supporters held onto one specific memory: their last win in 2010. It was more than just a rivalry victory. It was a statement.
Von Miller’s Dominance Defined the 2010 Game
During the 2010 showdown, Miller delivered a performance that still stands out in Aggie history:
- 7 total tackles
- 3 tackles for loss
- 2 sacks
- 1 interception
It was the type of disruptive dominance that perfectly represented his Aggie career. Miller would go on to:
- Become the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft
- Win Super Bowl MVP with the Denver Broncos
- Earn multiple Pro Bowl selections
- Become one of the modern NFL’s most respected defensive players
- His 2010 performance wasn’t just big — it was the kind of night fans still talk about.
Ryan Tannehill’s Rise at Quarterback
Although Miller anchored the defense, quarterback Ryan Tannehill guided the offense. Tannehill had transitioned from receiver to QB and evolved into a reliable leader for the Aggies.
He would eventually:
- Become a first-round NFL Draft pick
- Throw for nearly 35,000 career yards
- Play over a decade in the NFL
In hindsight, the 2010 game featured two future NFL leaders — both of whom would define the next decade of football.
Around the Country: Cam Newton Dominated 2010
While A&M and Texas battled in the Lone Star Showdown, the national spotlight belonged to Auburn’s Cam Newton.
Newton’s 2010 season included:
- A perfect 14–0 record
- Over 4,300 yards of total offense
- An SEC Championship
- A National Championship win vs Oregon
- The Heisman Trophy
His dual-threat skillset changed the future of college football offenses.
What Else Was Happening in Sports in 2010?
Sports fans enjoyed a whirlwind year full of memorable moments, championships, and dramatic finishes.
The New Orleans Saints Won Their First Super Bowl
In February 2010, Drew Brees and the Saints captured their first Super Bowl title with a win over the Indianapolis Colts. Tracy Porter’s late-game interception — the iconic pick-six — sealed the victory and remains one of the most replayed moments in Super Bowl history.
The Lakers Beat the Celtics in a Seven-Game Finals
The NBA Finals delivered a classic showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, with Kobe Bryant leading the Lakers to victory in a thrilling Game 7.
Spain Won the FIFA World Cup
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa produced an unforgettable final. Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in extra time to give Spain its first-ever World Cup title.
Pop Culture in 2010: Rihanna Ruled the Charts
When Texas A&M last beat Texas:
- “Rude Boy” topped the Billboard charts
- Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” dominated the summer
- Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” and “What’s My Name” also hit No. 1
Meanwhile, the Monday after rivalry week belonged to “Like a G6” by Far East Movement — the song that briefly returned to No. 1 as the season wound down.
What People Were Watching: Harry Potter at the Box Office
Six days before the 2010 rivalry game, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 hit theaters. It opened to massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
2010’s top movies also included:
- Avatar (continuing its massive run)
- Iron Man 2
- Toy Story 3
- Inception
Moviegoers were living in the early era of modern superhero franchises and cinematic universes.
How Much Has Changed Since Then
To understand how long it’s been since A&M’s last rivalry win, consider this:
- NIL didn’t exist
- The transfer portal didn’t exist
- The College Football Playoff didn’t exist
- Texas was still in the Big 12
- The iPhone 4 had just been released
- Instagram was only a few months old
- A&M hadn’t yet joined the SEC
Tonight’s matchup is happening in a completely different world — technologically, culturally, and in the landscape of college football itself.
Why a Win Tonight Would Mean Even More
For Texas A&M fans, a victory would mean:
- Ending a 15-year drought
- Staying undefeated
- Securing CFP momentum
- Reclaiming bragging rights
- Winning on hostile Austin territory
For Texas, the stakes are equally massive — keeping playoff hopes alive, protecting home turf, and extending the rivalry dominance they’ve held since 2010.
Either way, the Lone Star State will be watching closely.