What Is 2019 Texas Longhorns football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin in the NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with an 8-5 record under head coach Tom Herman and winning the 2019 Alamo Bowl 38-10 over Utah.

Key Facts

The 2019 Texas Longhorns finished the season with an 8-5 overall record
They competed in the Big 12 Conference and finished ranked 21st in the final AP Poll
Head coach Tom Herman led the team to an Alamo Bowl victory over Utah on December 31, 2019
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger started all 13 games, throwing for 2,542 yards and 25 touchdowns
The team played home games at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin

Overview

The 2019 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, the team was led by head coach Tom Herman in his third season and played its home games at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, securing a spot in the Alamo Bowl. They capped off the year with a decisive 38-10 victory over the Utah Utes, finishing with an 8-5 overall record and earning a final ranking of No. 21 in the AP Poll.

8-5 record: The team won eight games and lost five, including a dominant 38-10 win in the Alamo Bowl against Utah on December 31, 2019.
Sam Ehlinger at quarterback: Starting QB Sam Ehlinger played all 13 games, throwing for 2,542 yards and 25 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
Defensive struggles: Despite improvements, the defense allowed 26.5 points per game, ranking 63rd nationally in scoring defense.
Big 12 competition: Texas faced a tough conference slate, including losses to Oklahoma (34-27) and Kansas State (31-28).
Final AP ranking: The Longhorns ended the season ranked No. 21 in the final AP Poll, reflecting moderate national recognition.

How It Works

The 2019 season operated within the framework of NCAA Division I FBS football, with the Longhorns competing under Big 12 Conference rules and participating in a bowl game based on their final ranking and selection process.

Season Structure: The team played a 12-game regular season followed by a postseason bowl game, adhering to NCAA FBS scheduling standards for 2019.
Coaching Leadership: Head coach Tom Herman led the program in his third year, overseeing offensive strategy, player development, and game-day decisions.
Player Eligibility: All athletes met NCAA eligibility requirements, including academic progress and amateur status, to participate in official games.
Bowl Selection: The Alamo Bowl invited Texas as the second-highest available Big 12 team after Oklahoma went to the College Football Playoff.
Game Strategy: The offense relied on a balanced attack, with Ehlinger leading a unit that averaged 34.2 points per game during the season.
Recruiting Impact: Performance in 2019 influenced 2020 recruiting, helping Texas secure a top-15 national class despite not making the playoff.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 Texas Longhorns compared to key rivals and conference peers in final records and key statistics:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
Texas Longhorns	8-5	5-4	Won Alamo Bowl 38-10	No. 21
Oklahoma Sooners	12-2	8-1	Lost Orange Bowl 28-62	No. 6
Texas Tech Red Raiders	4-8	2-7	Did not qualify	NR
Baylor Bears	11-3	7-3	Won Sugar Bowl 21-7	No. 5
Utah Utes	11-3	7-2	Lost Alamo Bowl 10-38	No. 13

The 2019 season highlighted Texas' mid-tier standing in the Big 12, finishing behind powerhouses like Oklahoma and Baylor. While the Alamo Bowl win over a ranked Utah team was a positive, the Longhorns failed to break into the top tier of national contenders, missing the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year under Herman.

Why It Matters

The 2019 campaign was a transitional year that shaped the trajectory of the Longhorns program under Tom Herman, setting expectations for future seasons and influencing recruiting momentum.

Program momentum: An 8-5 record and top-25 finish helped maintain national visibility but fell short of playoff aspirations.
Quarterback development: Sam Ehlinger’s leadership solidified his legacy, with 25 total touchdowns showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Bowl victory significance: The 38-10 win over Utah marked Texas’ first 10-win season since 2009, though they finished with only eight wins.
Defensive concerns: Allowing 26.5 points per game raised questions about coordinator Todd Orlando’s scheme and player execution.
Recruiting pipeline: Strong in-state recruiting continued, with Texas signing five-star prospects like Darion Davis and Kelvontay Dixon.
Coaching pressure: Despite moderate success, Herman faced growing scrutiny for not advancing past the Big 12 Championship Game in three seasons.

The 2019 season ultimately served as a bridge between rebuilding years and future contention, with the Longhorns aiming for a conference title in the coming seasons.