Texas college football fans can rejoice because two of the state’s most illustrious programs, Texas Christian University and Baylor University, have formally declared the return of their long-standing rivalry, the Bluebonnet Battle. The intense rivalry and tradition that have long characterized the Bears vs. Horned Frogs showdown will be on display in this revitalized annual non-conference series.
The NFL’s Houston Texans’ home stadium, NRG Stadium in Houston, will host the first game of this new era. In order to represent the rivalry’s statewide importance and to provide a central, electrifying setting for fans and alumni from all over Texas, a neutral-site stadium was selected.
There is a long history behind the Bluebonnet Battle. In 1899, Baylor and TCU first faced off, separated by only 90 miles along Interstate 35. Their gatherings over the years have reflected the tenacity, history, and pride that are fundamental to Texas college football. Although the rivalry’s cadence has changed recently due to conference realignments and schedule changes, this new deal ensures supporters an annual matchup that will undoubtedly reignite old passions and write new chapters in Lone Star State history.
Both colleges’ officials emphasized the value of preserving these rivalries in a time when college football is changing quickly. According to one Baylor spokesperson, “this isn’t just a game.” It’s a component of our common identity. This competition should continue to flourish year after year for the benefit of our towns, alumni, and supporters. The idea was shared by a TCU athletic director, who emphasized that the revitalized series will inspire future generations of players and fans in addition to honoring tradition.
With possible intentions to switch between home stadiums in Waco and Fort Worth and occasionally return to neutral venues in Dallas, San Antonio, or possibly AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the neutral-site kickoff in Houston is anticipated to set the platform for future versions.
The announcement has already received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans. Within hours, hashtags like #BluebonnetBattle and #BaylorvsTCU were trending throughout Texas on social media. The decision was hailed by longtime supporters as a triumph for tradition in a period when broadcast contracts and conference shuffles were the norm.