The schedule for UTEP football in 2025 is set; on September 13, they will play the Texas Longhorns.
UTEP Miners vs. Texas Longhorns: A Historic Showdown in 2025
The UTEP Miners football team is set to face one of the most storied programs in college football, the Texas Longhorns, on September 13, 2025. This high-profile game, scheduled to be played at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, is a significant milestone for the Miners, who are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season. While UTEP and Texas are separated by a long history of different conferences and divisional play, this matchup is an exciting opportunity for the Miners to test their mettle against one of the most successful football programs in the country.
In this article, we will explore the UTEP football team’s upcoming schedule, the significance of the game against Texas, the historical context of both teams, and the excitement surrounding this event for both UTEP and Texas fans. We will also look at the importance of such games for the Miners’ long-term success and the growing presence of UTEP football on the national stage.
The 2025 UTEP Football Schedule
The 2025 football season for UTEP is a momentous one. Not only are they scheduled to face the Texas Longhorns in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, but the Miners will also play a variety of other competitive teams as they look to solidify their place in college football.
Here is the complete 2025 UTEP Miners football schedule:
- August 30: at Utah State
- September 6: vs. UT Martin
- September 13: at Texas
- September 20: vs. Louisiana–Monroe
- September 27: vs. Louisiana Tech
- October 4: vs. Liberty
- October 11: at Sam Houston
- October 18: at Kennesaw State
- October 25: vs. Jacksonville State
- November 1: at Missouri State
- November 8: vs. New Mexico State
- November 15: at Delaware
The game against Texas on September 13 will be a major highlight for UTEP, both from a competitive and a media standpoint. Traveling to Austin to face a team of the Longhorns’ caliber will present a significant challenge for the Miners. However, it will also provide them with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the top teams in college football.
For fans of UTEP football, this game against Texas is not just about a single contest but is a reflection of the team’s growth and their increasing competitiveness on the national stage. The Miners will face tough opponents throughout the season, with their home games offering a chance for fans to come out and support their team in front of a home crowd at the Sun Bowl.
The Texas Longhorns: A Tradition of Excellence
The Texas Longhorns are one of the most iconic teams in college football. With a rich history dating back to their founding in 1893, the Longhorns are a perennial powerhouse and one of the most recognizable names in the sport. Over the years, Texas has amassed numerous conference championships and national titles, and they consistently produce top-tier NFL talent.
The Longhorns are led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, who took over the program in 2021. Under his leadership, the Longhorns have been striving to return to the pinnacle of college football, competing in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) starting in 2025. Texas’ schedule for the 2025 season includes challenging matchups against Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, which will make their showdown with UTEP even more exciting.
UTEP’s matchup with Texas is part of a larger tradition in college football where smaller programs like UTEP get the rare opportunity to face off against elite programs in high-profile games. For UTEP, playing against Texas is not just about the competition but about showcasing their talent and improving the national perception of their football program.
Historical Context: UTEP and Texas
While UTEP and Texas are not traditional rivals in the way that Texas and Texas A&M or Texas and Oklahoma are, the 2025 matchup has historical significance. The rivalry between UTEP and Texas is rooted in both teams’ connection to the state of Texas and their geographical proximity. The Longhorns, based in Austin, are one of the flagship programs in the state, while UTEP represents El Paso, the largest city on the western side of Texas.
The game is part of a broader tradition of college football programs in Texas facing each other. While UTEP has traditionally been considered an underdog when it comes to matchups with teams like Texas, the Miners have occasionally pulled off upsets and given big teams a run for their money. These games are important not just for the competition but for the local pride that comes with representing Texas’ diverse regions.
In recent years, UTEP has made strides under head coach Dana Dimel, showing significant improvement in their football program. Dimel has worked tirelessly to elevate the Miners and make them a competitive force in Conference USA, and the 2025 season promises to be another step in that direction. Facing Texas gives UTEP a chance to prove that they can hang with some of the best teams in the country.
For Texas, playing against a team like UTEP provides an opportunity for their roster to showcase their depth and talent in a game where they will likely be favored heavily. However, the Longhorns will be aware that games against teams like UTEP can be traps, where a smaller program could catch them off guard. Historically, upsets have been known to occur in such scenarios, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the game.
UTEP’s Growing Football Program
UTEP’s football program has come a long way in recent years. While the Miners have not always been able to compete at the highest levels, the 2025 season marks a turning point as they make the transition from Conference USA to the Mountain West Conference in 2026. This transition is a major milestone for the program and reflects their desire to compete at a higher level in college football.
Under the leadership of Dana Dimel, UTEP has steadily improved its performance on the field. The Miners have achieved some notable wins in recent seasons and have gained respect in the college football world. The 2025 season will provide a significant challenge, with tough matchups against teams like Texas, but it also presents an opportunity for UTEP to show that they belong on the national stage.
The Texas game is a key part of this growth. It is not just about the result but about the experience for the players, the coaches, and the fans. Games against top-tier programs like Texas allow UTEP to recruit better talent, build a more competitive team, and, perhaps most importantly, gain national exposure.
The Significance of the Game for UTEP Fans
For UTEP fans, the game against Texas is more than just a football game. It is a moment of pride. The Miners have always had passionate supporters, but a game like this puts the program on a national stage and gives fans the chance to see their team compete against the best. UTEP’s football program has a dedicated fan base, and for many, this game is an opportunity to see their team measure up against one of college football’s elite programs.
For fans who make the trip to Austin, the game is an opportunity to experience a major college football atmosphere at one of the country’s most iconic stadiums. The Longhorns have a storied fanbase and a gameday experience that is second to none, so the UTEP fans who make the journey will be in for an unforgettable experience. The pride that comes with representing the Miners in such an environment is an experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for UTEP Football?
As UTEP looks toward the 2025 season and beyond, the team is focused on continuing their rise in college football. The game against Texas is just one of many challenges that lie ahead for the Miners, and while it may be a daunting task to face one of the most successful programs in the country, it is also a key opportunity for UTEP to take another step toward becoming a nationally recognized program.
In the years to come, UTEP will continue to work toward improving their team and their program. Games against top teams like Texas will only help them grow and develop, both on and off the field. For UTEP fans, the future is bright, and the Texas game is a key milestone on the road to bigger and better things.
The September 13, 2025, game between the UTEP Miners and the Texas Longhorns is more than just another football game. It is a historic event that showcases the growth of UTEP football, the competitive spirit of the Miners, and the excitement surrounding college football in Texas. For UTEP, it represents a chance to prove themselves against one of the best programs in the country, and for fans, it offers an unforgettable experience that they will treasure for years to come.
As UTEP continues to build its football program and work toward future success, the 2025 season will be remembered as a pivotal year. The matchup with Texas is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for UTEP football.
