How Many National Championships Does Texas Have in Football?

By Sarah Miller · May 30, 2048

The University of Texas at Austin has won four recognized national championships in football, claimed in the years 1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005.

Understanding Texas Football's National Championships

The University of Texas Longhorns have a storied history in college football, with four officially recognized national titles. These championships were awarded by major wire-service polls such as the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches Poll, which are widely accepted as authoritative selectors in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

What Constitutes a National Championship in College Football?

Unlike other sports with a playoff system to determine a champion, college football’s national title has historically been determined by polls and mathematical ranking systems. Before the College Football Playoff (CFP) era began in 2014, the national champion was often decided by consensus between the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll.

National championships are awarded by third-party selectors, not the NCAA itself.
The AP Poll and Coaches Poll are the most prestigious and widely recognized.
A "consensus" national champion occurs when both major polls name the same team.
Schools may claim titles based on selectors beyond the AP and Coaches Polls, but these are not always universally accepted.

Texas’ Four National Championship Seasons

Each of Texas’ national titles came during dominant seasons led by legendary coaches and players. Below is a detailed breakdown of each championship year.

1963: The First Title Under Darrell Royal

Under head coach Darrell Royal, the 1963 Longhorns finished 11–0 and were crowned national champions by both the AP and Coaches Polls after defeating top-ranked Navy in the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Tommy Wade and running back Tommy Ford led a balanced offense that outscored opponents 283–50.

1969: Back-to-Back Excellence

The 1969 season saw Texas go 11–0 and win the national title via both major polls. This team is best known for the “Game of the Century” against Arkansas, where President Richard Nixon attended and declared Texas the national champion after their 15–14 victory. Led by quarterback James Street and running back Jim Bertelsen, the Longhorns defeated Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl.

1970: Repeat Champions

Texas repeated as national champions in 1970 with an 11–1 record. The only loss came early in the season to #1 Ohio State, but the Longhorns rebounded to finish strong. They were named champions by the Coaches Poll, while the AP awarded its title to Nebraska. Texas defeated Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl 38–7.

2005: Vince Young’s Legendary Season

The most recent title came in 2005 under head coach Mack Brown. The Longhorns completed a perfect 13–0 season and defeated USC in the iconic BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Vince Young delivered one of the greatest performances in college football history, rushing for the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds. Texas won both the AP and Coaches Polls unanimously.

Detailed Championship Summary Table

Year	Record	Head Coach	Final Ranking (AP)	Final Ranking (Coaches)	Bowl Game	Championship Selector(s)
1963	11–0	Darrell Royal	#1	#1	Cotton Bowl (W 28–6 vs Navy)	AP, Coaches
1969	11–0	Darrell Royal	#1	#1	Cotton Bowl (W 21–17 vs Notre Dame)	AP, Coaches
1970	11–1	Darrell Royal	#2	#1	Cotton Bowl (W 38–7 vs Tennessee)	Coaches
2005	13–0	Mack Brown	#1	#1	BCS National Championship (W 41–38 vs USC)	AP, Coaches, BCS

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that Texas secured three of its four titles during the poll-dominated era before the BCS, with two coming under the legendary Darrell Royal. The 2005 championship stands out due to the undefeated record, BCS victory, and universal recognition across all major selectors. Notably, the 1970 title remains split, as Nebraska claimed the AP crown.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Football National Championships

How many national championships does Texas have in football?

The University of Texas officially claims four national championships in football: 1963, 1969, 1970, and 2005. These are recognized by major selectors including the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, and BCS.

Why doesn’t Texas claim more than four national titles?

While some statistical systems have retroactively awarded Texas additional titles (such as 1977 or 1981), the university only claims championships recognized by major, contemporaneous polls like the AP or Coaches Poll, or by the BCS/CFP system.

Did Texas win a national championship in 2005?

Yes, Texas won the 2005 BCS National Championship by defeating USC 41–38 in the Rose Bowl. It was a perfect season (13–0), and the Longhorns were ranked #1 in both the final AP and Coaches Polls.

Which coach won the most national titles at Texas?

Darrell Royal won three national championships at Texas (1963, 1969, 1970), making him the most successful head coach in program history in terms of national titles. Mack Brown won one (2005).

Has Texas won a national championship since 2005?

No, Texas has not won a national championship in football since 2005. The Longhorns have made several bowl appearances and achieved Top 25 rankings, but have not returned to the national title game since their victory over USC.