For every college football team, defending their home stadium is one of the most important goals.
Teams don’t like getting beaten on their own turf, especially when they’re playing in front of their fans for the first time during the season.
But when it comes to winning home openers, that’s easier said than done. Last year alone, five of Texas’ FBS programs lost their home openers.
With many schools playing their first home games in the first week, this is a chance for some programs to extend their early winning streaks and for others to get going.
Seven teams in Texas begin their home game against an FCS opponent, which should increase the likelihood of a quick home win.
One of the schools that does not start with an FCS schedule is the team with the longest winning streak in home openers in the state, Texas A&M.
The Aggies have won 11 straight home openers at Kyle Field since 2013 and will face No. 7 Notre Dame in coach Mike Elko’s first game at the helm.
It looks promising that Nos. 2 and 3 can continue their winning streak when Texas hosts Colorado State — which could be the Longhorns’ 7th straight win — and SMU looks for a sixth win against FCS Houston Christian.
Texas State and Rice have a chance to earn their third consecutive home win in their opening game as they host strong Group of Five teams Lamar and Sam Houston, respectively.
Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU want to get back on track after losing their home openers last season.
The Red Raiders and Horned Frogs started with power conference teams and the Bears had Texas State to start 2023. All three can now open their 2024 home games with FCS schedules.
Here’s a look at the winning streaks of every Texas FBS team in their home openers and who they’ll play this season.
| team | Home opening series | Last loss | Home game opening 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M | 11 | 2012 vs. No. 24 Florida | No. 7 Notre Dame |
| Texas | 6 | 2017 against Maryland | State of Colorado |
| SMU | 5 | 2018 vs. No. 16 TCU | Houston Christian |
| State of Texas | 2 | 2021 against Baylor | Lamar |
| rice | 2 | 2021 against Houston | Sam Houston |
| UTSA | 1 | 2022 against No. 24 Houston | Kennesaw State |
| UTEP | 1 | 2022 against North Texas | Southern Utah |
| Houston | 1 | 2022 against Kansas | UNLV |
| Texas Tech | 0 | 2023 against No. 13 Oregon | Abilene Christian |
| Baylor | 0 | 2023 against Texas State | Tarleton State |
| TCU | 0 | 2023 against Colorado | Long Island |
| North Texas | 0 | 2023 against Cal | Stephen F. Austin |
| Sam Houston | 0 | 2023 against Jacksonville State | State of New Mexico |
