Dating back to 1916, the Texas Fight Rally began as a celebration ahead of the Thanksgiving game against Texas A&M and was later revived in its current form ahead of the Texas-OU game.
Each year, student organizations, the Longhorn Band, and Texas Cheer & Pom make their way down Guadalupe Street and up to the Tower where Longhorn students, faculty, alumni, and fans gather to see the parade march in and hear from UT President Jim Davis and the Longhorn football coaches and players.
During the rally, attendees get fired up with performances by the Longhorn Band, Texas Cheer and Pom, Roustabouts, and the UT Dance Team. Plus, Hook 'Em and the Texas Cowboys make an appearance with Smokey the Cannon.
The rally culminates with the presentation of the official game ball by Coach Sarkisian to Naval ROTC and the launch of the annual Run to Dallas tradition. Midshipmen from UT and OU relay-run their respective game balls nearly 200 miles from campus to the Cotton Bowl ahead of the Texas-OU game.
After the rally ends, student can enjoy a classic taste of Texas with fair food provided by Student Government as we send the team and Longhorn faithfuls into the weekend.
Why it Matters:
For more than a century, Texas Fight Rally has brought Longhorns together around the traditions, people and spirit that make the University of Texas special. From the parade down Guadalupe to the firing of Smokey the Cannon, it's a celebration of Longhorn pride—and the perfect way to kick off Texas-OU weekend.