The excitement surrounding Alabama football’s 2023 season was palpable, with many anticipating another dominant run led by head coach Nick Saban. However, one team has sparked a rivalry that may soon be one of the most talked-about in college football—the Texas Longhorns. After Texas’ stunning upset of Alabama in 2023, the tides have turned in the college football landscape. Alabama now has a clear message for the Longhorns: they want a rematch.
But the desire for a second shot at Texas isn’t just about revenge. It’s about positioning in the ever-evolving college football hierarchy, legacy, and proving that Alabama, despite the upset, is still one of the sport’s elite programs. For Texas, the win has been a long-awaited statement, proving that they belong among the country’s top-tier teams and can take down a juggernaut like Alabama. But how did we get here? And what does this emerging rivalry mean for both schools and the broader college football scene?
The 2023 Upset: Texas Stuns Alabama
The 2023 season matchup between Alabama and Texas was one of the most anticipated games of the year. Alabama entered the game as the No. 1 team in the nation, with a storied history of dominance under Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide had rolled through opponents with ease in previous years and were favored to handle Texas in front of their home crowd in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On the other hand, Texas had a strong roster but was seen as a team still looking to reassert itself among the nation’s elite, after years of underachievement and near-misses.
However, the game played out differently than expected. Texas, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and head coach Steve Sarkisian, executed a game plan that exploited Alabama’s weaknesses, especially on the offensive line and secondary. Ewers threw for over 300 yards, including a late touchdown pass to give the Longhorns a commanding lead, while their defense played lights-out, stifling Alabama’s offense and forcing critical turnovers.
The 34-24 upset sent shockwaves through the college football world. Texas had handed Alabama its first home loss since 2019, and the victory was seen as a turning point for a program that had been looking to reassert itself as a national power.
The win was more than just a shocking result; it was a statement. Texas was no longer just another team trying to claw its way back to relevance—it had arrived. The Longhorns had shown they were capable of defeating the best, and their victory over Alabama sent ripples throughout the college football community.
Alabama’s Desire for a Rematch: More Than Just Revenge
In the days following Texas’ win, Alabama’s players and coaches were quick to acknowledge the upset but also made it clear that they wanted a shot at redemption. There’s no shortage of motivation within the Alabama program for a rematch, but the desire for a second opportunity at Texas is about more than just the sting of defeat.
Alabama has long prided itself on being the gold standard of college football, with 18 national championships and a string of dominant seasons under Nick Saban. Losing at home to Texas, a team that has not been a consistent powerhouse in recent years, was an uncomfortable reminder of the unpredictability of college football. Yet, it also fueled Alabama’s hunger for a rematch.
For Saban, the loss was an anomaly, a rare occurrence in a career that has been largely defined by dominance and consistency. He knows the importance of responding to adversity and making adjustments. The desire for a rematch with Texas isn’t just about restoring pride—it’s about reasserting the dominance that has defined Alabama football for over a decade.
“We don’t like to lose, and we want another chance to prove that we’re the team we know we can be,” said Saban after the loss. “Texas played a great game, but we want to see how we stack up when we’re firing on all cylinders.”
In many ways, this rematch would serve as a litmus test for Alabama’s ability to bounce back from an unexpected defeat. Can the Crimson Tide reload and regain their position as the team to beat? A second meeting with Texas would provide an opportunity for Alabama to prove that the upset was just a bump in the road rather than a sign of decline.
Texas’s Rise: Are They Ready for the Spotlight?
For Texas, the victory over Alabama represented a long-awaited moment of validation. The Longhorns have been one of the most storied programs in college football history, but in recent years, they’ve struggled to live up to expectations. After a string of disappointing seasons, the Texas faithful had grown impatient, but the win over Alabama provided a much-needed boost of confidence.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has helped guide the program back into the national spotlight, instilling a culture of competitiveness, discipline, and resilience. The win over Alabama was a culmination of Sarkisian’s vision for the program, and it was evident in the way the Longhorns executed their game plan. But with the victory came new challenges. Texas had to prove that it wasn’t a one-hit wonder—that it could handle the pressure of being in the spotlight.
For Texas to truly establish itself as a championship contender, it will need to continue to perform at a high level throughout the season. While beating Alabama was a monumental achievement, it is just one game in a long and grueling season. What Texas will need to do now is consistently win and avoid letting the hype get to their heads.
“If you’re not prepared to handle success, it can quickly turn into failure,” Sarkisian said after the Alabama win. “We have to stay focused and understand that we’ve got more work to do.”
What a Rematch Could Mean for Both Programs
The possibility of a rematch between Alabama and Texas isn’t just about a single game—it could have lasting implications for both programs. For Alabama, a victory in a potential rematch would reaffirm their position as the top program in college football. It would serve as a demonstration that the loss to Texas was an aberration and that Alabama’s dominance remains intact. Furthermore, it would solidify Alabama’s position in the College Football Playoff race and prove that Saban’s program can rebound from adversity.
For Texas, a win in a rematch would send an even stronger message to the college football world: that they are not just back—they’re ready to compete for championships. Beating Alabama again would place Texas among the top-tier programs in college football and set the stage for a potential playoff berth. It would also elevate the program in the eyes of recruits, further strengthening their position in the highly competitive recruiting wars.
Beyond the game itself, a long-term rivalry between Alabama and Texas could reshape the landscape of college football. With Texas set to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the coming seasons, the rivalry is poised to become one of the marquee matchups in the sport. The culture, history, and prestige of both programs are a perfect recipe for a high-stakes rivalry that could dominate the college football scene for years to come.
Conclusion: The Stage Is Set for a Thrilling Rivalry
The 2023 Alabama-Texas game has set the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling rivalries in college football. For Alabama, a rematch with Texas represents an opportunity to avenge their loss and reassert their dominance under Nick Saban. For Texas, the win has put them on the map as a national contender, but the Longhorns now face the challenge of proving they belong at the top.
Both teams have much to gain from a potential rematch, and the college football world will be watching closely. With Alabama eager for redemption and Texas hungry to prove their success wasn’t a fluke, this rivalry has all the makings of something special—one that will carry immense weight for years to come, particularly as the Longhorns make their transition into the SEC. The battle for supremacy in college football is far from over, and a rematch between Alabama and Texas could be the next chapter in one of the sport’s most exciting and high-stakes rivalries.
Kumater Moses