On August 30, ISSS welcomed 70 international students to the Texas Global Lounge to watch the Texas Longhorns battle it out with Ohio State University (OSU) for the first American football game of the 2025-2026 season!
For many international students, events like this provide more than just a fun day on campus. They offer a chance to experience an important part of American college culture.
Football is deeply rooted in student life at UT Austin, and getting familiar with the sport can help students feel more connected to their peers and the wider Longhorn community. From learning the rules to joining in the cheers, attending a game or watch party is a great way to take part in the school spirit that defines campus life.
It’s not just about watching a sport; it’s about building a sense of belonging at UT.
Just before the game began, ISSS staff member Kristin Garrison-Baker shared a brief introduction on American football rules and gave some background on the rivalry between UT and OSU. It was a blast sharing the rules, etiquette, and team spirit with so many new Longhorns!
About American Football
American football is played by two team, with 11 players each, on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The goal is to move the ball into the opponent’s end zone — most often by a series of running and passing plays — and outscore the other team.
Games are divided into four 15-minute quarters, and offenses get four chances (called “downs”) to gain 10 yards and keep a drive alive. A touchdown is worth six points, and a field goal is worth three.
If you heard whistles and saw flags on the field, those were penalties — another key part of the game. Common calls include holding (illegally grabbing an opponent), offsides or a false start (moving before the snap), pass interference (disrupting a catch), roughing the passer, and facemasking. These fouls help keep the play fair and safe while adding to the strategy fans love to debate.
UT Traditions
And because this was Texas Football, we also highlighted a few traditions that make game day special: Texas mascot Bevo on the sidelines, “The Eyes of Texas” anthem, setting off of Smokey the Cannon, and the Hook ’em Horns sign.
UT competes in the Southeastern Conference and claims four national and 34 conference championships, so there’s plenty of history fueling the energy in the stands.
OSU Rivalry
For this matchup, we touched on memorable moments between UT and OSU:
Texas’ 25-22 win in 2005, the first to beat OSU at home, at night;
OSU’s 24-7 win in 2006, en route to the title game;
Texas’ 24-21 victory in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl; and
OSU’s 28-14 win in the 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Once the game began, a variety of dips and snacks were avilable for students to munch on while they cheered on the Longhorns.
Thanks to our sponsors — Pluckers, Sweetgreen, and H-E-B — the munchies included salad bowls, buffalo bites, and plenty of sodas!
Want to dive deeper into Longhorn spirit? Learn more about UT sports at our upcoming soccer event. Then, don’t forget to explore other ISSS events to stay connected and make the most of your UT experience!
This blog post was contributed by Kristin Garrison-Baker, Administrative Associate on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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