Pro Sports Teams

Texas has eight professional sports teams in the "Big 4" sports leagues, fourth-most in the U.S. They also have two pro soccer teams and a WNBA as well as a rabid high school football fanbase, making this state one of the best for sports fans. These franchises are spread out across multiple cities in Texas with the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex being home to six of them.

NFL Betting in Texas

Dallas Cowboys

Official Dallas Cowboys Website | Schedule | Roster

The Dallas Cowboys joined the NFL in 1960 and quickly grew a rabid fanbase, holding the record for consecutive sell-outs. Nicknamed "America's Team," the Cowboys have eight NFC Championships and five Super Bowls, which ranks first and third, respectively. Dallas has been the epitome of success since joining the NFL and currently holds the record for consecutive winning seasons (20). Their last Super Bowl came in 1995, a 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the back of Emmitt Smith's two touchdowns.

The Cowboys compete in the NFC East and play their home games at AT&T Stadium. They are owned and managed by the infamous Jerry Jones and are coached by Mike McCarthy, who will begin his second season at the helm in 2021.

Dallas Cowboys Rivalry #1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles. This rivalry between division rivals has a storied history with plenty of distaste for one another. From the 1980 NFC Championship matchup to the Bounty Bowls where Philadelphia allegedly put a bounty on multiple Dallas players, this is as heated as it gets. There's no shortage of stories between these two franchises where the fans are just as vicious. No team has played each other more times on Sunday Night Football (15) than the Cowboys and Eagles and in 124 meetings, the Cowboys hold a 70-54 edge. Dallas holds a 3-1 playoff series advantage, too.

Dallas Cowboys Rivalry #2: vs. Washington Football Team. Having played twice a season since 1961 — they played once in 1960, Dallas' inaugural season — the rivalry is one of the most notable in the NFL. Though it has dissipated in recent years, the two have combined for eight Super Bowls and 15 conference championships. Dallas leads the all-time series, 73-47-2, but Washington has won both playoff meetings.

Houston Texans

Houston Texans Official Website | Schedule | Roster

The newest expansion team in the NFL, the Houston Texans have competed in the AFC South since 2002. Though they are the only team never to have appeared in a conference championship, the Texans have won six division titles in less than 20 years.

The team is in current disarray with 2021 offseason reports that franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson requested a trade after the hiring of GM Nick Caserio. The Texans have also brought on newly-hired head coach David Culley, who joins the team from Baltimore. Houston plays its home games at NRG Stadium.

Houston Texans Rivalry: vs. Tennessee Titans. Despite being a new franchise, the Texans' rivalry with Tennessee has gradually become a heated one. It started in 2010 when Cortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson got into a fistfight. Houston has six division championships to the Titans' four, but it's the Titans with the all-time series lead. They have won three straight over the Texans.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on football in Texas:

• How to Bet on Football Guide

NBA Betting in Texas

Dallas Mavericks

Official Dallas Mavericks Website | Schedule | Roster

The Dallas Mavericks joined the NBA in 1980 and within four years became a perennial playoff contender. The Mavericks would make five consecutive playoff appearances, never making it out of the Western Conference. It wouldn't be until 2000 where the team re-established itself as a premier contender under head coach Don Nelson. On the back of Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas made 12 straight playoff appearances including its lone championship, a six-game series win over LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2011.

The Mavericks are now led by another European superstar in Luka Doncic. They are coached by Rick Carlisle who brought Dallas its lone championship and has been at the helm since 2008. Competing in the Southwest Division, Dallas plays its home games at American Airlines Center, which they share with the NHL's Dallas Stars.

Dallas Mavericks Rivalry #1: vs. San Antonio Spurs. Known as the I-35 Rivalry for the highway connecting both cities, the two teams play four times each season as part of the Southwest Conference. Though not as fierce as other NBA rivalries, no team has played the Mavericks more than the Spurs. The two have met in six playoff series and 221 total games.

Dallas Mavericks Rivalry #2: vs. Houston Rockets. The other in-state rivalry in Texas, these division rivals meet four times a season. Like San Antonio, it's Houston that has experienced recent success, winning or tying over the last seven seasons. But in their three playoff meetings, the Mavericks have won two of the series.

Houston Rockets

Official Houston Rockets Website | Schedule | Roster

The Houston Rockets' origin can be traced back to 1967, joining the NBA as the San Diego Rockets. Four years later, they would relocate to Houston, which has been home ever since. A decade would pass by before the Rockets' first-ever season above .500, but that very year they made a conference finals run.

Houston has won two championships in franchise history, coming back-to-back in 1994-95 under head coach Rudy Tomjanovich. That was the height of the Rockets' franchise with Hakeem Olajuwon leading the way. The team would bolster its rotation with the addition of Clyde Drexler after its first championship, making quick work of the Magic in a four-game sweep in 1995.

The Rockets are currently led by first-year head coach Stephen Silas. He last was an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks. Since trading star James Harden at the beginning of the season, the Rockets have struggled tremendously. Houston competes in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference and plays its home games at the Toyota Center.

Houston Rockets Rivalry #1: vs. San Antonio Spurs. Known as the I-10 Rivalry for the highway that connects the two stadiums three hours apart, this in-state rivalry began in 1976 with both teams starting in the Eastern Conference. The two would move to the West together four years later. Despite the Spurs' all-time lead in 215 meetings — through February 2021 — the Rockets have won three of four playoff series, including the 1995 Western Conference Finals.

Houston Rockets Rivalry #2: vs. Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets hold the all-time series lead in 200 total meetings — including the postseason —dominating over the last decade. These two teams have experienced alternating decades of dominance with the Rockets winning two NBA Finals and dominating Dallas in the 1990s. Dallas and Dirk Nowitzki would bounce back in the 2000s before the Rockets re-established dominance. All three playoff series have come in the first round with the Rockets winning the most recent bout, 4-1, in 2015.

San Antonio Spurs

Official San Antonio Spurs Website | Schedule | Roster

The San Antonio Spurs have long been the standard for excellence in the NBA and are five-time NBA Champions. All five have come under the reign of future Hall of Fame head coach Gregg Popovich and star power forward Tim Duncan. Their last championship came in 2014, a dominant 4-1 series win over LeBron James and the Miami Heat. It was the beginning of Kawhi Leonard's quick ascent to stardom, winning MVP of the NBA Finals.

The Spurs originally started in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in Dallas in 1967. They would move to San Antonio three years later where they would remain ever since, even through the 1976 ABA-NBA merger.

Popovich remains the head coach of the Spurs and is in his 25th season with the team. The Spurs compete in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference and play home games at AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs Rivalry #1: vs. Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs and Lakers storied rivalry has intensified due to its 12 playoff series, six of which have come in the 2000s — including five consecutive from 1999-04.  The Spurs hold an all-time series lead over the Lakers, but it's Los Angeles with an 8-4 series advantage in the postseason. Surprisingly enough, there has never been a Game 7 between the two.

San Antonio Spurs Rivalry #2: vs. Dallas Mavericks. This in-state rivalry has been largely dominated by the Spurs who lead the all-time series and have won four of six playoff series. The rivalry has taken a step back in terms of intensity over the last few years as the Spurs have won the season series or tied in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Texas:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

MLB Betting in Texas

Houston Astros

Official Houston Astros Website | Schedule | Roster

The Houston Astros began play in the National League in 1962 as an expansion team under the name Colt .45s. Three years later, they would become the Astros and move into the infamous Astrodome, the first-ever domed sports stadium. Houston would move to the American League in 2013 and win its lone World Series four years later (2017).

The Astros are a part of the biggest MLB scandal of the 21st century after being caught using cameras and video monitors to steal opposing catchers' signs during the 2017 season and postseason. Houston would then relay the signs to hitters through loud bangs inside the dugout.

Dusty Baker was hired to replace then-manager A.J. Hinch, who was fired as a result of the scandal, in 2020. He led the Astros to a Wild Card berth and its fourth consecutive American League Championship Series. The Astros compete in the AL West and play its home games at Minute Maid Park.

Houston Astros Rivalry #1: vs. Texas Rangers. Nicknamed the Lone Star Series, these in-state rivals first met in 2001 during interleague play. The two would play a six-game series throughout the season with the winner being awarded the Silver Boot. This rivalry would grow stronger in 2013 when the Astros moved to the American League and were placed in the Rangers' division. The two now play a 19-game series each year. In a shortened 2020 season, the two tied in a 10-game series, but Houston has won the previous three outright.

Houston Astros Rivalry #2: vs. Oakland Athletics. This rivalry has slowly become the biggest in the AL West over the last few seasons, with both teams now competing for the division crown annually. Fuel was added to the fire when former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers became the whistleblower on the sign-stealing scandal and signed with Oakland in 2018. In 2020, the two teams brawled after Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron made an inappropriate remark about A's outfielder Ramon Laureano's mother. The Astros defeated Oakland later that season in the ALDS.

Texas Rangers

Official Texas Rangers Website | Schedule | Roster

The origins of the Texas Rangers can be traced back to 1961 when the franchise joined MLB as the Washington Senators. One decade later, the Senators would move to Arlington and become the Texas Rangers. Despite making back-to-back World Series in 2010-11, the Rangers were unable to bring home a championship. Their last playoff appearance came in 2016.

The Rangers have hit a rough stretch since, failing to finish above .500 each season and often ending up at the bottom of the American League West. Texas moved to brand-new Globe Life Field in 2020 but were unable to showcase it to fans in the regular season due to COVID-19. The stadium would host the NLCS and World Series, which MLB allowed a limited attendance for. They are managed by Chris Woodward.

Texas Rangers Rivalry #1: vs. Houston Astros. Despite playing baseball in the same state for roughly 60 years, it wasn't until 2001 when the two franchises first met. Since then, the rivalry has only grown. The Rangers are on a three-game win streak and lead the all-time series, 120-95, despite struggling against Houston over the last few years.

Texas Rangers Rivalry #2: vs. Los Angeles Angels. This rivalry's height came in the early 2010s when both teams were among the American League's best. Tack on being division rivals in the AL West, where they play 19 games a year, and the intensity only increases. Despite trailing in the all-time series, the Rangers have won two more AL pennants and three division titles since 2010 than the Angels.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on baseball in Texas:

• How to Bet on Baseball Guide

NHL Betting in Texas

Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars Official Website | Schedule | Roster

The Dallas Stars were introduced as an expansion team for the 1967 season, initially competing as the Minnesota North Stars. They would relocate to Dallas at the start of the 1993 season. The height of the Stars' success came at the end of the 1990s where the franchise won back-to-back Presidents' Trophies and the 1999 Stanley Cup. Their most recent playoff appearance came in 2020, a Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Stars currently play their home games at American Airlines Center and are coached by Rick Bowness who led the team to the finals in his first-ever season at the helm. They are led by captain Jamie Benn and center Joe Pavelski.

Dallas Stars Rivalry: vs. St. Louis Blues. The Stars don't have a clear-cut rival, but both them and the Blues joined the NHL together as expansion teams in 1967. They have played one another 14 separate times in the playoffs — five Game 7s — with the Blues holding an 8-6 all-time series lead. Dallas has played no opponent more than the Blues and will soon hit 300 total games.

Soccer Betting in Texas

FC Dallas

Official FC Dallas Website | Schedule | Roster

One of the original franchises from MLS's inaugural season in 1996, the franchise was originally named the Dallas Burn. They would switch to FC Dallas in 2004. They have never won the MLS Cup but have taken home a Supports' Shield — best regular-season record — and two U.S. Open Cups.

FC Dallas is owned by the Hunt family, who also own the Kansas City Chiefs. The soccer club is coached by Luchi Gonzalez and plays home games at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

Houston Dynamo FC

Official Houston Dynamo FC Website | Schedule | Roster

Houston Dynamo FC joined as an expansion team in 2006 and instantly found success in the MLS. The Dynamo won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season and would go back-to-back in 2007. Though the soccer club hasn't won since, Houston was able to reach the finals twice more and win the U.S. Open Cup in 2018.

The Dynamo is owned by a group of five that includes NBA All-Star James Harden and infamous boxer Oscar De La Hoya. The club is led by head coach Tab Ramos and plays its home games at BBVA Stadium.

Texas Derby — FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo 

This is the annual matchup between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo where both clubs play for El Capitán. The series' first matchup came in 2006, and the two play three games during the year to determine the winner. The Dynamo dominated early but FC Dallas has won three straight and six of the last eight series. Since 2013, Dallas is 10-3-8. These two teams have also met twice in the MLS Playoffs, splitting the games.

Austin FC

Austin FC will join MLS as the league's 27th franchise in 2021. The soccer club is coached by Josh Wolff and will play its home games at Q2 Stadium.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Texas:

• How to Bet on Soccer Guide

WNBA Betting in Texas

Dallas Wings

Official Dallas Wings Website | Schedule | Roster

The Dallas Wings have relocated twice since its founding in 1998, originally introduced as the Detroit Shock. The franchise would move to Tulsa in 2010 before rebranding and moving to Dallas as the Wings in 2016, which has been home ever since. The Wings have never won since leaving Detroit, but they have three championships and made three consecutive final appearances from 2006-08.

The Wings have hit a rough stretch over the last decade, making the playoffs just three times since 2020. They are coached by Vickie Johnson, in her first season at the helm, and play home games at College Park Center in Arlington.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Texas:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

College Sports Teams

There are 24 colleges in Texas that field Division I athletic programs, no school more popular than Texas. The football program has a storied history and is the most successful athletics program in the Lone Star State. In college basketball, Texas fields four programs that often find themselves in or around the top-25 annually.

College Football Betting in Texas

Texas Longhorns Football

Texas Longhorns | Schedule | Roster

One of the most historic college football programs of all time, Texas ranks fourth all-time in wins and is tied for second with 57 bowl game appearances. Since their inaugural season in 1893, the Longhorns have been a dominant force, taking in 32 conference titles.

Texas claims four National Championships, its latest coming in the infamous 2006 Rose Bowl, where Vince Young scrambled eight yards for the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the game. Texas snapped USC's 34-game win streak.

The Longhorns compete in the Big 12 Conference and play their home games at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on campus in Austin, Texas. It is the eighth-largest stadium in college football with a capacity of 100,119. Texas is led by first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, who won the 2020 National Championship as offensive coordinator of Alabama.

Texas Longhorns Rivalry #1: vs. Oklahoma Sooners. The "Red River Showdown" — also known as the "Red River Shootout" — is one of the most iconic rivalries in college football. These annual games often feature high-scoring affairs between the two brutes of the Big 12. This rivalry dates back to 1900 but picked up in 1929 when the teams signed a 10-year contract that has carried on for nearly 100 years since. These teams play for three trophies, as well. The most notable is the Golden Hat, given to the winning team on the field after the game ends. But the Red River Rivalry trophy and Governors' Trophy are also exchanged, these to the winning side's student government and governor, respectively. In 116 games, Texas holds the series lead, 62-49-5. The Sooners, however, hold a three-game win streak over the Longhorns.

Texas Longhorns Rivalry #2: vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders. Though this has been a largely one-sided affair, this is the biggest in-state rivalry and remains an annual series. The winner of the matchup is awarded The Chancellor's Spurs, which has been exchanged since the 1996 season. The Longhorns lead the all-time series, 53-17, and are on a current three-game win streak over the Red Raiders.

Texas A&M Aggies Football

Texas A&M Aggies | Schedule | Roster

The second-most successful college football program out of Texas, the Aggies have three claimed national titles and 18 conference championships in their 127-year history. Unlike the other Power 5 schools in the state, Texas A&M competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), moving from the Big 12 in 2012.

The Aggies have produced two Heisman winners, including Johnny Manziel, and have competed in 44 bowl games. Since Jimbo Fisher was named head coach in 2018, the Aggies are 26-10, including a New Year's Six win over North Carolina in the Orange Bowl in 2020. Texas A&M plays its home games at Kyle Field on campus, the fourth-largest stadium with a capacity of 102,733.

Texas A&M Aggies Rivalry #1: vs. LSU Tigers. Though the origin of this rivalry dates all the way back to 1899, the series has taken a step up since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012. It has been held annually ever since, with LSU holding the all-time series lead, 34-22-3. Texas A&M won the most recent matchup in 2020.

Texas A&M Aggies Rivalry #2: vs. Texas Longhorns. This rivalry, if renewed, will be established as the biggest in-state rivalry. However, these two teams have not played on the gridiron since 2011 after Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC. Nicknamed the "Lone Star Showdown," Texas leads the all-time series, 76-37-5. The Longhorns won the last matchup between the two, 27-25.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Football

Texas Tech Red Raiders | Schedule | Roster

Though not as successful as their in-state rival, Texas, the Red Raiders have produced 11 conference titles and an all-time wining percentage of .552 since their inaugural season in 1925. Texas Tech's height came under Mike Leach in the 2000s, when he took the team to nine bowl games and became the winningest head coach in program history.

Texas Tech plays its home games at Jones AT&T Stadium on campus in Lubbock. A member of the Big 12 Conference, the Red Raiders are coached by Matt Wells.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Rivalry #1: vs. Texas Longhorns. This in-state rivalry has been largely dominated by Texas, with the Longhorns taking home 19 of the 24 games since the Chancellor's Spurs were introduced in 1996. Texas Tech's last win came in 2017 when the Red Raiders scored 14 unanswered, including a touchdown with 1:47 left.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Rivalry #2: vs. Baylor Bears. There is no team that Texas Tech has played more than in-state foe Baylor. The two first met in 1929, and the rivalry has remained strong ever since. This Big 12 rivalry is tied at 39-39-1 after the Red Raiders hit a game-winning field as time expired in 2020.

Baylor Bears Football

Baylor Bears | Schedule | Roster

Baylor football has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, with its best decades coming in the 1980s and 2010s. But it was the latter, as members of the Big 12 Conference, when Baylor became a national powerhouse under Art Briles and star quarterback Robert Griffin III.

RGIII is the only Heisman winner in Baylor Bears history, leading the team to back-to-back bowl games for the first time in 20 years. Baylor would continue its success after Griffin III's departure for the NFL, winning its only two Big 12 Conference championships in program history.

Baylor plays its home games at McLane Stadium and is led by Dave Aranda in his first stint as head coach in college football.

Baylor Bears Rivalry #1: vs. TCU Horned Frogs. Tied for the second-longest rivalry among teams in the Big 12 at 116 games, these two teams first met in 1899. This rivalry was held nearly every year from their first-ever meeting until 1995 when the Southwest Conference disbanded. The two re-established the rivalry annually when TCU joined the Big 12 in 2012.

Baylor Bears Rivalry #2: vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders. Though the Red Raiders won 15 straight against Baylor at one point, this all-time series is tied. The two have met annually since 1956 and have been in the same conference since 1960 (first the Southwest, then the Big 12). Baylor hosts the next meeting between the two on Nov. 27, 2021, in Waco.

TCU Horned Frogs Football

TCU Horned Frogs | Schedule | Roster

TCU football is among the more successful Power 5 schools — though most of their postseason success came before joining the Big 12 — winning 18 conference titles and two National Championships (1935, 1938). TCU plays its home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium and is coached by Gary Patterson, the winningest head coach in Horned Frogs history.

Since Patterson took over as head coach in 2001, TCU has seen success in all three conferences it's competed in: Conference USA, Mountain West and Big 12. Not only is Patterson 172-70 as head coach of the Horned Frogs, but he led them to an undefeated season in 2010, 11 double-digit winning seasons in his 20 years, and an 11-6 record in bowl games.

TCU Horned Frogs Rivalry #1: vs. SMU Mustangs. Beginning as rivals in the Southwest Conference, the rivalry between TCU and SMU has continued despite the conference's dissolution. The two programs have competed annually since 1915, missing just seven years total (2020 being the seventh due to COVID-19). Each year the two compete for the Iron Skillet trophy, handed to the winning team at the end of the game. TCU leads the all-time series, 51-41-7.

TCU Horned Frogs Rivalry #2: vs. Baylor Bears. Despite the two teams not being located in Waco anymore, the campuses remain less than 90 miles apart. Also known as "The Revivalry," this features an annual matchup between two private Christian schools. TCU leads the all-time series, 56-53-7, and won the most recent game in 2020.

Houston Cougars Football

Houston Cougars | Schedule | Roster

Since 2003, Houston football has found plenty of success despite taking home just two conference championships. The Cougars have won six division championships — four in Conference USA and two out of the American Athletic Conference — and have competed in 14 bowl games since. The height of their success came under Tom Herman, who went 22-4 in his two years as head coach, including Houston's first-ever American Conference championship. The Cougars play their home games at TDECU Stadium and are coached by Dana Holgorsen.

Houston Cougars Rivalry #1: vs. Rice Owls. A largely one-sided rivalry, this in-state battle began in 1971 with both teams competing in the Southwest Conference. Both sides continue to try and fit this matchup in their nonconference schedule, though 2020 was postponed due to COVID. The winner of this rivalry is awarded the Bayou Bucket, which has been in Houston's possession since 2011.

Houston Cougars Rivalry #2: vs. SMU Mustangs. This rivalry extends back to the Southwest Conference days but continued when the two joined Conference USA before moving to the American, where they've been ever since.  SMU even placed a billboard advertising its team being one mile away from Houston's campus back in 2017, proving this rivalry remains strong. This year's matchup was postponed due to COVID, but the series has been held annually since 2005. Houston has the all-time lead, 21-13-1.

SMU Mustangs Football

SMU Mustangs | Schedule | Roster

The most successful mid-major franchise in Texas, SMU claims three national titles and has won 11 conference championships. Its last came in 1982, a 7-3 win over Pittsburgh: Eric Dickerson ran for 124 yards while quarterback Lance McIlhenny's fourth-quarter nine-yard touchdown run gave SMU the win.

The Mustangs joined the American Athletic Conference in 2013, and while they haven't won a conference championship, they're a combined 17-6 over the last two seasons under head coach Sonny Dykes. SMU plays its home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on campus at University Park in Dallas.

SMU Mustangs Rivalry #1: vs. TCU Horned Frogs. This is SMU's most intense rivalry despite the two competing in different conferences. Dating back over 100 years, this is the Mustangs' most played series. Despite TCU leading the all-time series and dominating most of the last decade, SMU holds the Iron Skillet trophy as defending champions of the annual battle.

SMU Mustangs Rivalry #2: vs. North Texas Mean Green. This has largely been a one-sided affair dominated by SMU, but the rivalry remains incredibly strong. The matchup is nicknamed the Safeway Bowl after then-Mean Green coach Matt Simon said in 1994, "If they'd like to play on a Safeway parking lot ... just give us a time and date." SMU leads the all-time series, 33-6-1.

North Texas Mean Green Football

North Texas Mean Green | Schedule | Roster

North Texas' inaugural season came in 1913, but it bounced around the Division I and Division I-AA levels until 1995. After five years in the Big West, the Mean Green joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2001, winning four consecutive conference championships.

The Mean Green once again moved conferences, this time to Conference USA for the 2013-14 season. Though North Texas has made five bowl games since — including four in the last five years — it has yet to win a conference championship. They are coached by Seth Littrell and play home games at Apogee Stadium.

North Texas Mean Green Rivalry: vs. SMU Mustangs. This is North Texas' main rival despite competing in different conferences. Both programs have set up an annual matchup that started in 2014, renewing the rivalry through the 2025 season. There have been 39 total meetings between North Texas and SMU, with the Mustangs on a current two-game winning streak.

Rice Owls Football

Rice Owls | Schedule | Roster

Rice football was established in 1912 and has won eight conference titles, its latest coming in 2013 as a member of Conference USA. The Owls have struggled tremendously over the last 50 years, as no coach outside of Todd Graham (one season at the helm in 2006) has finished with an above-.500 record. David Bailiff, despite his 57-80 record, took the Owls to three bowl wins in four games and a conference championship. The Owls play their home games at Rice Stadium and are coached by Mike Bloomgren.

Rice Owls Rivalry: vs. Houston Cougars. Despite Rice competing in Conference USA and Houston the American, these cross-town rivals continue to find openings for one another in nonconference play. After last season was postponed due to COVID, the Owls will look to end their five-game win streak when they host Houston next on Sept. 11, 2021.

Texas State Bobcats Football

Texas State Bobcats | Schedule | Roster

Texas State is the newest Division I FBS program in the state of Texas, joining the Western Athletic Conference in 2012. The Bobcats jumped to the Sun Belt Conference a year later and in their nine-year tenure at the FBS level have finished just once above .500. Texas State plays its home games at Bobcats Stadium and is coached by Jake Spavital.

Texas State Bobcats Rivalry: vs. UTSA Roadrunners. Nicknamed the"I-35 Rivalry" for the highway that connects the two campuses, these two teams first met in 2012 once the Bobcats joined the FBS. But it wasn't until 2017 when these two programs played again. Since then, it's been announced that starting in 2023, Texas State and UTSA will face off annually through the 2031 season.

UTSA Roadrunners Football

UTSA Roadrunners | Schedule | Roster

Founded in 2011 and currently the newest program in Texas college football, UTSA followed a similar path as rival Texas State. The Roadrunners played their inaugural season in 2011 as an independent before joining the WAC for one season. They hopped to Conference USA instead of the Sun Belt like their rivals. UTSA has been to two bowl games in its short stint as a program but lost both. The Roadrunners are coached by Jeff Traylor, who led the team to a 7-5 season his first year at the helm. They play their home games at the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio.

UTSA Roadrunners Rivalry: vs. Texas State Bobcats. This new but growing rivalry has been controlled by UTSA, as the Roadrunners have won all four games. This in-state rivalry that's already strong in college basketball will only take off on the gridiron when the annual series begins in 2023. UTSA won the last meeting, 51-48, in double overtime.

UTEP Miners Football

UTEP Miners | Schedule | Roster

UTEP football, formerly known as Texas Western, has struggled over the last decade, putting together just one winning season in that span. The Miners do have two conference titles — one as part of the Borderline Conference in 1956 and another in the Western Athletic Conference in 2000 — and have been to 14 bowl games. UTEP now competes in Conference USA and is coached by Dana Dimel. They play their home games at the Sun Bowl on campus in El Paso.

UTEP Miners Rivalry: vs. New Mexico State Aggies. Despite being across state lines, the "Battle of I-10" has consisted of 97 total meetings since 1914. The winning team is awarded the Silver Spade and Mayor's Cup after each matchup. The Aggies are on a three-game win streak but did not have a 2020 football season due to COVID — the first time these two programs didn't play since 2003. UTEP leads the all-time series, 57-38-2.

Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college football in Texas:

• College Football Returning Production & Transfer Grades
• College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public

College Basketball Betting in Texas

Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball

Texas Longhorns | Schedule | Roster

Established in 1906, Texas basketball ranks top-20 in all-time wins and has won 27 regular-season conference championships. Yet, it has never won a national title. In 35 total NCAA Tournament appearances the Longhorns have made the Elite Eight seven times and the Final Four on three occasions. They are the defending National Invitation Tournament (NIT) champions.

Texas competes in the Big 12 Conference and is led by new head coach Chris Beard. The Longhorns play their home games at the Frank Erwin Center on campus, the largest stadium in the conference with a capacity of 16,734.

Texas Longhorns Rivalry: vs. Oklahoma Sooners. While this Big 12 rivalry is more intense in football, Texas and Oklahoma basketball rank second and third in all-time wins in conference play. The formation of the Big 12 in 1996 only accelerated the rivalry between these programs that now face one another twice a year. Oklahoma leads the all-time series over Texas, but it's the Longhorns with the most recent win.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Men's Basketball

Texas Tech Red Raiders | Schedule | Roster

Texas Tech basketball has had its ups and downs, but when Chris Beard took over in 2016, the Red Raiders have become one of the top teams in the Big 12 year in and year out. Beard had the best winning percentage in program history and led the Red Raiders to not only its first-ever Elite Eight in 2018, but a National Championship appearance a year later. Unfortunately for Red Raider fans, Beard left the program in 2021 to become the head coach at rival Texas. Teach Tech is now led by Mark Adams.

In total, Texas Tech has made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and has won 12 regular-season conference championships. The Red Raiders currently compete in the Big 12 Conference and play their home games at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Rivalry: vs. Texas Longhorns. At least in recent years and for the majority of the two programs' history, these are the brutes of Texas. No team has played Texas Tech more than its in-state and division rival. Even though the Longhorns lead the all-time series, it's the Red Raiders that have dominated in recent memory with seven wins over their last nine.

Baylor Bears Men's Basketball

Baylor Bears | Schedule | Roster

Securing its first-ever Big 12 regular season championship, Baylor basketball capped off a magical season with a dismantling of Gonzaga in the 2021 national championship game. The Bears have slowly become contenders in the NCAA Tournament under longtime head coach Scott Drew, making the postseason all but once since 2012.

Baylor did make the NCAA Tournament championship in 1948, a loss to Kentucky, but has yet to make a return since. Drew is in his 18th year as head coach of the Bears and is the winningest head coach in program history. Baylor plays its home games at the Ferrell Center on campus in Waco.

Baylor Bears Rivalry: vs. TCU Horned Frogs. This rivalry is more renowned in football, but the intensity remains strong. TCU is the Bears' fourth most-played opponent of all-time. These Big 12 conference matchups between the two programs occur twice a year — though this year's second game was postponed due to COVID-19 — with Baylor holding the series lead, 98-85.

Houston Cougars Men's Basketball

Houston Cougars | Schedule | Roster

The height of Houston basketball came in the early 1980s with its "Phi Slama Jama" squad led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. The Cougars made three straight Final Fours from 1982-84 and back-to-back National Championship appearances in the latter two seasons. They lost both games.

Houston largely struggled over the next 2.5 decades until Kelvin Sampson was named head coach in 2014. Four years later, the Cougars turned into a powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference. They have won three straight conference championships from 2019-2021 and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the 22nd time in program history in 2021. Houston plays its home games at the Fertitta Center on campus.

Houston Cougars Rivalry: vs. SMU Mustangs. Similar to its football rivalry, Houston and SMU first became rivals when the Cougars joined the Southwest Conference in 1972. then revived in 2005 after a near-decade break when SMU joined the Conference USA. The two would transition together to the American Athletic Conference together and are the conference's only two Texas teams. Houston swept this year's two-game series and leads all-time, 55-33.

Texas A&M Aggies Men's Basketball

Texas A&M Aggies | Schedule | Roster

Texas A&M basketball's dominant era came from 2006-11 when the Aggies made six consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Since joining the SEC Conference, however, they haven't experienced similar success. Though A&M has never made it to the Elite Eight in program history, the program has six Sweet 16 appearances, their last coming in 2018, an eventual loss to third-seeded Michigan. The Aggies are coached by Buzz Williams, now in his second season at the helm, and play home games at Reed Arena.

Texas A&M Aggies Rivalry: vs. Arkansas Razorbacks. Because of the Aggies' affiliation with the SEC and not Big 12, like every other Power Five university in Texas, their main rival comes out of state against conference foe Arkansas. Since Texas A&M's transition to the SEC, these two programs often play twice a year. The Razorbacks lead the all-time series and are the Aggies' fourth most-played opponent.

TCU Horned Frogs Men's Basketball

TCU Horned Frogs | Schedule | Roster

The Horned Frogs have struggled to break through the gauntlet of the Big 12, failing to win a conference championship since joining in 2012. But since the hiring of head coach Jamie Dixon, TCU won the National Invitation Tournament in 2017 and secured its first NCAA Tournament berth in 20 seasons. The Horned Frogs play its home games at Schollmaier Arena.

TCU Horned Frogs Rivalry: vs. Baylor Bears. These two in-state rivals that once called Waco home remain rivals in the Big 12 Conference. Both teams have had double-digit win streaks at one point in this series that spans 11 decades. The Horned Frogs are 44-42 defending their home floor and the two have split the last 10 matchups overall.

SMU Mustangs Men's Basketball

SMU Mustangs | Schedule | Roster

SMU basketball competes in the American Athletic Conference but was most successful as part of the Southwest Conference in the mid-1950s through the 1960s. That's where the Mustangs took home eight conference championships and made its lone Final Four appearance in 1956. The Mustangs last made the NCAA Tournament in 2017, current head coach Tim Jankovich's first official year at the helm. His team finished 30-5, setting a program record for wins in a single season. SMU currently plays its home games at Moody Coliseum.

SMU Mustangs Rivalry: vs. Houston Cougars. Even though SMU has struggled in the American over the last few years, the Cougars and Mustangs' rivalry remains strong. These two programs have competed across three conferences and have played nearly 90 times over 65 seasons. Even though Houston has won six of the last seven, the series is even over the last 16 games.

Rice Owls Men's Basketball

Rice Owls | Schedule | Roster

Rice basketball has largely struggled over the last 60 years as no head coach has finished their tenure with a record above .500 since Don Suman left Rice in 1959. The Owls' last NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1970, an eventual Round of 64 exit to New Mexico State. Rice plays its home games at Tudor Fieldhouse and is coached by Scott Pera in his fourth season. Pera has slowly turned the program around and is 24-20 over the last two years.

Rice Owls Rivalry: vs. Houston Cougars. Just five miles separates these two schools that once competed together in the Southwest Conference. Despite competing in different conferences, the two try and fit one another in their nonconference slate. The winner of these matchups is awarded the Bayou Cup, though it's been a largely one-sided affair in favor of the Cougars.

North Texas Mean Green Men's Basketball

North Texas Mean Green | Schedule | Roster

North Texas joined Conference USA in 2013 where the program has slowly become one of the brutes under head coach Grant McCasland. Since he's taken over, North Texas has never finished below .500. The Mean Green secured the 2020 conference championship and seemed primed to make its first postseason appearance in a decade, only for COVID-19 to shut down any chance. Prior to C-USA, the Mean Green competed in the Sun Belt where they made two of their three NCAA Tournament appearances. North Texas plays its home games at The Super Pit on campus in Denton.

North Texas Mean Green Rivalry: vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders. This rivalry extends back to the Sun Belt days and has continued since both transitioned to Conference USA. Though MTSU holds the all-time series lead, North Texas has won two straight over the Blue Raiders.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Men's Basketball

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks | Schedule | Roster

One of the mid-major teams that has long dominated the Southland Conference, Stephen F. Austin is no stranger to March Madness. The Lumberjacks have made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2014, twice pulling off major first-round upsets. Most notable is that 2014 upset over No. 5-seeded VCU where Desmond Haymon was fouled on a 3 and converted a four-point play with under four seconds left to force overtime. SFA would go on to win, 77-75. The Lumberjacks play their home games at William R. Johnson Coliseum and are led by fifth-year head coach Kyle Keller.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Rivalry: vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats. Competing against one another in the Southland Conference, Stephen F. Austin has played no opponent more than Sam Houston State. These in-state rivals have faced off 100 total times with the Lumberjacks holding the all-time lead, 54-46.

UTEP Miners Men's Basketball

UTEP Miners | Schedule | Roster

Formerly known as Texas Western, the UTEP Miners have struggled in recent years but are arguably the most successful mid-major programs in Texas. The Miners have made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and are 1966 champions. UTEP fielded the first all-black starting lineup in a title game against Kentucky's all-white roster, the inspiration for the 2006 film "Glory Road." The Miners haven't returned to the NCAA Tournament since 2010. They are coached by Rodney Terry and play home games at the Don Haskins Center.

UTEP Miners Rivalry: vs. New Mexico State Aggies. This is UTEP's most-played opponent by over 40 games as the Battle of I-10 extends well past football. Though they compete in different conferences for basketball, the two were longtime Western Athletic Conference competitors. Still, despite all that, UTEP manages to play New Mexico State twice a season, save for 2021's schedule. In 146 games, the Aggies hold a slight four-game edge over the Miners.

UT Arlington Mavericks Men's Basketball

UT Arlington Mavericks | Schedule | Roster

UT Arlington competes in the Sun Belt Conference and, despite winning the regular-season conference championship in 2017, fell short of an NCAA Tournament berth. The Mavericks' lone postseason appearance came in 2008 as a 16-seed. They are coached by Chris Ogden who won Sun Belt Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm back in 2018-19 after leading the Mavericks to a 17-16 record,  12-6 in conference play. UT Arlington plays its home games at College Park Center.

UT Arlington Mavericks Rivalry: Texas State Bobcats. This rivalry extends back to the Southwest Conference days in 1987 and has extended between three conferences over nearly 35 years. The two now compete in the Sun Belt Conference and play twice a season where UT Arlington leads the all-time series, 40-36.

Abilene Christian Wildcats Men's Basketball

Abilene Christian Wildcats | Schedule | Roster

Abilene Christian rejoined Division I after a 40-year stint in Division II, becoming part of the Southland Conference for the 2013-14 season. After a few years of adjusting to its new conference, Abilene Christian slowly found success under longtime head coach Joe Golding. In 2019, the Wildcats went 27-7 and made its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Golding is in his eighth season at the helm for the Wildcats who play their games on campus at Moody Coliseum — yes, the same name as SMU's home stadium, but a different venue.

Abilene Christian Wildcats Rivalry: vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals. The Wildcats do not have a fully-developed rivalry due to its newness at the Division I level, but Incarnate World is their closest rival spreading across all athletics. Both compete in the Southland Conference where Abilene Christian sits among the brutes. This in-state battle has shared stints of dominance from both teams with Abilene Christian on a current eight-game win streak.

Texas State Bobcats Men's Basketball

Texas State Bobcats | Schedule | Roster

Texas State basketball joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 and secured its first-ever conference regular-season championship in 2021. The Bobcats will look to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1997 and third overall. Texas State's Danny Kasper resigned as head coach midseason after being placed under investigation for racially-insensitive remarks; Terrence Johnson is the current interim head coach. The Bobcats play their home games at Strahan Arena.

Texas State Bobcats Rivalry: vs. UT Arlington Mavericks. This in-state is always back and forth but it's Texas State that has held the edge as of late, winning three straight. The two schools normally always compete near the middle or top of the Sun Belt Conference and the matchups between the Bobcats and Mavericks are always close. The point differential between these two teams is under 1.0 points per game.

Texas Southern Tigers Men's Basketball

Texas Southern Tigers | Schedule | Roster

Texas Southern competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, consisting of historically black colleges and universities. The Tigers have made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, all coming from 1990 on, their last coming in 2018. They were able to down North Carolina Central in the First Four before falling to Xavier in the following round. Texas Southern's most successful stretch came under then-head coach Mike Davis who led the team to four NCAA Tournament berths in six seasons. The Tigers are now coached by Johnny Jones and play their home games at the Health and Physical Education Arena.

Texas Southern Tigers Rivalry: vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers. This intra-division rivalry remains the strongest in the SWAC year in and year out. Both teams host one another each season and often come down to the wire. The Tigers lead the all-time series over the Panthers, 65-27.

Lamar Cardinals Men's Basketball

Lamar Cardinals | Schedule | Roster

Lamar basketball began its transition to Division I in 1964 but it wouldn't be until four years later the Cardinals officially joined the Southland Conference. The height of the program came in a five-year stretch from 1979-1983, as Lamar made four NCAA Tournament appearances — winning their Round of 64 game every time — and even made a Sweet 16 run with wins over Weber State and Oregon State in 1980. The Cardinals' last postseason showing came in 2012. They are coached by Tic Price and play home games at the Montagne Center.

Lamar Cardinals Rivalry: vs. McNeese State Cowboys. Lamar's most-played opponent, the "Battle of the Border" happens twice a year against Southland Conference foes. The Cardinals lead the all-time series and have dominated in recent years, including a two-game sweep in 2021. Lamar last beat McNeese State by nine on March 6 to end its regular season.

Prairie View A&M Panthers Men's Basketball

Prairie View A&M Panthers | Schedule | Roster

Like Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M is part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and an HBCU. The Panthers have become the brutes of the conference, winning two straight SWAC championships with a chance to win its third consecutive in 2021. Prairie View A&M has made two NCAA Tournament appearances — in 1998 and 2019 — and is coached by Byron Smith. The Panthers play home games at William J. Nicks Building.

Prairie View A&M Panthers Rivalry: vs. Texas Southern. This HBCU rivalry normally attracts the largest attendance each season and is just a 50-minute drive from each campus. Though Texas Southern holds the all-time lead, Prairie View A&M swept the 2021 series.

UTSA Roadrunners Men's Basketball

UTSA Roadrunners | Schedule | Roster

UTSA's inaugural season came in 1981 and has bounced around four conferences in its 30 years as a program. The Roadrunners have made four NCAA Tournament appearances, once each decade. Their last came in 2011 with a First Four win over Alabama State before a Round of 64 loss to Ohio State. UTSA currently competes in Conference USA, is coached by Steve Henson, and plays home games at the Convocation Center.

UTSA Roadrunners Rivalry: vs. Texas State Bobcats. Though their rivalry is strong in football, the I-35 Rivalry showcases over 60 college basketball matchups. Despite both teams' departure from the WAC in 2013 and choosing different conferences, this rivalry has been held annually every year outside of 2021. The Roadrunners lead the all-time series and downed the Bobcats, 77-71, in their most recent bout.

Sam Houston State Bearkats Men's Basketball 

Sam Houston State Bearkats | Schedule | Roster

Sam Houston State competes in the Southland Conference but will move to the Western Athletic Conference in July 2022. The Bearkats completed its transition to Division I in 1987 and made its first of two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2003. Sam Houston State is coached by Jason Hooten and plays home games at Bernard Johnson Coliseum.

Sam Houston State Bearkats Rivalry: vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. In less than 50 years these two teams have squared off 100 times. While Stephen F. Austin holds an eight-game lead over the Bearkats, the home teams have dominated on their own floor. The Bearkats are 31-17 when at Bernard Johnson Coliseum but 13-34 away.

Houston Baptist Huskies Men's Basketball

Houston Baptist Huskies | Schedule | Roster

Houston Baptist originally competed as a member of NCAA Division I basketball before moving to the NAIA in 1989. They would transition back in 2007-08 and now compete in the Southland Conference. The Huskies have one NCAA Tournament appearance — 1984 — but have yet to win a conference championship since their return to Division I. Houston Baptist is coached by longtime head coach Ron Cottrell, in his 30th year at the helm, and play home games at Sharp Gymnasium.

Houston Baptist Huskies Rivalry: vs. Lamar Cardinals. While Houston Baptist doesn't have a classic rivalry, Lamar is both close in proximity and a conference rival with the Huskies. The rivalry originates in 1966 and they played nine times before Houston Baptist left for the NAIA. Since joining the Southland Conference in 2013-14, the Huskies and Cardinals have matched up 16 times. Though Lamar leads, 9-7, it's Houston Baptist taking home the most recent matchup in 2021.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders Men's Basketball

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders | Schedule | Roster

In its first season as a member of the Southland Conference in 2006-07, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi made the NCAA Tournament. Since then, the Islanders have yet to return to March Madness, though they did make the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) four consecutive years from 2014-17. Willis Wilson is in his 10th year as head coach of the Islanders, who play home games at American Bank Center.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Rivalry: vs. Texas Rio-Grande Valley Vaqueros. Established in 2016, the South Texas Showdown is now held twice a year in nonconference play between the Islanders and Vaqueros. It renewed an old rivalry where the two would face off twice a season from 2000-06 before the Islanders' move to the Southland Conference. In 25 games, it's Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a 14-11 all-time series lead.

Incarnate Word Cardinals Men's Basketball

Incarnate Word Cardinals | Schedule | Roster

Incarnate Word made the jump to Division I in the 2013 season and despite their 21-6 record in its first season as part of the Southland Conference, were ineligible for postseason play until 2018 (as part of the DII to DI transfer). The Cardinals have struggled in recent years and haven't finished above .500 in any of the last five seasons. Incarnate Word has three NCAA Tournament appearances at the DII level. The Cardinals are coached by Carson Cunningham and play home games at McDermott Convocation Center.

Incarnate Word Cardinals Rivalry: vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats. These two division rivals host a home and home each season, each sharing a four-year stretch of dominance. Both teams have an eight-game win streak in the 22-game series with Abilene Christian's still active. But Incarnate Word still holds the slight all-time edge in this in-state rivalry by two.

Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Men's Basketball

Texas Rio-Grande Valley Vaqueros | Schedule | Roster

Texas-Rio Grande Valley transitioned to Division I for the 1968-69 season and has struggled for the most part since. The Vaqueros have yet to make a postseason appearance and currently compete in the Western Athletic Conference. They are led by interim head coach Jai Steadman and play home games at UTRGV Fieldhouse.

Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Rivalry: vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders. Just 150 miles separate these two campuses that have slowly developed their rivalry over the last five years. While the Islanders lead the all-time series, it's the Vaqueros with recent success. Texas Rio-Grande Valley has won two straight and six of the last eight meetings.

Tarleton State Texans Men's Basketball

Tarleton State Texans | Schedule | Roster

Making their debut at the Division I level for the 2020-21 season, Tarleton State competes in the Western Athletic Conference. The Texans have found great success at the Division II level, making 14 tournament appearances including eight straight from 2010-17. In their inaugural season, the Tarleton State finished 10-10 with a 5-7 record in WAC play. The team is coached by two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year Billy Gillespie and plays home games at Wisdom Gym. There is no current rival for the Texans because they are in their first-ever season at the DI level.

Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college basketball in Texas:

• How to Bet on College Basketball
• Trends to Know Before Betting Conference Tournaments