In a move that has left college football fans scratching their heads, Texas and Arizona State have officially canceled their highly anticipated home-and-home series, originally slated for the 2032 and 2033 seasons. But here's where it gets controversial—is this a strategic decision or a missed opportunity for both programs? Chris Karpman of Sun Devils Source broke the news on Tuesday, revealing that the games will not be rescheduled. Instead, Arizona State will face Stanford in a non-conference series during the same timeframe. And this is the part most people miss: the cancellation comes as the SEC transitions to a nine-game conference schedule, making every win even more critical. Could this be a calculated move by Texas to prioritize conference play over high-profile non-conference matchups?
The Longhorns were set to travel to Tempe in 2032 and host the Sun Devils in Austin in 2033, but those games will now likely feature lesser opponents. Looking ahead, Texas has a formidable non-conference slate, including clashes with Ohio State (2026), Michigan (2027), and Notre Dame (2028 and 2029). Arizona State, meanwhile, will face Texas A&M (2026 and 2027), LSU (2029 and 2030), and now Stanford (2031 and 2032). The canceled series would have been a rematch of the thrilling 2025 Peach Bowl, where Texas edged out Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime. That game, marked by Arizona State’s 16-point fourth-quarter comeback, showcased the potential for another electrifying showdown—one that fans will now never see.
Texas, fresh off three consecutive 10-win seasons (a feat not achieved since 2001-2009), is poised for continued success with Heisman hopeful Arch Manning and superstar transfer Cam Coleman leading the charge. Arizona State, under Kenny Dillingham, has also shown promise, winning at least eight games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2013-2014. While the Sun Devils lost quarterback Sam Leavitt to LSU, they gained SEC All-Freshman Team quarterback Cutter Boley from Kentucky.
Both programs are on the rise, yet their paths diverged just as they were set to cross. Texas joined the SEC in 2024, the same year Arizona State entered the Big 12 after the Pac-12’s dissolution. The future looks bright for both teams, but the question remains: Did Texas and Arizona State make the right call by canceling this series, or did they miss a chance to reignite one of college football’s most exciting rivalries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this a smart strategic move, or a regrettable loss for fans?
