The debate over which school deserves the abbreviation “UT” has intensified now that the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners have joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The question: Who is the real “UT”—Texas or Tennessee?
In Austin and among Texas fans, “UT” is synonymous with the University of Texas. This abbreviation is tied to one of the most storied college football rivalries and two of the most prestigious flagship universities in the nation’s second-largest state, defined by the letters U, T, A, and M.
However, the SEC appears to have a different stance on the matter.
According to a reporter from the Knoxville News, a recent SEC press release designated “TEX” as the abbreviation for Texas, while Tennessee retained the “UT” designation.
Here’s what the SEC posted:
Some teasing was expected.
Texas will have an opportunity to challenge this designation when they face Tennessee in 2026.
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