Texas Longhorns to Honor Flood Victims With Helmet Tribute in Season Opener

The University of Texas football team will inaugurate its season this weekend with a dramatic homage to the victims of the Central Texas floods that killed at least 135 people over July 4.

In Week One versus Ohio State, Texas Longhorns players will wear helmet stickers with the state flag and a green ribbon. Central Texas trees, businesses, and fences display the ribbon to honor catastrophe victims and survivors.

The honor gives Texas a special meaning in one of college football's biggest games. With Texas ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history, Saturday's primetime game versus the Buckeyes will be one of the most-watched of the year. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, a Heisman Trophy candidate, will lead them in the nationally broadcast game.

The helmet symbolizes sympathy with flood-stricken towns and Texans' resilience afterward. The green ribbon unites families, first responders, and volunteers in recovery across the region.

“This is more than football for us,” Steve Sarkisian stated this week. “It’s about representing Texas and standing with those who’ve suffered incredible loss.”

Massive rainstorms across numerous counties flooded rivers and lakes, displacing thousands of homes. Texas officials label it one of the deadliest natural catastrophes in recent history. Recovery is underway.

Texas seeks to combine sports success with togetherness and remembering as it pursues a national crown. The Longhorns will wear commemorative stickers on their helmets every game to spread that message.

Austin hosts Ohio State on Saturday night.