Written By
Written By
Despite the controversy of Texas Southern’s scheduling issues with Houston Dynamo FC at Shell Energy Stadium, the Tigers’ 2026 season has a marquee game. Texas Southern will host Southern at NRG Stadium on October 24th.
The two schools are no strangers to the home of the Texans. From 2003 to 2010 and in 2012 and 2014, Texas Southern played Prairie View A&M in the Labor Day Classic at then-Reliant Stadium.
Southern’s most well-known appearance at NRG Stadium was in the 2005 Bayou Classic, but also played in two SWAC Championships in 2013 and 2014 at NRG Stadium. The Jaguars also played Prairie View A&M there in 2010.
The two schools also crossed paths in 2007 for a game at NRG Stadium. 8,164 fans showed up to see Southern beat Texas Southern 56-7. Jaguar quarterback Bryant Lee threw for 248 yards and ran for 72 yards with 5 total touchdowns. Southern would finish the season 8-3, narrowly missing out on the SWAC Championship, while Texas Southern finished 0-11.
NRG Stadium is a unique but familiar stage for both programs. With Texas Southern having its best season since 2010, 2026’s contest should be much closer than the last time these two schools played at NRG Stadium.
Mark Pollak’s book, The Playing Grounds of College Football: A Comprehensive Directory, 1869 to Today was an integral aid to my research.
