What Is 1945 Texas Longhorns football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1945 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 1945 college football season, finishing with a 6–4 record under head coach Dana X. Bible. They played in the Southwest Conference (SWC) and won the conference title with a 4–1 record.

Key Facts

The 945 Texas Longhorns football team had a 6–4 overall record
They went 4–1 in Southwest Conference play to win the SWC title
Head coach Dana X. Bible led the team in his 12th season
The team played home games at War Memorial Stadium in Austin
Texas defeated Texas Tech 20–0 in the 1945 season finale

Overview

The 1945 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 1945 college football season. Competing in the Southwest Conference (SWC), the team was led by head coach Dana X. Bible, who was in his 12th year at the helm. Despite the challenges of World War II, which affected player availability and travel, the Longhorns managed a solid season both on and off the field.

The team finished with an overall record of 6–4 and a 4–1 mark in conference play, securing the Southwest Conference championship. Their success was built on a strong defense and disciplined play, hallmarks of Bible’s coaching style. The Longhorns played their home games at War Memorial Stadium, a venue that seated approximately 35,000 fans at the time.

Record: The 1945 Texas Longhorns finished with a 6–4 overall record, showing resilience after a slow start to the season.
Conference Title: They captured the Southwest Conference championship by going 4–1 in SWC games, edging out rivals for the top spot.
Head Coach:Dana X. Bible was in his 12th season and continued to build a consistent, disciplined program despite wartime constraints.
Home Stadium: The team played at War Memorial Stadium in Austin, a venue that served as their home field from 1924 to 1998.
Season Finale: Texas defeated Texas Tech 20–0 in their final game, showcasing a dominant defensive performance to close the year.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1945 season featured several pivotal matchups that defined the Longhorns’ campaign. Early losses tested the team’s resolve, but consistent improvement in conference play led to their eventual title win. Key victories over ranked opponents helped solidify their reputation as a tough, cohesive unit.

Season Opener: Texas lost their first game 13–0 to Rice, a setback that raised concerns about their championship potential.
Rebound Victory: The Longhorns responded with a 27–0 win over TCU, demonstrating their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Key Rivalry: A 19–0 victory over Texas A&M was crucial in securing the SWC title and boosting morale.
Defensive Strength: The team allowed only 7 points per game in conference play, the best in the SWC that season.
Bowl Game Absence: Despite winning the conference, Texas did not participate in a postseason bowl game, which was common during the war years.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1945 Longhorns compare to other Southwest Conference teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	SWC Record	Head Coach	Key Result
Texas	6–4	4–1	Dana X. Bible	SWC Champions
Texas A&M	6–4	3–2	Homer Norton	Lost to Texas 19–0
Rice	7–2–1	4–1	Jess Neely	Tied Texas for SWC title
SMU	5–5	3–2	Lloyd Jordan	Finished fourth in SWC
Baylor	3–7	1–4	R.H. Hamilton	Struggled offensively

Although Rice matched Texas’ 4–1 conference record, the Longhorns were awarded the SWC title based on a head-to-head tiebreaker after defeating A&M and other key teams. This season highlighted the competitive balance in the conference during the mid-1940s, even amid wartime disruptions.

Why It Matters

The 1945 season was significant in the context of college football history, particularly for Texas’ program stability during a global crisis. The Longhorns demonstrated that strong leadership and disciplined play could yield success even under difficult circumstances.

Wartime Impact: Many college teams lost players to military service, but Texas maintained competitiveness through deep local recruiting.
Legacy of Bible: Dana X. Bible’s leadership during the war years cemented his legacy as one of Texas’ foundational coaches.
SWC Dominance: Winning the 1945 title contributed to Texas’ growing reputation as a Southwest Conference powerhouse.
Recruiting Base: The team relied heavily on in-state talent, a strategy that continued to define Texas football for decades.
Historical Context: The season reflected the broader impact of WWII on American sports, with limited travel and roster instability.
Foundation for Future: The 1945 success laid the groundwork for stronger performances in the late 1940s, including undefeated seasons.

The 1945 Texas Longhorns may not be among the most celebrated teams in program history, but their conference title under challenging conditions underscores the resilience and tradition that define Longhorn football.