The Texas Longhorns athletic program, established in 1893 at the University of Texas, has become a powerhouse in collegiate sports. The program consists of 18 men’s and women’s teams competing in various disciplines, such as football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and more. Over the years, the Texas Longhorns have built a strong legacy, with numerous championships and accolades under their belt.

History and Evolution of the Texas Longhorns Logo

The Texas Longhorns logo has undergone several changes since its introduction in 1961, though the core visual identity remains remarkably consistent. The team’s iconic bull logo, introduced in the early '60s, has become synonymous with the Longhorns, evolving through various styles while maintaining the same color palette of burnt orange and white.

1961 – Present: The Iconic Bull Logo

The original Texas Longhorns logo, unveiled in 1961, features a stylized orange silhouette of a bull’s head with its horns extending outward. This minimalist design captures the essence of strength and resilience, using clean lines and a solid orange hue on a white background to create a sleek and timeless emblem. Despite its simplicity, this design has withstood the test of time, maintaining a chic and modern aesthetic that continues to resonate with fans.

1966 – 1976: The Cartoonish Bull Logo

In 1967, a secondary logo was created to bring a playful, lighter touch to the team’s visual identity. This version featured a cartoonish bull with a bright orange hat and an exaggerated expression, appearing as if it were yelling. The letter “T” was prominently displayed on the hat, adding a bold touch. While this logo was fun and quirky, it was soon updated to reflect a more serious tone.

1977 – Present: The Cool Cowboy Bull

In 1977, the team reworked the cartoonish bull into a more serious, cowboy-inspired version. The bull was depicted wearing a cool cowboy hat, with a “T” emblazoned on the ribbon. The color palette remained orange, but the shade was deepened, giving the logo a more rugged, determined look. This version has remained a key part of the team’s identity for decades.

2000 – Present: The Evolution of Alternate Logos

The early 2000s marked a period of creative exploration for the Texas Longhorns, with several alternate logos introduced to reflect the team's spirit. Three new variations emerged, all incorporating elements of the iconic bull design:

1. A more detailed version of the original bull logo, with black-and-white outlines and an arched “Texas” inscription above it. This design emphasized the team’s character and fighting spirit.
2. A bold and modern “T” logo executed in orange on a white background. This logo, set in an extra-bold serif typeface, conveys a sense of professionalism and confidence.
3. A unique monogram featuring overlapping letters “T” and “U,” which, when viewed together, resemble the shape of the bull’s head or even a trophy. This design symbolizes the team’s pursuit of excellence and victory.

Font and Typography

The Texas Longhorns utilize two distinct typefaces in their visual identity. The primary serif typeface for the word “Texas” is reminiscent of the ITC Century Std Ultra, with its extended and elegant lettering. For alternate logos with outlined inscriptions, a modern geometric font, similar to Campus MN and Princeton Std, is used, aligning with the traditional collegiate aesthetic seen in many university logos.

Color Palette

The Texas Longhorns logo prominently features the colors burnt orange and white, creating a striking contrast that makes the emblem instantly recognizable. Burnt orange symbolizes the team’s fiery spirit, passion, and determination, while white represents purity and excellence. The addition of dark gray adds a modern and professional edge to the overall design.

• Burnt Orange
  • HEX: #BF5700
  • RGB: (191, 87, 0)
  • CMYK: (0, 65, 100, 9)
  • PANTONE: PMS 159 C
• Dark Gray
  • HEX: #333F48
  • RGB: (51, 63, 72)
  • CMYK: (65, 43, 26, 78)
  • PANTONE: PMS 432 C
• White
  • HEX: #FFFFFF
  • RGB: (255, 255, 255)
  • CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)

The Texas Longhorns’ logo has remained a symbol of strength, pride, and tradition, and its evolution reflects the program’s growth from its founding to its current status as one of the leading collegiate sports programs in the country.