A&M System Launches Chancellor’s Cup to Celebrate Competition and School Pride
Prairie View A&M and Tarleton State will play for the first Cup Aug. 29 in Stephenville
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System has 12 universities, a whole lot of mascots and just enough family rivalry to keep things interesting.
Now it has a trophy to match.
The A&M System is launching The Chancellor’s Cup, a new tradition that will celebrate competition, school pride and excellence across its universities.
The first Chancellor’s Cup will be on the line Aug. 29, when Prairie View A&M University travels to Stephenville to take on Tarleton State University at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m., and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
After the game, Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar will present the Cup on the field to the winning university’s president, athletic director and head football coach.
“Our universities have their own colors, mascots, fight songs and traditions, and that is exactly how it should be,” Hegar said. “The Chancellor’s Cup gives us a way to celebrate that pride, stir up a little friendly competition and remind folks across Texas just how much talent and spirit we have across the A&M System.”
Prairie View A&M President Tomika P. LeGrande said the Panthers are excited to launch this new tradition, especially as the University celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
“Prairie View A&M brings history, pride and excellence into every competition,” LeGrande said. “We are honored to help launch The Chancellor’s Cup, and our students, alumni and fans will be ready to support the Panthers as we compete for the first one.”
Tarleton State President James Hurley said hosting the first Chancellor’s Cup game will be a special moment for Tarleton State, Stephenville and the A&M System.
“Tarleton State is proud to host the first Chancellor’s Cup game in Stephenville,” Hurley said. “This new tradition will bring students, alumni, fans and communities together while showcasing the energy and momentum across the Texas A&M System under Chancellor Hegar’s leadership!”
The Chancellor’s Century Council will serve as the founding and permanent presenting sponsor of The Chancellor’s Cup. The tradition will be supported through the Council’s sponsorship and private contributions.
The Council is one of the A&M System’s premier leadership and philanthropic organizations, bringing together alumni, business, civic and community leaders from across Texas to provide strategic advice, advocacy and support for the Chancellor and the System.
“The Chancellor’s Century Council has always helped strengthen the A&M System and tell its story,” Hegar said. “This Cup gives the Council a lasting role in a tradition that can grow from one football game into something much bigger.”
While the first Cup will be decided on the football field, the long-term vision is broader. Future Chancellor’s Cup competitions may include men’s and women’s athletics, academic contests, club competitions and other signature events that highlight student success and institutional excellence across the System.
The Chancellor’s Cup is intended to represent the full A&M System, including its member universities, its student traditions and its shared commitment to serving Texas.
Each winning university will be recognized as part of the Chancellor’s Cup tradition.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $9.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and the Texas A&M–RELLIS Campus. The A&M System serves nearly 175,000 students and reaches millions more through research, service, and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the A&M System fuels innovation, supports communities, and drives Texas’s economy forward.