Paramedics were called into the Texas Longhorns' season opener against Texas State on Saturday to provide aid to fans struggling with extreme heat. The game, played in Austin, saw temperatures surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to concerning conditions in the stadium.
One spectator, Hunter Schuler, posted on social media platform X that he had witnessed paramedics bring at least four stretchers into the stadium during the first quarter alone. He described the scene as chaotic, with fans congregating in shaded areas within the stadium structure, comparing it to seeking shelter during a hurricane. "So many heat casualties at this Texas State vs Texas game. I haven't seen anything like this in a long time," Schuler wrote.
The No. 5 ranked Longhorns were leading Texas State 28-7 by halftime. The team is looking ahead to a challenging season, with a notable Week 2 matchup against No. 1 Ohio State on the horizon, and aspirations for a College Football Playoff appearance. The team began the previous season ranked No. 1 but lost their opener to the Buckeyes and ultimately missed the postseason. Coach Steve Sarkisian has worked to bolster the team through the transfer portal, particularly on offense and defense, aiming to position the Longhorns as national contenders throughout the season.