The 1996 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin as a member South Division of the newly-formed Big 12 Conference during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by fifth-year head coach John Mackovic, the Longhorns compiled an overall record of 8âÂÂ5 with a mark of 6âÂÂ2 in conference play, winning the Big 12's South Division title. Texas advanced to the Big 12 Championship Game, where the Longhorns upset Nebraska to secure the Big 12 Conference title. Texas was invited to the Fiesta Bowl, losing there to Penn State. The team played home games at Darrell K RoyalâÂÂTexas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.