Four notable football traditions at Texas universities were highlighted in a recent feature. The traditions include the University of Houston's "Rubbing the Paw," Texas Tech University's Masked Rider, the University of Texas at Austin's Smokey the Cannon, and Texas A&M University's Midnight Yell.
Each tradition has its own history and fan following. "Rubbing the Paw" involves touching a cougar statue for good luck. The Masked Rider is a student on horseback leading the team onto the field. Smokey the Cannon is fired after Texas scores. Midnight Yell is a late-night pep rally held before home games at Kyle Field.
The feature was published by the Houston Chronicle Sports Staff on October 29, 2026.
