Netflix Set to Release “Underdog” a Highly Anticipated Documentary on Texas Longhorns, A Deep Dive into the Football History and Legacy, Slated for release on the..
In what promises to be one of the most talked-about sports documentaries of the year, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of **”Underdog,”** a sweeping, multi-episode documentary that chronicles the rich, complex history of the Texas Longhorns football program. Slated for release on **August 16, 2025**, “Underdog” will take viewers on a dramatic journey through the triumphs, trials, and transformations that have defined the University of Texas at Austin’s football team for over a century.
The project is being helmed by Emmy-winning director **David Greenwald**, known for his sharp, emotional storytelling in previous sports-centered documentaries. With an ambitious scope and rare access to the Texas Longhorns athletic department, “Underdog” promises to deliver an intimate, unfiltered portrait of the team that has become synonymous with Southern pride, gridiron tradition, and collegiate athletic excellence.
### A Story Beyond the Field
While the Texas Longhorns are no strangers to the spotlight—boasting national championships, legendary players, and passionate rivalries—“Underdog” seeks to present a side of the program often overlooked: the personal stories behind the iconic burnt orange and white. The documentary is expected to explore key moments of adversity and reinvention, capturing the spirit of resilience that has carried the team through controversies, coaching changes, conference realignments, and high-stakes games.
From the days of **Darrell K Royal’s** legendary leadership to the recent resurgence under modern coaching, the series will blend archival footage, behind-the-scenes access, and never-before-seen interviews. Fans can expect candid commentary from former and current players, coaches, sports historians, and even high-profile alumni.
### More Than Just Football
What sets “Underdog” apart from previous sports documentaries is its commitment to telling a broader cultural story. The series will delve into the ways in which Texas Longhorns football intersects with race, politics, and identity in the South. From the integration of the team in the 1970s to the recent debates over student-athlete compensation and activism, the show explores how the Longhorns have mirrored and influenced wider societal changes.
The documentary also devotes time to the enduring traditions that define the Longhorn fanbase: the game-day rituals, the sounds of “The Eyes of Texas,” the iconic Hook ‘Em Horns hand sign, and the massive influence of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Austin’s cultural landscape.
### A Celebration for Fans—And a Challenge to Myths
“Underdog” is more than just a nostalgic look back; it’s also a critical examination of the myths that have surrounded the Texas Longhorns program. The title itself reflects this dual nature. While Texas is often seen as a powerhouse in college football, the documentary challenges that notion by showing how, despite massive resources and recruiting advantages, the team has faced decades of internal struggle and rebuilding. The “underdog” is not always the team on the scoreboard—it can be the player fighting for a chance, the coach under fire, or the fan holding onto hope.
Netflix has positioned the series as a flagship sports title for its summer lineup, with plans for a major promotional push, including exclusive interviews, a red-carpet premiere in Austin, and social media campaigns aimed at college football fans nationwide. The streamer is also expected to host a panel at the 2025 SXSW festival, where members of the creative team and former Longhorns stars will discuss the making of the series.
### Final Thoughts
As the countdown begins for its premiere, “Underdog” is already generating buzz not just among Longhorn fans, but across the wider sports community. In an era where college athletics are undergoing seismic shifts—from NIL deals to conference realignments—this documentary serves as a timely reminder of what makes the game endure.
Whether you bleed burnt orange or simply love a great underdog story, “Underdog” is shaping up to be one of the most compelling sports narratives ever captured on screen.
**“Underdog” premieres globally on Netflix on August 16, 2025.**