There are fans, and then there are those who become the life of the fanbase. Texas just lost superfan Scott Wilson this morning, leaving a gaping hole in the community. Having become a constant presence for nearly 5 decades, Wilson will be deeply missed. Row 39, along the southwest goal line at the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, won’t be the same anymore.

Wilson suffered a medical emergency while traveling for the Florida game at the Jacksonville airport and was rushed to the hospital. His sister, Nancy Wilson, had been updating his status regularly. There were days when Wilson was better, but things had taken a turn for the worse recently. Nancy shared on October 28 that Wilson was moved to hospice. The Texas fan breathed his last on October 31, she confirmed, as she sang The Eyes of Texas. Wilson was 74.

Scott Wilson had attended 594 games straight since 1977. He was also an avid baseball fan, marking his attendance for 1,564 baseball games. In 2024, CBS Austin’s Melanie Torre asked him to share his thoughts about not being able to attend a Texas game. “I hope that I just keel over dead, and that way I won’t miss the game,” he’d said. Unfortunately, that statement rang true the day of that doomed emergency ahead of the Florida game.

Scott Wilson’s love of Texas games knew no bounds. His whole home in Austin is full of Longhorns memorabilia. He had fish tanks full of his ticket stubs, and a whole bedroom was stacked with just UT caps. Be it at home or away, regular or postseason, he was a face people knew would be present at a Texas game. His loss marks the end of an era, and fans are taking note of the tough news. They sent in their condolences and acknowledged the wonderful life he led as a through-and-through Texas fan.

Fans send prayers, remembering Scott Wilson’s dedication to Texas football and baseball

“Oh man. This is a sad day for Longhorn Nation. Scott was a true diehard fan. He will be sorely missed. RIP Scott,” one fan wrote. Wilson had donned the burnt orange on game days for nearly 50 years now. He had only missed 3 baseball games since 1981, and they had to be big reasons for keeping him away. Play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen noted Wilson’s absence in the Florida game. This shows how integral a figure he was in the fanbase.

“Prayers to his family and the UT family. Guys like him are why I fell in love with college sports. Truly the fabric that made it great,” another sad fan wrote. Wilson was the heart and soul of the Texas football fans. His fame as a superfan had fellow fans gathering at his tailgating spot at East 17 and Trinity Street. Texas Baseball had also been personally in touch with Wilson for his dedication. Texas pitcher Lebarron Johnson even visited him during this crucial time.

“He was truly a super fan and will be missed dearly. He’s singing The Eyes of Texas in Heaven as we speak. RIP In dear friend,” one fan commented. Wilson attended his first football game in 1969, which was against Arkansas. It has been love of the burn orange ever since. Scott Wilson even rode a rad Cadillac Deville in Texas colors and even sported the signature pair of horns at the front. It would be tough to outshine him when it came to showing unrelenting love towards the program.

“Absolutely devastating news. Praying peace over him and his family. Be near, Lord.” Everyone out there seems to be grief-stricken. Another netizen commented, “We can only hope to love our teams as much as he did. RIP, legend,” another shared. Scott Wilson has been by Texas’ side through highs and lows. It takes a special kind of dedication to be able to be the kind of figure that he was in the fanbase. Amid the loud cheers that will ring loudly on gameday tomorrow, the most earnest one will be missing.