AUSTIN, TEXAS - The No. 5 Texas Longhorns kicked off their season in impressive fashion, overwhelming the Texas State Bobcats with a decisive 59-7 victory at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 5, 2026. Entering the game as a 29.5-point favorite, Texas not only met expectations but exceeded them, providing a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Despite the lopsided score, there were notable areas in the passing game that the Longhorns will look to refine. Quarterback Arch Manning completed an impressive 74% of his passes before exiting the game with 6:03 left in the third quarter, following two consecutive touchdown drives. However, Manning's performance was not without its flaws; he threw an interception at the end of the first half while attempting to force a pass into triple coverage. Additionally, his second touchdown pass to receiver Coleman came in a tight window, which could have been intercepted by a more skilled safety.
Moreover, Manning's connection with receiver Emmet Mosley was inconsistent, as he targeted him seven times but only managed to complete three passes for 37 yards. As the Longhorns prepare for a challenging matchup against Ohio State next week, improving their aerial attack will be crucial.
On the ground, Texas displayed the potential for a formidable rushing offense, thanks to offseason additions Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. Both running backs made significant contributions, with Smothers breaking free for a 45-yard run and Brown scoring touchdowns on runs of 13 and 21 yards. While the Texas offensive line showed some vulnerability in the second half, the fact that they achieved multiple runs longer than 20 yards is a promising sign, especially considering they managed only 12 such runs throughout the entire previous season.
Defensively, the Longhorns, under the guidance of Coach Will Muschamp, demonstrated an opportunistic approach that created numerous challenges for the Texas State offense. Transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles stood out with a forced fumble and an interception, complementing his five tackles and a tackle for loss. His performance, along with a strip sack from Marad Watson and a batted pass by Alex January, highlighted the Longhorns' ability to disrupt opposing plays. Texas managed to record two sacks against a quarterback who had rushed for over 700 yards the previous season, forcing Texas State into difficult situations throughout the game.
Overall, the Longhorns' season opener served as a valuable opportunity to assess both strengths and areas for improvement. With a strong offensive showing and a defense that thrived on creating turnovers, Texas is poised to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in their schedule.
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