The Texas Longhorns kicked off their 2026 football season with a resounding 59-7 victory over the Texas State Bobcats at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin on September 5. This impressive win sets a positive tone for a season that Texas hopes will culminate in a championship run. The Longhorns, ranked No. 5 in the nation, showcased their offensive prowess and defensive strength against the Bobcats, marking the fifth season-opening win for head coach Steve Sarkisian in his six years at the helm.
Newcomers Cam Coleman and Raleek Brown were instrumental in the victory, each scoring two touchdowns. Hollywood Smothers also made a significant impact, introducing himself to the Longhorns' fan base with a strong performance. Texas capitalized on three turnovers and saw quarterback Arch Manning throw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, completing 20 of his 27 attempts. This dominant performance was the third-largest margin of victory during Sarkisian's tenure.
The Longhorns wasted no time asserting their dominance. On their very first play from scrimmage, Smothers dashed for a 45-yard run, setting the stage for Coleman’s 6-yard touchdown reception shortly thereafter. This quick scoring drive energized the home crowd, which braved the sweltering 96-degree heat to support their team.
By the end of the first quarter, Texas had established a 14-0 lead, thanks to a touchdown catch by Ryan Wingo. The second quarter saw the Longhorns continue to pile on points, with Brown scoring on a 13-yard run and Graceson Littleton returning a fumble for a 59-yard touchdown. Despite an interception thrown by Manning just before halftime, the Longhorns went into the break with a comfortable 28-7 lead, as their defense matched the offensive output of Texas State.
In the second half, the Longhorns shifted into cruise control, outscoring the Bobcats 21-0 in the third quarter. Texas State struggled to find their footing, and the Longhorns maintained a commanding 42-point lead as the game progressed. Smothers finished the game with 70 rushing yards on 10 carries and added 28 receiving yards along with a touchdown, while Coleman recorded two touchdowns on three receptions for 70 yards. Brown also contributed with a 21-yard touchdown run after Manning was replaced midway through the third quarter.
The success of the newcomers was not limited to the offensive side. On defense, linebacker Rasheem Biles made his presence felt with an interception and a forced fumble. Other notable performances included Sterling Berkhalter with two receptions for 26 yards, and Biles recording five tackles along with his interception. The Longhorns also fielded several other transfers, including Melvin Siani and Dylan Sikorski on the offensive line, further bolstering their roster depth.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns are set to face a significant challenge next week against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who opened their season with a decisive 56-3 victory over Ball State. This matchup will be particularly notable, as it marks only the third top-five showdown at DKR in the last 25 years. The anticipation surrounding this game is palpable, especially given the historical context of previous encounters between these two powerhouse programs.
With the season now underway, Texas will aim to build on this impressive start as they prepare for the fierce competition that lies ahead, beginning with Ohio State next week.
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