In their highly anticipated season opener, the No. 5 Texas Longhorns showcased an overwhelming display of athleticism and strategic prowess, securing a resounding 59-7 victory over Texas State. Quarterback Arch Manning was the undisputed star, orchestrating a high-octane offense that amassed significant yardage and multiple scores. This dominant performance underscores Texas's readiness for the challenges ahead, particularly their upcoming critical encounter with Ohio State.
Dominant Debut for Texas Longhorns in Austin
On a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, quarterback Arch Manning led the No. 5 Texas Longhorns to a spectacular 59-7 triumph over the Texas State Bobcats in their first game of the season. Manning, in his 17th career start, concluded his two and a half quarters of play with an impressive 305 passing yards and a career-best four touchdown passes, completing 20 of 27 attempts despite one interception. The Longhorns (1-0) exhibited complete control throughout the game, setting an emphatic tone for their upcoming monumental clash against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
The ground attack for Texas was equally formidable, with the dynamic duo of running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown combining for 104 rushing yards. Smothers contributed 70 yards on 10 carries, while Brown added 34 yards on 11 carries, including two crucial touchdowns. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo also had an outstanding first half, hauling in seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. For the Bobcats (0-1), quarterback Brad Jackson was a notable figure, accumulating 177 total yards, with 150 coming from 15-of-23 passing.
Texas commenced their scoring early, with Manning delivering a 6-yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman following a brisk 56-yard, seven-play drive. This was quickly followed by an 8-yard shovel pass from Manning to Wingo for another touchdown. Although Texas State missed a short field goal attempt, the Longhorns extended their lead to 21-0 with Brown's 13-yard touchdown run, concluding an 80-yard, 13-play drive. The defense also made its mark when Graceson Littleton recovered a fumble from Texas State's Taji Atkinds, returning it 59 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 28-0 before halftime. Texas State managed to break their scoreless streak just before the break, with Davian Jackson scoring on a 4-yard run, set up by Brad Jackson's 32-yard scamper.
The third quarter saw no let-up from the Longhorns. Manning connected with Coleman for a 20-yard touchdown early on, then found Smothers for a 13-yard score, effectively sending many of Texas's starters to the sidelines with a comfortable lead. Brown added his second touchdown of the day with a 21-yard run. The scoring was capped off in the fourth quarter by Gianni Spetic's 48-yard field goal and James Simon's 7-yard touchdown run, finalizing a runaway victory for Texas.
The Longhorns' dominant performance in this season opener underscores their potential as a top contender. With Manning's exceptional leadership and the team's balanced offense and defense, they appear well-equipped for the rigorous season ahead. This victory, particularly the quarterback's stellar output, provides a strong foundation and considerable momentum as they prepare for their next formidable opponent.
