Full Breakdown
Texas Longhorns dominate Texas State in season-opening blowout
9/6/2026, 9:32:09 PM
Core Event
On Saturday night in Austin, the No. 5 Texas Longhorns routed the Texas State Bobcats 59–7 in the 2026 season opener at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Quarterback Arch Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for over 300 yards, threw four touchdown passes and one interception. The Longhorns amassed 516 total yards, converted 11 of 15 third-down attempts and scored on eight of nine possessions. Texas forced three turnovers and held Texas State to 349 yards.
Background & Context
Texas entered the game after a 10-3 campaign that ended with a loss to Ohio State in the 2025 season opener. Head coach Steve Sarkisian added several high-profile transfers—wide receiver Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and linebacker Rasheem Biles—and hired former Florida coach Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator. The matchup marked the first meeting between the programs in 96 years; the previous contest occurred on September 20, 1930, when Texas defeated Southwest Texas State Teachers College 36-0.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Texas 59, Texas State 7.
- Passing: Manning – 305 yards or 301 yards (New York Post); 4 TDs, 1 INT.
- Rushing: Smothers 70 yards (10 carries) and a receiving TD; Brown 34 yards (11 carries) with two rushing TDs; combined 104 yards on the ground.
- Receiving: Ryan Wingo 7 catches for 121 yards and a TD; Coleman 3 catches for 70 yards and 2 TDs.
- Turnovers forced: Rasheem Biles (forced fumble, interception), Graceson Littleton (59-yard fumble return TD).
- Third-down efficiency: Texas 11-of-15; Texas State 8-of-14.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Sarkisian praised Manning’s efficiency, noting the quarterback “played well” and highlighted the “best throw of the day” to Coleman on a skinny post despite pressure. He acknowledged “growing pains” on the offensive line and the need for a more consistent run game before the upcoming Ohio State matchup. Manning, in his post-game press conference, said he liked the involvement of many playmakers and accepted responsibility for the late-half interception, calling it a “rough patch” that was on him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Manning’s passing yardage: Field Level Media reports 305 yards, while the New York Post lists 301 yards. Both agree on the four touchdown passes and single interception. No source provides a definitive breakdown of time-of-possession, leaving that metric unreported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s nice to have Cam Coleman on your team,” — Arch Manning
- “I liked how we got a lot of guys involved,” — Arch Manning
- “That was his best throw of the day, in my opinion,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
- “What a punch out by Rasheem Biles to cause a turnover,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
- “I knew we’d have some growing pains today, which we did,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
These statements capture the coach’s assessment of the game-changing play by Biles, the acknowledgment of early-season growing pains, and Manning’s appreciation for his receiving corps.
