The Texas Longhorns opened the 2026 season with exactly the kind of performance their fans were hoping to see.
No. 5 Texas dominated Texas State 59-7 Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium, scoring touchdowns on six of its first seven drives and looking every bit like a team with championship aspirations.
Arch Manning Puts on a Show
All eyes were on Arch Manning, and the senior quarterback delivered.
Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with multiple receivers for big plays before leaving the game in the third quarter.
Manning found transfer receiver Cam Coleman twice for touchdowns, while Ryan Wingo and Hollywood Smothers also caught touchdown passes.
There was one blemish, as Manning threw an interception late in the first half, but it did little to slow down the Longhorns.
Texas’ Offense Looks Dangerous
Texas showed plenty of balance throughout the afternoon.
The Longhorns consistently moved the football through the air while also getting explosive plays from their revamped running game. New additions Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown both made an immediate impact, giving Texas another dimension offensively.
Texas eventually pulled its starters and gave backup quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. an opportunity to run the offense.
By then, the game was already firmly under control.
The Defense Makes Plays
Texas’ defense was just as impressive.
Under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the Longhorns forced three turnovers and consistently created pressure against Texas State. The defense recorded two sacks and eight tackles for loss while limiting the Bobcats to just seven points.
Texas State entered the game with a talented offense, but the Longhorns made it difficult for the Bobcats to sustain drives.
Ohio State Is Waiting
The biggest takeaway from Saturday is simple: Texas looks ready for the big stage.
The Longhorns came into 2026 with massive expectations following a 10-3 season in 2025. Now they get perhaps the biggest test imaginable.
Texas will host No. 1 Ohio State next week in a highly anticipated matchup between two of college football’s biggest programs. Ohio State opened its season with a 56-3 demolition of Ball State.
Texas couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Arch Manning looked like a Heisman contender, the offense exploded and the defense dominated. Now, the Longhorns get their first real test — and the entire country will be watching.
