Manning Shines in Season Opener
Arch Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns while throwing one interception, leading No. 5 Texas to a decisive 59-7 victory over the Texas State Bobcats on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Longhorns, who played at home at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, established early control and maintained their offensive rhythm throughout the contest.
With an attendance of 102,738, the crowd witnessed a display of dominance that set the tone for the season. Manning’s accuracy and decision-making were central to the offensive output, as he connected with multiple receivers to extend drives and capitalize on the Bobcats' defensive struggles.
Early Dominance and Scoring Surge
The scoring disparity was evident from the opening drive. Cam Coleman caught a six-yard pass from Manning for the first touchdown, followed shortly by an eight-yard pass to Ryan Wingo, giving Texas a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Texas State managed only seven points in the second quarter, while the Longhorns added 14 more.
Raleek Brown rushed for a 13-yard touchdown, and Graceson Littleton returned a fumble 59 yards for a score, pushing the halftime advantage to 28-7. Davian Jackson capped the half for Texas State with a four-yard run, but the Bobcats were unable to sustain momentum against the home team's defensive pressure.
