Manning Sets the Pace
The decisive moment of the season opener arrived early, with Arch Manning connecting with Cam Coleman on a six-yard pass to give the Texas Longhorns a 7-0 lead. That opening strike set the tone for a dominant performance by the No. 5 Longhorns, who ultimately defeated the visiting Texas State Bobcats 59-7 on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
Manning finished with a game-best 305 passing yards on 20 of 27 attempts, adding four touchdown passes and one interception. His efficiency and range overwhelmed the Bobcats' defense, which struggled to contain the Texas offense throughout the contest.
A One-Sided Affair
The scoring sequence highlighted the disparity between the two teams. Texas State managed just seven points, all coming in the second quarter on a four-yard run by Davian Jackson. In contrast, the Longhorns scored in every quarter, with their offensive line and quarterback play creating consistent opportunities.
Hollywood Smothers also contributed on the ground, rushing for 70 yards on 10 carries, while Ryan Wingo emerged as the primary receiving threat with 121 yards and one touchdown on seven receptions. The Bobcats' offense, led by Brad Jackson, who passed for 150 yards with one interception, could not sustain drives against the Texas defense.
Jaylen Jenkins rushed for 34 yards, but the team's overall production was limited to a single score.
