Texas State Game Recap
RECAP
Well, that’ll do!
After an eight-month hiatus, the Texas Longhorns finally got back to playing some football on Saturday. We saw a lot of good things, and, as usual, some things to clean up. There were plenty of reasons to come away excited about this team moving forward.
Candidly, the scoreboard looked worse than the game seemed, as Texas dismantled Texas State 59–7 in front of more than 102,000 at DKR. Credit the Horns for limiting the Bobcats’ scoring when they had opportunities, capitalizing on turnovers, and being incredibly efficient offensively. The Texas offense scored on eight of nine possessions, piling up 516 yards and scoring 21 points off the three forced turnovers.
Was it perfect? No. But no game ever is. Texas State moved the ball quite a bit more effectively at times than the final score would suggest, the running game wasn't consistently dominant, and Arch Manning had a — let’s face it — bone-headed interception he'd probably like back. Those are things worth mentioning — especially with Ohio State coming to Austin this Saturday.
But we can worry about the Buckeyes soon enough.
For a brutally hot Saturday afternoon in September, Texas did exactly what a championship-caliber team is supposed to do against an overmatched opponent: beat the absolute hell out of them.
Texas is 1–0. Onto the next.
Postgame stats
POSTGAME ANALYTICS
September 5, 2026
Texas controlled every analytical battle on the board. The Longhorns were more efficient down-to-down, generated significantly more value per play, converted 73% of their third downs, created three turnovers, and repeatedly started with better field position. The final score wasn’t lying: this was an ass kicking.
Player of the game
Ryan Wingo - WR (Jr.)
HANDS.
Our first Player of the Game goes to Wingo — he had a tremendous game, showed off the dynamic playmaking ability we know he has, and hauled in some beautiful catches.
Wingo led Longhorn receivers with seven catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard reception as Texas consistently found ways to get him loose downfield. It was only the third 100-yard receiving game of his career and exactly the kind of performance we wanted to see from a player who faced plenty of questions a year ago — and rightfully so.
We've known about the speed and big-play ability for a while. The encouraging part Saturday was seeing Wingo operate as more than just a home-run threat. He led Texas in receptions and yards, found the end zone, and looked perfectly comfortable as a featured piece of an offense that spread the ball all over the field.
Cam Coleman may have arrived with all the offseason hype, but Wingo reminded us that we’ve got multiple weapons on the outside.
Play of the Game
Graceson Littleton Scoop ‘N Score
Texas was already firmly in control when Rasheem Biles decided to turn a comfortable afternoon into a rout.
With Texas leading 21–0 midway through the second quarter, Biles forced a fumble from Texas State running back Taji Atkins at the Texas 41-yard line. Graceson Littleton scooped it up and turned on the jets, taking it 59 yards to the house and giving Texas a 28–0 lead. And my goodness, the Punch-Out.
It was exactly the type of play we thought we might see from Will Muschamp's defense. Biles straight-up hunting the ball, with Littleton Johnny-on-the-spot to scoop it up.
More of that, please!
How did we do?
Let’s check in on some of our pregame predictions.
The BOK Model projected a 44–13 Texas victory, while I went slightly more offensive at 48–17. The Horns decided to squash those and win by 52, cruising to a 59–7 victory. Credit BOK staffer Matthew Shea for his 55–7 prediction.
We did get a few things right. I expected the Texas State offense to provide an early test before Will Muschamp's defense settled in, and the Bobcats did move the ball pretty well early — but Texas ultimately forced three turnovers and held them to seven points. I also called out Raleek Brown as my player to watch and predicted he'd pop one with his speed. We saw a couple of bursts, as he scored from 13 and 21 yards, though we’ve yet to see the true home-run speed. And after asking to see K.J. Lacey take over the offense for at least a quarter, the freshman got his opportunity and finished 6-of-7 for 55 yards in relief of Arch Manning.
So no, we didn't predict the 52-point massacre. We'll happily take the L on that one.
The Model: Texas 44–13
My prediction: Texas 48–17
Actual: Texas 59–7
Turns out we didn't drink enough Kool-Aid.
Final Thoughts
This is pretty much exactly what you want from Week 1.
Texas wasn't perfect, and there are certainly things to clean up. The Bobcats moved the ball at times, the running game wasn't always as dominant as we'd like, and Arch threw an interception in the red zone. Against the team coming to Austin next week, those mistakes will matter a hell of a lot more.
But Week 1 was about taking care of business, getting a first look at this team, and getting out of DKR healthy. Mission accomplished. Let’s enjoy this one.
Because now the warmup is over.
Ohio State is coming to Austin. The Buckeyes visit DKR one year after handing Texas a 14–7 loss in Columbus.
See you Saturday night.
Final Score: Texas 59, Texas State 7
Hook ‘em
