Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) jumps into the end zone to score a touch down during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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The Texas Longhorns celebrate after winning the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball five yards to score a touchdown in the first quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Matthew Caldwell (18) carries the ball for 50-yards in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Bevo takes the field before the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) dives close to the end zone to get a first down in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Sam Houston State Bearkats defense brings down Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas fans dance during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) evades Sam Houston Bearkats defensive back Joe Swen (16) to score a touchdown during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) dives into the end zone to score a touchdown in the first quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Nick Townsend (81) celebrates after the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates after the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Smith Orogbo (46) sacks Sam Houston Bearkats quarterback Hunter Watson (10) during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Glen Powell takes photos with fans during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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A young Texas fan reacts to getting a high-five from a player as they walk into the stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Wardell Mack prays ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) advances the ball during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) hurdles Sam Houston State Bearkats defensive back Emon Allen (7) in the fourth quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) gazes upward as he celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Chris Muniz puts his “Horns Up” as he watches Bowling For Soup ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” as he walks into the stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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A young Texas fan waits to watch the players enter the stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) stands in the end zone to celebrate a touchdown in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texans fans line Bevo Boulevard to watch Bevo enter the stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates a turnover on downs in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) greets fans as he enters the stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Lauren Ulin, left, dances to Bowling For Soup at Longhorn City Limits ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian smiles as he walks the field ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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The Texas Longhorns’ warm up ahead of their game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) runs through a tackle attempt to score a touchdown in the first quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns tight end Jordan Washington (84) smiles as he runs into the end zone to score in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte walks off the field after the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a run in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) tries to run through a tackle in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas fans react to Glen Powell waving hello to them during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) spins away from defenders during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns tight end Emaree Winston (85) advances the ball during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Matthew Caldwell (18) passes off the ball to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the first touchdown of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Sam Houston State Bearkats running back Landan Brown (34) evades a tackle from Texas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) goes down on a punt return in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) evades defense from Sam Houston State Bearkats linebacker Tokyo Gordon (26) and Sam Houston State Bearkats defensive back Emon Allen (7) in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) dives over the Sam Houston defense in the fourth quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Bowling For Soup headlines Longhorn City Limits on the LBJ Lawn ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Matthew Rizzolo slides with Beau and Sage while checking out the carnival ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Jamie Angelica wears stilts as she high fives Jak Crawford alongside his dad, Zachary Crawford, ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Fans walk along Smokey’s Midway ahead of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Deandre Moore Jr. (0) hurdles over Sam Houston Bearkats defensive back Jaidan Scott (4) as he advances the ball during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) takes down Sam Houston Bearkats quarterback Hunter Watson (10) during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) celebrates his takes down of Sam Houston Bearkats quarterback Hunter Watson (10) during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) and Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe celebrate a sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) advances the ball during the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown with a teammate in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
After three games of unsettling performances, question-raising decisions and, yes, even some boos, Arch Manning answered a lot of questions and probably put a lot of minds at ease in Texas football’s 55-0 win Saturday night over the clearly overmatched Sam Houston Bearkats. Texas’ first night game of the season couldn’t have been scripted much better: Manning impressed, the defense smothered Sam Houston, Ryan Wingo had a big night, heck, even the backup quarterback made a big play.
WHAT CED SAID: Why Arch Manning needed to shred Sam Houston before SEC play | Golden
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MORE TEXAS: Boos at DKR were a product of title-starved Texas football fan base | Golden
Here are some observations we saw from Royal-Memorial Stadium:
Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) celebrates scoring a touchdown with his teammates in the first quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns finally look right
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) tries to run through a tackle in the second quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 20, 2025.
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All is well in Longhorn Nation, at least until Texas’ next game in its SEC opener at Florida Oct. 4. Manning did his part to alleviate concerns about his accuracy by completing 18 of 21 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. A beautiful 53-yard bomb to Ryan Wingo was the highlight, but Manning made plenty of throws at all levels. Now he just has to do it against an elite Florida defense.
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Texas opts to make a change at center
Cole Hutson, who started the first three games at center for the Longhorns, dressed out Saturday but did not play due to injury. The start went to Connor Robertson, who was listed as a co-starter on the updated depth chart provided by UT. Robertson had an uneven first drive, committing a pair of penalties, but settled in to help the Texas offense to a strong night.
DeAndre Moore Jr. gives offense a boost
DeAndre Moore Jr. may not make the splash plays like Wingo or Parker Livingstone, but he proved his worth Saturday to the Texas offense. After missing last week’s game against UTEP with an injury, Moore returned to the starting lineup and had a team-high five catches for 79 yards while delivering his usual downfield blocking. Moore’s presence, especially on the underneath routes, opens things up for Wingo and Livingstone downfield.
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Backup QB Matthew Caldwell gets extended run
Turns out Manning isn’t the only Texas quarterback with some wheels. Matthew Caldwell, Manning’s backup, delivered the longest run of the night for either team, scampering 50 yards down the right sideline after entering the game with the outcome decided in the third quarter. In total, the Troy transfer completed 4 of his 6 pass attempts for 27 yards.
Texcetera
Fast start: Texas’ first drive of the night was a sign of what was to come: the Longhorns overcame a third-and-9, a second-and-17 and two penalties, including a holding call, and closed it with a touchdown. … Seeing yellow: As bad as the penalties were, they could have been worse: the Longhorns evaded two personal foul calls that could’ve gone either way; Manning appeared to be close to being called for taunting after his first quarter touchdown run and Graceson Little could’ve been flagged for a late hit on the sideline in the second half. … Seeing even more yellow: Through four games, Texas has committed 24 penalties for 313 yards. … Texas scored on its first nine drives Saturday until a punt with 7:00 left in the fourth quarter.
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Up next for Texas: an open week
The Longhorns take a 4-0 nonconference record into their bye week. Their SEC opener awaits Oct. 4 at Florida.