Texas football is a different beast now. If you haven't been keeping up, the Longhorns basically just finished a rollercoaster ride through their first real stint in the SEC, and honestly, it lived up to every bit of the hype. The most recent u of texas football score saw the Longhorns capping off their season with a statement 41-27 victory over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025. It wasn't just a win; it was the Arch Manning show.
People were skeptical. Could a team built on Big 12 speed handle the defensive slog of the SEC? For most of the year, the answer was a resounding yes, though not without some bruises. Texas finished the 2025 campaign with a 10-3 record. They went 6-2 in conference play, which, considering the schedule, is nothing short of a miracle for a "newcomer."
The Game That Changed Everything
You can't talk about the Texas season without mentioning the Lone Star Showdown. For the first time in over a decade, Texas and Texas A&M met on the gridiron as conference rivals. The atmosphere in Austin on November 28 was electric—sorta like a powder keg waiting for a match.
Texas walked away with a 27-17 win, but the score doesn't tell the whole story. The Aggies were ranked No. 3 in the country and were undefeated at the time. Texas A&M led 10-3 at halftime, and it felt like the Longhorns were choking. Then Arch Manning decided he’d had enough. He threw a 29-yard dart to Ryan Wingo and later iced the game with a 35-yard touchdown run that made the stadium move. Literally. Seismographs probably picked it up.
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Understanding the u of texas football score and 2025 Results
If you're looking at the season as a whole, it was a tale of two halves. They started with a heartbreaker in Columbus, losing 14-7 to Ohio State. It was a defensive masterclass that left fans wondering if the offense had any teeth.
Then came the blowout phase.
- San Jose State: 38-7 (Total dominance)
- UTEP: 27-10 (A bit closer than fans liked)
- Sam Houston: 55-0 (Manning had 5 total touchdowns before the fourth quarter even started)
Things got rocky in October. A 29-21 loss at Florida raised some red flags about the offensive line's ability to protect the pocket in loud environments. But they bounced back in the Red River Rivalry, handling Oklahoma 23-6. Seeing the u of texas football score stay that low against a rival was weird, but the Texas defense was playing out of its mind.
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The Georgia Reality Check
The biggest "oof" moment of the year happened on November 15. Heading into Athens to face Georgia is never a fun time, and the 35-10 loss was a cold shower for any fans dreaming of a No. 1 seed. Georgia’s defensive front lived in the Texas backfield. It was the only game where the Longhorns truly looked outclassed from start to finish. Steve Sarkisian admitted afterward that they just weren't physical enough at the point of attack.
The Manning Era is Officially Here
Quinn Ewers is gone, and the keys to the kingdom belong to Arch. In that Citrus Bowl win against Michigan, Manning was named MVP for a reason. He had 221 passing yards and 155 rushing yards. Yeah, you read that right. A Manning with wheels.
His 60-yard touchdown keeper in the fourth quarter was the nail in the coffin for the Wolverines. It’s the kind of play that makes you realize why every recruiter in the country was losing their mind over this kid three years ago. Christian Clark also stepped up big in that game, racking up 105 yards on 20 carries.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
There's a narrative that Texas is "soft." You hear it on every sports talk show. But look at the Mississippi State game on October 25. Texas trailed late and had to grind out a 45-38 overtime win. It was ugly. It was sweaty. It was exactly the kind of game Texas used to lose.
Winning those "muck" games is the difference between a 10-win season and a 7-win season. The defense, led by guys like Ty’Anthony Smith—who had two massive interceptions in the bowl game—is finally catching up to the talent on the offensive side of the ball.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. They open with Texas State and then get a rematch with Ohio State, this time in Austin on September 12. If you thought the atmosphere for the A&M game was wild, just wait for the Buckeyes to roll into DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
They also have to travel to Tennessee and LSU. Those are two of the most hostile environments in college sports. If Texas wants to move from "Top 15 team" to "National Title winner," they have to find a way to win on the road in the SEC.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Track the Trenches: Don't just look at the u of texas football score next season; watch the offensive line. Their ability to handle SEC defensive ends will determine if Manning stays healthy.
- Secondary Depth: Texas struggled when their starting corners got gapped in the Georgia game. Watch the transfer portal this spring for defensive back additions.
- The Run Game: Quintrevion Wisner was a workhorse late in the season, but they need a consistent second option to keep the pressure off Manning's legs.
- Home Field Advantage: If you’re planning on attending a game in 2026, the Ohio State and Florida games in Austin will be the toughest tickets to get. Book early.
Texas isn't "back" in the cliché sense—they’ve evolved into something else entirely. They are a physical, run-first team that happens to have a superstar quarterback. That’s a recipe for long-term success in the SEC.