Texas began its season with an emphatic 59-7 victory over Texas State, and quarterback Arch Manning quickly reminded everyone why expectations surrounding the Longhorns are so high.
16Powers.com
Manning threw four touchdown passes, including two to transfer receiver Cam Coleman, as Texas accumulated 516 total yards. The Longhorns produced 360 yards through the air and another 156 on the ground.
Texas led 28-7 at halftime and then eliminated any remaining suspense with a 21-point third quarter.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect was the passing game’s explosiveness. Manning enters 2026 as one of the nation’s most closely watched quarterbacks, and Texas needs him to turn his considerable talent into consistent production. Against Texas State, he did exactly that.
Coleman’s emergence is equally important. If he develops into Manning’s dependable downfield target, Texas becomes considerably harder to defend.
The defense allowed Texas State 349 total yards, including 161 rushing, so Steve Sarkisian will certainly find areas requiring improvement on film. The Bobcats moved the football better than the final score suggests, but Texas repeatedly prevented those drives from becoming points.
That distinction will matter against SEC competition, where allowing sustained drives eventually becomes costly.
Still, a 52-point victory provides few legitimate reasons for concern.
Texas demonstrated explosive passing, adequate rushing balance and the ability to turn offensive opportunities into touchdowns. Most importantly, Manning appeared completely comfortable carrying the expectations associated with being Texas’ quarterback.
The Longhorns entered the season ranked fifth nationally because they are expected to compete for both the SEC championship and College Football Playoff.
Nothing from Week 1 changes that assessment.
Texas looked like a national contender, and Manning looked like a quarterback capable of leading one.
