Ready or not, Texas football enters SEC play.
The No. 10 Longhorns (3-1), who did not play Saturday, will play Oct. 4 at Florida. But who, exactly, will take the field at The Swamp, officially known as Ben Hill Stadium? Even though college football is four weeks into the season, the burnt-orange support still has questions about a team that entered the season as the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a high snap in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025., in Columbus, Ohio.
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And they’ll have to wait a week longer than anyone else in the SEC to get some answers in arguably the nation’s deepest conference. Only four teams entered this weekend without yet playing an SEC game. Three of those schools — Alabama, Texas A&M and Mississippi State — play a conference game Saturday, which means the Longhorns will become the last SEC squad to face conference competition.
What has everyone learned about Texas in four nonconference games? Let’s take a look at three things we do know about the Longhorns.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Texas defense is among stingiest in the nation
The Ohio State defense work to bring down Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the second half of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Aug. 30, 2025.
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The numbers don’t lie. Texas gives up just 211 yards a game, which ranks fifth-best in the nation. The defense ranks fourth in scoring defense by allowing 7.8 points. The defense isn’t just beating up on lightweights, either; No. 1 Ohio State had only 203 yards in its 14-7 win over Texas in the season-opener. Middle linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and safeties Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald are all making early cases for all-American honors.
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Texas’ Trevor Goosby is an elite left tackle
A rebuilt Texas offensive line that includes four new starters may have some issues, but lone returner Trevor Goosby provides a cornerstone at the unit’s most critical spot. The 6-foot-7, 312-pound redshirt sophomore entered the season with a reputation as a prototypical pass blocker with quick feet and long arms. But he’s been just as effective in the run game this season; in fact, Pro Football Focus grades his running blocking at 80.8 compared to a 75.4 rating in pass protection. Overall, PFF rates Goosby as the 14th best tackle in the nation and the second best in the SEC behind Missouri’s Cayden Green.
Texas football special teams again superb
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks in the offseason spent plenty of time and resources overhauling a kicking game that struggled in 2024. That work has paid off. Punter Jack Bouwmeester, who transferred in from Utah, averages a decent 41.1 yards a punt, but his hang time and directional kicking have helped hold opponents to only 26 return yards on 16 punts. Kicker Mason Shipley, a Texas State transfer, has yet to miss on five field-goal tries and had nailed all 16 of his point-after attempts.
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Texas Longhorns linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. (0) and Ty’Anthony Smith (26) force a fumble by San José State running back Floyd Chalk IV (3) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
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But there remain several mysteries, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Let’s take a look at three things we don’t yet know about the Longhorns.
Can Arch Manning find consistency?
There’s plenty of good news for quarterback Arch Manning, the college game’s most recognizable — and polarizing — player. He does have 14 total touchdowns, which ranks second in the nation after four games behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He can beat teams with his legs and his arm. But he’s also prone to careless interceptions and his inaccuracy led to a head-scratching 11-of-25 passing performance in a 27-10 win over UTEP. Moments like that will cost Texas games in the SEC.
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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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Will the Texas football running game create big plays?
To be fair, starting running back Quintrevion Wisner has missed all but the first game and fellow veteran CJ Baxter has missed almost all of the past two games with injuries. But Texas only has three runs this season of at least 20 yards, and those came from Manning (20 yards), receiver Ryan Wingo (32) and backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell (50). Texas running backs have averaged a pedestrian 4.5 yards a carry, and the running lanes will only shrink in the SEC.
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The Texas Longhorns celebrate a sack by edge rusher Colin Simmons (1) during the game against San José State at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
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Why is edge rusher Colin Simmons a nonfactor?
At times, the Texas pass rush doesn’t seem to get felt even though the Longhorns are tied for third in the SEC with 11 sacks. But it’s been a group effort; 10 Longhorns have at least half a sack, and no defender has reached two. Can the defense get more out of Colin Simmons, a freshman all-American last season who was expected to emerge as one of the nation’s premier edge rushers? Through four games, Simmons has three solo tackles, three pressures, 1½ tackles for loss and 1½ sacks while starting every game. In comparison, he had seven solo tackles, four pressures, three tackles for loss and two sacks in four nonconference games while coming off the bench last season.