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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanThe 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBevo 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSam 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanGlen 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanA 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanChris 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexans 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanLauren 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanSam 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanBowling 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanMatthew 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.

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.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanJamie 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanFans 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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-StatesmanTexas 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.

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

The Texas Longhorns are off this week, but much of the rest of the SEC features intriguing matchups in Week 5 of the 2025 college football season, including two biggies at the top: No. 5 Georgia hosts No. 17 Alabama and No. 4 LSU plays at No. 13 Ole Miss. And Texas A&M, off to a 4-0 start, kicks off its conference schedule with a home game against Auburn.

Here’s how American-Statesman college beat writers Tony Catalina, Danny Davis, David Eckert, Thomas Jones and Caleb Yum and Statesman columnist Cedric Golden are picking 15 top matchups.

Article continues below this ad

MORE: Where are they now? Catching up with former Texas, NFL LB Jordan Hicks

MORE: Four games in, where do the Texas Longhorns sit nationally statistically?

Last week: Catalina, Jones and Yum went 11-4, Golden was 9-6, Eckert was 8-7 and Davis was 7-8.

The season: T1. Catalina 41-19, T1. Yum 41-19, 3. Golden 39-21 (-2), 4. Jones 37-23 (-4), T5. Davis 36-24 (-5), T5. Eckert 36-24 (-5)

Article continues below this ad

AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Marcel Reed #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to run the ball by safety Jerrin Thompson #1 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Marcel Reed #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to run the ball by safety Jerrin Thompson #1 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Michael Chang/Getty Images

Week 5 games

No. 6 Oregon at No. 3 Penn State (6:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock): Oregon — Davis, Golden, Jones and Yum; Penn State — Catalina, Eckert

No. 17 Alabama at No. 5 Georgia (6:30 p.m., ABC): Alabama — Yum; Georgia — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden and Jones

Article continues below this ad

No. 1 Ohio State at Washington (2:30 p.m., CBS/Paramount+): Ohio State — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; Washington — None

No. 4 LSU at No. 13 Ole Miss (2:30 p.m., ABC): LSU — Davis, Yum; Ole Miss — Catalina, Eckert, Golden and Jones

Auburn at No. 9 Texas A&M (2:30 p.m., ESPN): Auburn — Davis; Texas A&M — Catalina, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum

No. 21 USC at No. 23 Illinois (11 a.m., Fox): USC— Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; Illinois— Catalina

Article continues below this ad

No. 22 Notre Dame at Arkansas (11 a.m., ABC): Notre Dame — Catalina, Davis, Golden, Jones and Yum; Arkansas — Eckert

No. 11 Indiana at Iowa (2:30 p.m., Peacock): Indiana — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; Iowa — None

No. 15 Tennessee at Mississippi State (3:15 p.m., SEC Network): Tennessee — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; Mississippi State — None

Arizona at No. 14 Iowa State (6 p.m., ESPN): Arizona — Eckert; Iowa State — Catalina, Davis, Golden, Jones and Yum

Article continues below this ad

No. 25 BYU at Colorado (9:15 p.m., ESPN): BYU — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; Colorado — None

Kentucky at South Carolina (6:45 p.m., SEC Network): Kentucky — None; South Carolina — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum

Central Florida at Kansas State (11 a.m., FS1): UCF — Catalina, Davis and Yum; Kansas State — Eckert, Golden and Jones

Article continues below this ad

Utah at West Virginia (2:30 p.m., Fox): Utah — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden, Jones and Yum; West Virginia — None

UCLA at Northwestern (2:30 p.m., Big Ten Network): UCLA — Yum; Northwestern — Catalina, Davis, Eckert, Golden and Jones