Texas vs Arkansas: Arch Manning's Historic Day

A SEC Rivalry for the Ages

The Texas Longhorns and Arkansas Razorbacks renewed their storied rivalry with a game that delivered both drama and history. In a matchup of SEC foes with vastly different seasons—No. 17 Texas (8-3) seeking College Football Playoff redemption against Arkansas (2-8)—the spotlight fell on quarterback Arch Manning in a way no one expected.

Arch Manning's Trifecta

The Longhorns' star quarterback orchestrated one of the most unique performances in recent college football history. On a trick play in the first half, Manning took a handoff, faked a jet sweep, then slipped uncovered into the end zone to catch a touchdown pass from wide receiver Parker Livingstone. This marked Manning's first career reception and put Texas up 14-6. Not done there, he later found Livingstone for a 54-yard touchdown pass, then added a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Manning became the first Texas player since 1989 to throw, run, and catch a touchdown in the same game.

Arkansas's Gritty Stand

Despite their 2-8 record, the Razorbacks refused to go quietly. Arkansas has become synonymous with close losses this season, with five of their eight defeats coming by three points or fewer. Their explosive offense challenged a Texas defense that had allowed 30+ points in three consecutive games for the first time since 2021. The Hogs' ability to hang tough kept the game competitive, preventing Texas from padding its stats and highlighting their SEC resilience.

Texas's Path Forward

For Texas, the victory was critical but bittersweet. Coming off a demoralizing 35-10 loss at Georgia that dropped them seven spots in the CFP rankings, the Longhorns needed this win to keep their at-large hopes alive. While beating an SEC foe helps, the real test looms next week against No. 3 Texas A&M. A win in the Lone Star Showdown could vault them back into playoff contention, but any slip-ups would likely end their championship dreams.

Where to Watch: SEC Rivalry Renewed

The showdown aired nationally on ABC with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET from Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Fans streamed the game via platforms like Fubo, continuing the tradition of this intense border war. The game marked just the second meeting since Texas joined the SEC, reviving a rivalry that defined the Southwest Conference era from 1932-1991.

Historical Context

This matchup wasn't just about the scoreboard—it was about legacy. Texas entered with a 19-game home win streak against unranked opponents, while Arkansas sought its signature win of a frustrating season. Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino, known for his offensive ingenuity, designed schemes that kept pressure on Texas's defense all afternoon.

"Arkansas has made a habit of losing close games, and the Texas defense has made it a recent habit to allow points."
— CBS Sports Prediction

What's Next?

With A&M looming, Texas must regroup quickly. For Arkansas, the focus shifts to offseason improvements after narrowly avoiding several blowouts. Meanwhile, Manning's historic day adds another chapter to his storied family legacy, proving he can impact games in unconventional ways beyond his arm talent.