The Longhorns will get their season started against Texas State, with many interested to see how the offense performs.
The Texas Longhorns will get their 2026 college football season off and running as they welcome Texas State to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Steve Sarkisian's team is seen as one of the better teams in the SEC, and that is largely thanks to the offense led by Arch Manning.
With the Longhorns boasting a superb offense, at least on paper, with Manning, Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, Hollywood Smothers, plus an offensive line headlined by Trevor Goosby, who has been cleared to take his place, giving Manning his proper starting five for the game, Texas has all the tools needed.
Now, we know that the Longhorns are likely going to be one of the teams to beat in 2026, and some have even overlooked Texas State, as the Ohio State Buckeyes are on the schedule in Week 2, but Sarkisian's team has to take care of business here.
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson is someone who the Longhorns' defense is going to have to curtail, with his dual-threat ability set to test Texas' defense early.
Everyone has an idea of how the game will go, but the Longhorns haven't played a game yet, so there will be rust, and that means that things might not be as smooth as many think.
Still, there is no denying that the Longhorns have the talent to begin their season with a win.
Much of that will likely fall on Arch's shoulders, and he has the weaponry in the passing game, but also on the ground to get this Longhorns season off and running with a win.
This game could come down to which quarterback plays better, and Longhorns fans will have to feel good about their chances if that is the case.
Still, we remember Arch started off slow last season, and I get the sense Texas can't afford that to happen again.
Defensively, look for Rasheem Biles, and Colin Simmons to be game wreckers for the Longhorns as they are touted as two of the best in their position this season.
Can the Longhorns get the season off to a winning start?
WHAT: Texas State (0-0) at (0-0) No. 5 Texas Longhorns
WHEN: Saturday, September 5, at 2:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium | Austin, TX
TV: ESPN
RADIO: Longhorns Radio Network | Craig Way (play-by-play), Roger Wallace (color), Will Matthews (sideline reporter)
BETTING ODDS VIA DRAFTKINGS
SPREAD: Texas -29.5
TOTAL: 59.5 (O -108, U -112)
MONEYLINE: TX ST +2200 | TEX -8000
