No. 5 Texas opens the 2026 season against Texas State with Arch Manning, Trevor Goosby and a rebuilt roster facing immediate expectations in Austin.
Texas football opens the 2026 season Saturday against Texas State with a familiar name carrying the biggest expectations.
Arch Manning begins his second full season as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, and the pressure surrounding him is only getting louder.
Texas enters the year ranked No. 5 nationally, and with a showdown against No. 1 Ohio State waiting in Week 2, Saturday’s opener at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium is less about survival and more about execution.
The Longhorns need Manning to look settled immediately.
Texas also enters the season with a revamped supporting cast. Auburn transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman gives Manning another major weapon, while running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown add depth to a backfield that was reshaped during the offseason.
One of the biggest questions comes up front.
Starting left tackle Trevor Goosby has been cleared to play after suffering a knee injury during fall camp. Steve Sarkisian said Goosby has progressed well, but Texas is expected to monitor his workload and conditioning after he missed roughly two weeks of preparation.
With Ohio State coming next, there’s little reason to push Goosby longer than necessary if Texas builds a comfortable lead.
Texas State, however, has enough offense to make the Longhorns work.
Quarterback Brad Jackson returns after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and rushing for more than 700 last season.
His dual-threat ability gives Texas’ defense an immediate challenge, particularly with the Longhorns breaking in personnel under defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
The Bobcats also return 71 percent of their production from last season and enter their first year as members of the Pac-12 after spending the previous 13 seasons in the Sun Belt.
Texas State finished 7-6 last season, but this is a major step up in competition.
Texas enters as roughly a 29.5-point favorite, and the talent gap is obvious. Still, the Longhorns have more to accomplish than simply winning.
They need clean offensive execution, protection for Manning, limited penalties and a defense capable of containing Jackson’s scrambling ability.
Most importantly, Texas needs to handle business early enough that attention can safely turn toward Ohio State.
The Longhorns have championship expectations in 2026. Saturday is their first chance to look like a team capable of meeting them.
