Staff Predictions: No. 7 Texas Longhorns vs. San Jose State Spartans

The No. 7 Texas Longhorns return to Austin this Saturday looking to rebound from a frustrating 14-7 loss to Ohio State in their season opener. All eyes will be on quarterback Arch Manning, who struggled in his highly anticipated debut as the full-time starter. Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, while also rushing for 38 yards on 10 carries 

The Longhorns’ offense failed to find rhythm until late in the game, and now face a San Jose State team that presents a prime opportunity to reset and regain momentum before SEC play begins in several weeks.

San Jose State enters the matchup 0-1 after a narrow 16-14 loss to Central Michigan, a game marred by turnovers and missed field goals. 

Spartan quarterback Walker Eget threw for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also tossed 2 interceptions, while standout receiver Danny Scudero exploded for 9 catches, 189 yards, and a touchdown. The Spartans’ defense allowed 247 rushing yards and struggled to get off the field on third down, which could open the door for Texas running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter to control the tempo. For Texas, this game is about more than just winning—it’s about restoring confidence in Manning, sharpening execution, and proving they’re still a national contender.

San Jose State comes in with nothing to lose in search of a big upset over the Longhorns at home. Do they have enough talent and luck to pull off the seemingly impossible? Our staff shares their thoughts on how they think Saturday plays out in the season opener at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium.

Jameson McCausland (0-1)

I am actually looking forward to seeing the Texas secondary tested a bit against a San Jose State offense that will throw the ball a lot. The Spartans’ offensive line is undersized and the run game is basically non-existent, so expect to see the Longhorns defend over 40 pass attempts on Saturday.

For Texas offensively, Steve Sarkisian is likely to face a choice in this game. San Jose State was shredded for 250 yards on the ground against Central Michigan last weekend, a total the Longhorns could easily match if they want. But after what Arch Manning showed in Columbus, will Sarkisian be willing to bypass some of the free yards in the run game to get his quarterback back in a groove with 25-30 pass attempts? My gut says yes, and I expect to see a good game from the Texas passing attack.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, San Jose State 7

Aaron Carrara (0-1)

After a humbling 14-7 loss to Ohio State last week, the Longhorns enter Saturday’s matchup against San Jose State looking for a big win. Arch Manning’s debut as the full-time starter was far from the Heisman-caliber performance fans expected. He completed just 56.7% of his passes for 170 yards, threw a pick, and looked uncomfortable against a relentless Buckeye defense. This game offers Manning a chance to quiet the noise and show he’s still the quarterback capable of leading Texas to a national title.

San Jose State, meanwhile, is no pushover. Despite a 16-14 loss to Central Michigan, quarterback Walker Eget threw for over 300 yards and wide receiver Danny Scudero exploded for 189 yards and a touchdown. The Spartans can move the ball, and if Texas sleepwalks through the first half, they could find themselves in another dogfight. That said, I expect Texas to come out angry, focused, and explosive. Manning will settle in, the run game will dominate, and the defense will suffocate San Jose State’s offense. 

Unfortunately, anything less than a blowout will raise more questions than answers.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, San Jose State 10

Devon Messinger (0-1)

Well, last Saturday was not an ideal one if you are a Longhorn fan. While the Texas defense looked legit, Steve Sarkisian’s passing offense did not. However, expect Arch Manning to have a big bounce back game against San Jose State as he looks to take a step in the right direction after the season-opening loss.

Expect the Longhorns to pass early and often, trying to knock off the rust (or inexperience) that was apparent early on. In fact, two of the team’s most important returning starters, Ryan Wingo & DeAndre Moore, only combined for four catches for 41 yards. If the Longhorns want to go far this season, it will be on Arch Manning to get them there. With that being said, Manning does not have to play like a Heisman winner in order for this team to go far… he just can’t be a liability.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, San Jose State 0

Marc Henry (0-1)

The Texas Longhorns return home looking to bounce back after a hard-fought loss at Ohio State. Despite falling short, Texas actually outgained the Buckeyes 336–203, a testament to the defense’s dominance. The Longhorns’ defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage, and that effort will need to carry over against San Jose State.

On offense, Arch Manning finished 17–30 for 170 yards and 1 touchdown against Ohio State. While efficient at times, the Longhorns lacked explosive plays, averaging just 5 yards per play. Sarkisian’s group will look to reestablish balance and take more vertical shots against a Spartan defense that has shown vulnerability through the air.

San Jose State enters this matchup coming off a narrow 16–14 loss to Central Michigan, where senior QB Eget Walker threw for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’ll challenge Texas’ secondary, but the Spartans will face relentless pressure from the Longhorns’ pass rush, which could be the deciding factor.

If Texas can open up the offense and keep the defense playing at a high level, they should control this matchup from start to finish.

Score Prediction: Texas 42, San Jose State 14

Mitch Lovell (0-1)

Texas has a bad taste in their mouth from a tough week one loss and will come out ready to dominate. The defense has already proven that they are elite, and San Jose State will struggle to move the ball. Sarkisian will look to get Arch in a rhythm early to get the offense clicking after a sluggish game in Columbus.

Score Prediction: Texas 49, San Jose State 0

Jacob Campos (0-1)

It’s a shame Texas didn’t get this tune-up game in Week One, but such is life. This is a great chance for the offense to build confidence, get the receivers more touches, let Arch sling it, and give the O-line an opportunity to clean up last week’s mistakes.

I expect the offense to be much sharper, and I think the defensive front will wreak havoc after recording zero sacks last week. I like Texas this week – and I like them by a lot.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, San Jose State 7