The wait is over.
No. 5 Texas begins the 2026 season Saturday at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, welcoming the Texas State Bobcats to Austin for an in-state matchup that has not been played in 96 years.
The Longhorns enter the opener with College Football Playoff aspirations, a returning starting quarterback in Arch Manning, and no shortage of national attention. Texas State, meanwhile, arrives with one of the more experienced and dangerous Group of Five offenses in the country under fourth-year head coach G.J. Kinne.
Texas is heavily favored, but this is not simply a walk-through game on the way to next week’s matchup with Ohio State. The Bobcats have continuity at quarterback, return much of their offensive production, and have every reason to view a trip 30 miles north on I-35 as an opportunity to make an early national statement.
Series History
Saturday marks just the second football meeting between Texas and Texas State.
The only previous matchup took place on September 20, 1930, when Texas defeated what was then known as Southwest Texas State Teachers College, 36-0, in Austin. The schools sit roughly 30 miles apart along I-35, but they have gone nearly a century without sharing a football field.
The programs have changed dramatically since the 1930 game. Texas State has grown into an FBS program, joined the reconfigured Pac-12, and now brings a veteran quarterback and an offense capable of creating problems if Texas is not locked in from the opening possession.
What To Watch For
Arch Manning’s Opening Statement
All attention will be directed towards Texas quarterback Arch Manning as he embarks on his second season as the starter for the Longhorns. With championship aspirations in mind, Saturday’s game will provide the first opportunity to assess how Manning directs the offense, copes with pressure, and distributes the football.
Manning is supported by talented playmakers Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman among others. A strong performance from him could generate momentum for Texas ahead of their high-stakes matchup against Ohio State next week.
The Offensive Line, Particularly at Left Tackle
The health of left tackle Trevor Goosby has emerged as a key storyline leading up to the game. After suffering a bone bruise during fall camp, Goosby has been cleared to participate against Texas State. However, it remains uncertain whether Texas will utilize him extensively given the upcoming challenge against Ohio State or if they will manage his snap count carefully.
Texas State is likely to test Texas’ protection early on. The Longhorns’ ability to control the line of scrimmage while keeping Manning protected and establishing a productive ground game will be crucial for success that afternoon.
Brad Jackson and the Bobcats’ Tempo
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson is a player that Texas must not allow to settle into a rhythm. As a returning starter, he completed 71.3 percent of his passes last season for 3,224 yards and 21 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for over 700 yards. He presents a genuine dual-threat capability that can exploit soft coverage, extend plays, and create problems with his mobility.
The Bobcats also favor a fast-paced style of play. For this reason, Texas needs seamless substitutions, effective communication, and solid tackling in open space, especially if Texas State establishes a rhythm during the first half.
Final Thoughts
This matchup serves as an opportunity to kick off the season in a positive manner.
Texas brings a higher ranking, a deeper roster and home-field advantage alongside an elite quarterback. All this makes it tough to imagine anything but a solid Longhorn victory. The win is important, but so is demonstrating disciplined gameplay by winning battles along scrimmage lines, protecting Manning and avoiding typical opening-week blunders.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m Central Time on ESPN from Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
