GAME DAY: UTEP Miners @ No.7 Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns and UTEP Miners are set to clash today at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin at 3:15 PM CST, with Texas entering as 41.5 point favorites and seeking to gain momentum before SEC play begins. All eyes will be on the quarterbacks: Arch Manning for Texas, who recently rebounded with a five-touchdown game against San Jose State, and Malachi Nelson, the highly recruited UTEP signal-caller making noise after transferring from Boise State. With both teams sitting at 1-1, this matchup is critical for confidence and narrative setting in the early 2025 college football season.

Key factors for Texas will be capitalizing on Manning’s improved rhythm and limiting turnovers, as early season flaws—such as penalties and red-zone miscues—were evident in their opener against Ohio State and the San Jose State game. Manning, hailed for his passing prowess and dual-threat capability, is supported by playmakers like CJ Baxter and Parker Livingstone, but he must maintain control and efficiency to keep Texas dominant. For UTEP, Nelson brings leadership and arm talent to a Miners squad eager to punch above its weight; protecting him from Texas’ defensive front and establishing some ground game will be vital to avoid a blowout.

Texas needs to leverage its depth, control the trenches, and avoid letting up early to shut down any UTEP confidence. If Arch Manning stays sharp and Texas limits mistakes, the Longhorns should cruise; but if Malachi Nelson can extend drives and the Miners force a few key turnovers, an upset or at least a competitive contest is possible. Ultimately, this game serves as a critical platform for Manning’s continued development and for Nelson to prove his pedigree against one of the nation’s elite programs.

Injury Report

Texas enters today’s game with UTEP carrying a lengthy injury list, especially at skill positions and along the defensive line. Running back Quintrevion Wisner is doubtful due to a leg injury, forcing CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson to carry the load. Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. remains in concussion protocol and is likely out, while defensive lineman Alex January and WR Emmett Mosley V are also out. Tight end Jack Endries will play but is expected to be limited, increasing roles for Jordan Washington and Nick Townsend. Top freshman safety Jonah Williams is still recovering from a hamstring injury and will not be available.

Other notable Texas questionables are Wardell Mack (DB), Rickey Stewart Jr. (RB), Colin Page (RB), and defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman, all battling various ailments. Offensive lineman Andre Cojoe is out for the season after a preseason knee injury.

As for UTEP, public injury information is more limited, but no key starters are listed as out or doubtful heading into kickoff based on the latest available reports. The Miners appear relatively healthy, creating an opportunity to test Texas’ undermanned units.

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