Texas quickly asserted dominance both offensively and defensively. Quarterback Arch Manning led the Longhorns to touchdowns on their first three drives, including a 13-yard rushing score by Jerrick Gibson and a 5-yard touchdown run by Manning himself. The offense continued their rhythm into the second quarter with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Johntay Washington, followed by a 29-yard field goal from Mason Shipley. By halftime, Texas had built a commanding 24-0 lead, while the defense held Sam Houston to just 16 total yards and zero first downs during that span.
Despite missing top running backs CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner due to injuries, Texas showcased depth at the position with Christian Clark stepping up as the starter. The Bearkats, starting dual-threat quarterback Hunter Watson after his return from injury, struggled to generate any consistent offense against a ferocious Longhorns defense that looked poised to be one of the best in the nation this season.
Statistically, the Longhorns outgained Sam Houston 291 to 16 in total yards in the first half, converted 4 of 5 third-down attempts, and committed no turnovers. The Bearkats, meanwhile, failed to convert a single third down and averaged just over one yard per play before halftime. Texas’ defense not only prevented scoring opportunities but also dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 15 minutes in the first half.
The game also carried added intrigue with the unofficial visit of Kavian Bryant, the No. 3 quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class, signaling Texas’ ongoing commitment to future success at the quarterback position.
From a betting and analytics perspective, Texas entered the contest as a massive favorite with a -39.5 point spread according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under was set at 51.5 points, reflecting expectations of offensive fireworks from the Longhorns against a struggling Sam Houston defense.
Historically, Sam Houston’s football program has experienced both highs and lows, but Texas has consistently been a powerhouse, especially at home. The Longhorns’ performance in this game not only provided a much-needed confidence boost heading into their SEC schedule but also offered fans and analysts a glimpse of the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders.
For fans who missed the live action, full game recaps, highlights, and statistics are available on the ESPN Gamecast and Longhorns Wire platforms. With a final score that reflected Texas’ dominance, the Longhorns look to carry this momentum forward as they tackle a challenging conference schedule in the weeks ahead.