Down 23-3 in the fourth quarter. Twenty-one unanswered points - against the No. 1 team in the country. A Heisman Trophy campaign that roared back to life. The return of Texas football's running game, redemption for a quarterback and a program, and a huge win over the Buckeyes that has Texas in place to possibly become the new No. 1 team in the country.
Saturday night's 24-23 thriller had it all.
Texas Longhorns' tight end Spencer Shannon (83) dives after Texas Longhorns' defensive back Kade Phillips (8) after Phillips recovered a fumble as the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes face off at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)
As bad as Texas' start was, as bad as things looked at halftime and the third quarter, as unlucky and plodding as the Longhorns looked, all that turned around in the fourth quarter. After surviving what was probably the worst first quarter of the Steve Sarkisian era, No. 4 Texas produced perhaps the biggest win ever at Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Here are some observations we saw from Saturday's win:

#royal #memorial

The stars weren't out in the night sky just yet Saturday at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, but there were some sightings on the sidelines.
In one of the biggest Texas football games of the season against Ohio State, celebrities, politicians and Texas Exes came to Austin and were spotted throughout the sidelines. Earlier in the day, ESPN "College GameDay" featured Sen. Ted Cruz, who was booed by the Longhorn faithful and Austin native; movie star Glen Powell as the guest picker on the show.
Glen Powell on the field at the game between Texas Football and Ohio State at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 12, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Of course, other Austin celebrities were out and about - what is a night game at DKR without Longhorn superfan Matthew McConaughey. He also brought out his friend and "True Detective" co-star Woody Harrelson who was seen chatting with athletic director Chris Del Conte. Gov. Greg Abbott was there, too.
Then there were the sports legends of the school in attendance. Former men's basketball player and current Houston Rocket Kevin Durant was seen throwing crisp spirals and chatting with former football head coach Mack Brown. Former running back Ricky Williams and quarterback Colt McCoy were also spotted as well as former Texas volleyball player Madisen Skinner.

#austin #royal #state

Week 3 of the 2026 Central Texas high school football season wasn't a great one for the American-Statesman's top area Class 6A teams: No. 1 Lake Travis, playing only its second game after the Cavaliers canceled their season opener, saw its road game against Cibolo Steele end in a 28-28 tie after lightning forced the game to be called in the third quarter. No. 2 Westlake suffered its first loss at Prosper. And No. 3 Dripping Springs lost at Round Rock.
For the second time in three weeks, weather played a factor in Friday night's games. Weather caused delay issues at a handful of matchups, including Lake Travis-Cibolo Steele in Schertz, Wimberley at New Braunfels Long Creek, Lehman at Lockhart and even Giddings at Smithville. Lehman-Lockhart was moved to Saturday.
Westlake defensive back Mateus Teixeira (29) tackles Trinity running back Marcus Turner (5) during the game at Westlake High School on Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Class 6A
Non-district

#game #travis #steele

Lake Travis' matchup against Cibolo Steele ended in an abrupt 28-28 tie Friday when inclement weather swept through the area. Lightning was spotted within 10 miles of Lehnhoff Stadium with 4 minutes and 43 seconds left in the third quarter, leading to the initial weather delay.
After approximately 30 minutes, officials ruled the game a tie; the weather's severity had increased, and parts of the stadium lost power.
MORE: Austin-area high school football Week 3 scores
The Cavaliers exited halftime trailing 28-21 following an offense-heavy first half. Lake Travis quarterback Jason Carter, backed up to his own 15-yard line on the opening drive, hit wide receiver Luca Antoun over the middle. Antoun raced to the opposing 5-yard line, when defenders pushed him out of bounds. Running back Teddy Lofgren punched the ball into the end zone to tie the game; the last points of the day.
Lake Travis celebrates after running back Teddy Lofgren's (3) touchdown in the first quarter as they take on the Weiss Wolves at the Pfield in Pflugerville, Sept. 4, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)

#austin #antoun #teddy #weather

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Related: "MAGA Is Losing Their Minds After A College Student Got An F On Her Bad Paper"
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#images

Texas A&M football's toughest non-conference game is here, as Arizona State visits Saturday in a clash between the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12.
The Aggies got off to a slow start in Week 1 before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks for an open receiver during the round one College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)

#texas #quarterback #arizona

Last week, Statesman columnist Cedric Golden joined sports columnists from the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News to discuss who has the best shot at winning the Heisman. This week, they want your hot takes on stadium mayhem.
Consider the noise, crowd intensity, traditions, setting and home-field advantage - which Which Texas college stadium is the toughest to play a road game? Sound off below.
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This article originally published at Which Texas college stadium is the toughest to play a road game?.

#statesman #college

Two quarterbacks, one mission.
Arch Manning versus Julian Sayin with the whole country watching.
And their teams are pretty good, too.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) signs autographs for young fans after winning their game against the Texas State Bobcats 59-7 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 5, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
We're here for it, even if the face of the Texas Longhorns nearly broke his in the moments before authoring a comprehensive season-opening beatdown of the Texas State Bobcats: Unbeknownst to the 102,000 at Royal-Memorial Stadium who watched him lead the Horns, Manning took his biggest hit long before the opening kickoff.

#austin

On Saturday, Arch Manning opened the Texas football season on a positive note.
Manning completed 74.1% of his passes while throwing for 305 yards and four touchdowns in a 59-7 win over Texas State. The senior's 305 yards were the most for a Texas quarterback in a season opener since Sam Ehlinger's 426-yard, five-touchdown outburst against UTEP in 2020.
Manning was intercepted once. He also took one sack.
Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers (2) runs the ball 45 yards in the first quarter the Longhorns' game against the Texas State Bobcats at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 5, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
MORE: Arch Manning may not talk much publicly but he's found his voice as Texas' leader

#manning #utep

Texas football had its first scoop-and-score of the season.
With just over 6 minutes left in the second quarter, Texas State running back Taji Atkins took a carry up the middle. But Rasheem Biles punched the ball out of Atkins hands and Graceson Littleton scooped up the ball to the house for a 59-yard touchdown to push the score to it 28-0 Texas.
On the next drive, the Bobcats avoided the shutout with a touchdown drive against the Longhorns to make it 28-7 with about 4 minutes left until halftime.
Arch Manning then led the Longhorns on a long drive to give UT a chance to extend its lead, but an interception in the end zone kept the deficit at 21 points.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)

#drive #atkins

Saturday marked the beginning of a new era for Kentucky football. Will Stein took over for Mark Stoops, who was fired after 13 years. The Wildcats went from having the SEC's elder statesman of coaches to the league's youngest head man. In a "White Out" day at Kroger Field, the Cats came out almost as hot as the weather. Behind a strong performance from their new quarterback, the Cats knocked off a very good FCS squad. Let's break it down as Kentucky wins Will Stein's debut 45-13 over Youngstown State.
Starting his first game since he was a senior in high school, Kenny Minchey looked every bit the QB1 the Big Blue Nation was hoping for. The junior led Kentucky to four first-half scores on the way to a 28-7 lead. Overall, Minchey completed 18 of 27 passes, including nine of his first ten for 301 yards and four touchdowns. In addition, his average yards per throw was a nice 11.1 on the day. He also spread the wealth around, hitting nine different receivers.
His two first-half strikes went to his tight ends. If you've followed Kentucky football for any amount of time, you know one thing the BBN has been asking for is more looks to the tight ends. His first touchdown was a 10-yard strike to Mikkel Skinner, who got his first career score on his first college catch.
The second score was a two-yard pass to potential all-conference player Willie Rodriguez. Look for that to be said a lot this year. Rodriguez had 48 yards on four catches.
Minchey wasn't the only Cat having a great day. Let's look at some more good performances as Kentucky wins Will Stein's debut 45-13 over Youngstown State.

#minchey #cats #state #rodriguez

Texas football is a heavy favorite in its opening week game against Texas State. So much so that some fans are already looking forward to the marquee Week 2 matchup against Ohio State.
UT coach Steve Sarkisian isn't getting ahead of himself. He acknowledged Wednesday on the Southeastern Conference coaches' call that the Bobcats are not a typical mid-major opponent, dropping a bold statement ahead of Saturday's contest.
PAC-12 REVIVAL: How historic conference's failures informed its future
"Don't be surprised at the end of November if they're not in the talk of making the College Football Playoff," Sarkisian said. "I think Texas State's a really good team. So they've got our attention, they've got our players' attention and that's where our focus is."
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 22, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)

#texas #sarkisian

Last week, Statesman columnist Cedric Golden joined sports columnists from the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News to discuss which Texas players made ESPN's top 100 - and who was snubbed. You can watch the full episode here.
This week, the hosts are asking readers about tailgating and fan culture.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.
This article originally published at Which Texas college has the best tailgate atmosphere? Sound off!.

#cedric

The Texas Longhorns volleyball team stepped back onto the court Wednesday with their first home match of the 2026 season with a face off against USC at Gregory Gym in Austin. The Longhorns defeated the Trojans in 3 sets.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.
This article originally published at Texas volleyball: See photos of the Longhorns' 2026 home opener against the USC Trojans.

#longhorns #gregory #sign #daily

A Monday MRI confirmed the worst fears for Texas volleyball and outside hitter Abby Vander Wal.
Vander Wal, a 6-foot-3 starting outside hitter, tore the ACL in her left knee during Saturday's win over TCU and will likely miss the remainder of the season. She will see an orthopedic surgeon Tuesday for further evaluation and "to determine the next course of action," according to a team official.
During the opening set of Texas volleyball's first match Saturday in the Players Era Showcase against TCU, Vander Wal exited the game when her knee buckled after landing on an attack. The sophomore stayed down until the whistle blew by officials and clutched her left knee before hopping off with the help of training staff.
MORE: Abby Vander Wal was injured against TCU. How does Texas volleyball adjust?
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Abby Vander Wal (6) spikes the ball during the volleyball game against Minnesota at Gregory Gym on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)

#abby

For the Texas football team, this is a game week. Finally.
Last week, however, was a mock week. When it came to its schedule and practices, Texas acted as if a game was happening that weekend. The team even stayed in a hotel Friday and went through its pregame routine Saturday.
More:
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The concept of a mock week isn't new, but it may have served a greater purpose for the Longhorns this season. As head coach Steve Sarkisian pointed out Monday as UT prepared for Saturday's opener against Texas State, the Longhorns welcomed nearly 50 newcomers into their program this offseason.

#longhorns #team #game #Friday

CHICAGO — On the last day of June, the flags danced in a stiff wind above Wrigley Field and Moe Mullins arrived more than three hours before first pitch, just like usual. He set up his camping chair under the ash tree at the corner of Waveland and Kenmore, across the street from the back of the left-field bleachers, and the neighborhood slowly came to life.
In time, the street vendors appeared and the merchandise stands opened and the patio at Murphy's, a block away, started to fill in. Soon, the spectators gathered along the brick wall and waited for the bleacher gates to open. For a while, though, it was quiet, and the last refuge of old Wrigley, and its old neighborhood, belonged to Mullins.
He is the unofficial mayor of Waveland and Kenmore avenues, the elder statesman among the characters who give it character. The Chicago Cubs this weekend celebrated their 150th anniversary as a National League member. They've spent 110 of those years at Wrigley, where the corner just beyond left field remains old-school, a small throwback in the middle of ever-expanding change.
The Cubs have bought up many of the nearby buildings. The rooftops are a little less organically charming and a lot more expensive. Trendy bars and restaurants have moved in all over. Even Wrigley's iconic marquee comes with a corporate sponsor, and has for more than a decade.
The corner, though, remains the corner. Lawn chairs. Lifers. Good banter, some of which is even suitable for children. The most prominent ad there is handwritten, for the Gatorade that Dave Davison sells out of a cooler: $3 for Cubs fans and $4 for Cards fans, with the $5 for White Sox fans crossed out and replaced with "stay thirsty."

#wrigley #fans

Texas volleyball continues its season in Las Vegas for the Players Era Showcase and the Longhorns open their stay Saturday against TCU.
The Horned Frogs haven't started play yet but are coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons. They were picked to finish second in the Big 12 behind Arizona State, which beat Texas 3-1 to open its season.
Texas Longhorns outside hitter Torrey Stafford (4) celebrates with her teammates in the first set of the Longhorns' summer scrimmage against the Rice Owls in Gregory Gymnasium, Aug. 14, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Featuring experience across the floor in seniors Becca Kelly and Lauren Murphy along with junior Evan Hendrix, TCU could challenge Texas (1-1) if UT doesn't start hot. It's an early season test in a "brutal" part of the schedule, especially when Texas has to play No. 1 Nebraska tomorrow.
Follow along for live game updates:

#along #vegas

As the 2026 season approaches, fans and writers near the football programs at Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and a slew of other schools in the state have some pressing questions.
How good will the Longhorns, Aggies and Red Raiders be? How many teams in the state will qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff? Will Texas State impress during his first Pac-12 season? And of course, who wins the national ****** le and Heisman Trophy?
Four award-winning sports columnists from Hearst's Texas news outlets - the Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Dallas Morning News - tackle these questions and more.
Here's what they had to say about the 2026 season:
Cam Coleman joins Ryan Wingo as part of an explosive wide receiver group for Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)

#state #statesman

Who will be the Salem-Keizer area's top boys cross-country runner in 2026?
It's your turn to vote.
The Statesman Journal has worked across fall high school sports to identify some of the top Salem-Keizer area athletes heading into the 2026 OSAA season. After football, girls soccer, boys soccer and girls volleyball, it's time for boys cross country.
So who will be the Salem-Keizer area's top boys cross-country runner in 2026? Here are the nominees, brought to you by Maps Credit Union.
Kayden Bejar, South Salem

#Salem #keizer #runner #Soccer

Who's got the best high school football in the country? Texas, Florida and California have each long laid stake to that claim, but it's rare that we see good teams from those states play each other. But that's what's happening at Chaparral Stadium in Friday's much anticipated 2026 season opener between the Westlake Chaparrals and the Inglewood (Calif.) Sentinels.
Westlake is one of Texas' top programs. Inglewood is packed with FBS talent, including two defensive linemen committed to Texas A&M and Oklahoma and a defensive back who'll play at Cal. And Chaps quarterback Patton Jones is making his first start against a defense that had seven sacks in Inglewood's season opener last week.
Anderson receiver Kyler Sharp (15) makes a catch over Johnson defensive back Zavier Antoine (31) during the game at Hays High School on Thursday, August. 27, 2026 in Kyle, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
But that's not the only big game of note tonight. While the big Lake Travis vs. Dripping Springs opener was canceled, there are still a couple of high-profile matchups that we're watching, including Weiss at Round Rock, a matchup of two of the American-Statesman's top 10 preseason power poll teams; Cedar Park and A&M Consolidated as the Timberwolves make their Class 6A debut; and Vandegrift at San Antonio Brennan, a matchup of two teams expected to win their Class 6A districts.
We're at three games tonight. Colby Gordon is covering the Weiss-Round Rock game at Dragon Stadium, Caleb Yum is at Westlake vs. Inglewood, watching all those college prospects at Chaparral Stadium, and Cory Mull is at Wrangler Stadium in Liberty Hill, where he's watching the Legacy Ranch Wranglers - Central Texas' newest high school - play their first varsity game ever at home against Manor New Tech.

#texas #westlake #school #play

Texas high school football is back. Several UIL games across the state took place last night, but the bulk of the action is Friday.
Headlining the games in the Austin area is Westlake vs. Inglewood (California) but there are dozens of contests to check out tonight.
Check out all the scores here:
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This article originally published at High school football Week 1: Live scores from game across Texas.

#check

Three Texas football players were named to this season's preseason Sean Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list. Among them, linebacker Tyler Arkinson, wide receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr., and edge rusher Richard Wesley. The Longhorns' three selections to the watch list leads college football.
Currently defensive leader Colin Simmons, an edge rusher, was named to the watch list in 2024.
Simmons was Texas' first player to make the list that year.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
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#sean

The American-Statesman takes a look at Class 6A districts around Central Texas as the high school football season gets underway.
1. Lake Travis (14-1 last year, DI state semifinalist): The Cavs graduated 18 starters, but there's never a lack of talent. DBs Luca Antoun and Jeremiah Strong and LB Owen Aird lead what should be one of the area's best defenses.
This video created with the ***** istance of AI.
2. Vandegrift (12-2, DII state semifinalist): New QB Gavin Koester paces an offense that should thrive running the ball, and the Vipers are deep with talent at all three levels on defense.
3. Westlake (7-4, DII area round): There are more question marks than in the past decade for the Chaps. But like Lake Travis, Westlake always has talent. Wylie Nichols is one of Central Texas' better defensive backs.

#texas

The Southeastern Conference recently announced its annual Preseason Coaches All-SEC team. On its roster this season were 11 Longhorns, which tied with Georgia for honorees named to this year's roster. Among Texas' first-team picks: linebacker Rasheem Biles, who joined Texas after transferring out of Pittsburgh early this past offseason; wide receiver Cam Coleman, who left Auburn for Texas via the portal earlier this year; return specialist Ryan Niblett, but as a returner; offensive lineman Trevor Goosby; and edge rusher Colin Simmons. Meanwhile, on the preason All-SEC's second-team we saw quarterback Arch Manning; offensive lineman Brandon Baker, wide receiver and running back Ryan Niblett (as an all-purpose); wide receiver Ryan Wingo; running back Hollywood Smothers; defensive back Jelani McDonald; and long snapper Trey Dubuc.
Only LSU came near Texas and Georgia's dominance of this season's preseason honoree numbers.
LSU tied with Texas for the most first-team honorees, with five.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Steve Sarkisian expresses indifference about Texas signing an NFL castoff

#texas #team #back #longhorns

Texas football standouts Rasheem Biles and Colin Simmons have wracked up preseason accolades throughout the preseason, and most recently, that includes both players being named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the award's committee announced this week. It's the second consecutive season that Biles, a senior who joined Texas after transferring out of Pittsburgh's program earlier this offseason, and Simmons, a junior, that made the cut for the award's preseason watch list honor.
The award is given to each season's top defensive player in college football.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Texas college football in 12 questions: A 2026 season primer
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#Football #simmons #austin #award

Four Texas football players found their names on this season's AP All-America preseason team. That includes offensive tackle Trevor Goosby, wide receiver Cam Coleman, linebacker Rasheem Biles, and edge rusher Colin Simmons—all of whom have become familiar names listed on this season's preseason watch list cohorts so far.
All four Texas players were named to the AP's preseason first team.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: With Trevor Goosby out, what's next for Texas football's offensive line
247Sports: How the Texas Longhorns selected in the 2026 NFL Draft and undrafted free agents are doing in training camp

#goosby #players

Earlier this offseason, Texas football hired former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops as a special ***** istant.
Safe to say, Stoops' brother, former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, isn't happy.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Several Longhorn linebackers sit as Texas gets through first scrimmage
Houston Chronicle: Defense shines despite flu bug thinning out ranks at UT football scrimmage

#head #scrimmage #earlier

Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is among those to land on this year's Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list.
Each season, the award honors the sport's most impactful community leaders.
Former Texas safety Michael Taaffe won the Wuerffel Trophy last season for his work with Texas Against Fentanyl; among Longhorns to receive the annual honor before him, Sam Acho won the award back in 2010.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Why was an NBA coach asked to speak to the Texas football team?

#longhorns #award

Once valued at an estimated $6.8 million in name, image, and likeness dollars, Texas quarterback Arch Manning was ranked at No. 1 nationally at the time. Of course, that was before Manning had barely taken a snap under center at the college level; Manning saw only limited playing time in his first two seasons. And as the hype around the incoming redshirt junior has evolved in recent years, so has his NIL ranking. As it stands, Manning is currently ranked No. 20 nationally in On3's NIL rankings index. He's currently worth an estimated $2.5 million.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: How did new Texas RB Raleek Brown earn his 'Band-Aid' nickname?
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Austin American-Statesman: Arch Manning, Colin Simmons and the complete Texas Longhorns roster

#longhorns