When Arch Manning dropped back on fourth-and-8 late in the third quarter, the crowd at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium fell silent. Then, with perfect touch, he floated a pass over two defenders to DeAndre Moore Jr. for his third touchdown catch of the night. The stadium erupted. It wasn’t just a play—it was a statement. On November 22, 2025, Manning led the Texas Longhorns to a 52-37 rout of the Arkansas Razorbacks in front of 102,361 fans, delivering a performance no one in Austin had seen before: four passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and—yes—one receiving touchdown. He finished with 359 passing yards, turning what looked like a shootout into a coronation.
A Night for the Record Books
Arch Manning didn’t just play well—he rewrote the script. His three touchdown passes to DeAndre Moore Jr. came on consecutive drives in the second and third quarters, each more devastating than the last. The first was a 42-yard bomb down the sideline. The second, a 28-yard crossing route that Moore turned into a 15-yard gain after the catch. The third? A 17-yard fade in the end zone where Moore outleaped two defenders like he’d been practicing it for years. ESPN’s broadcast crew didn’t even need to say it—viewers already knew: three receiving touchdowns for Moore was a first in Texas history. But Manning wasn’t done. On a designed quarterback draw, he slipped past the line of scrimmage, juked a linebacker, and dove into the end zone for a 12-yard rushing TD. Then, in the fourth quarter, with Arkansas threatening to make it a one-score game, Manning took a direct snap on a trick play, flipped the ball to a wide receiver who then tossed it back to him—and Manning sprinted 18 yards for another score. He became the first player in FBS history to throw four TDs, run for one, and catch one in the same game.Defense Steps Up When It Mattered
The offense stole the headlines, but the defense made the win possible. With Arkansas cutting the lead to 38-37 midway through the third quarter, Liona Lefau came flying off the edge, stripped the ball from quarterback Tayen Green, scooped it up, and rumbled 52 yards for a touchdown. The play shifted momentum completely. "That wasn’t luck," said head coach Steve Sarkisian afterward. "That was preparation. Liona’s been studying film since August. He knew exactly where Green would try to go." Meanwhile, Colin Simmons added his 10th sack of the season—matching the most by a Longhorn since 2013—and forced another fumble that led to a Texas field goal. The defense held Arkansas to just 14 yards on its final four drives after the Razorbacks had moved the ball with ease earlier.The Stakes Just Got Higher
This win improved Texas to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in the SEC, keeping them at No. 17 in the College Football Playoff rankings. But here’s the thing: they’re not done. The real test arrives Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. CST, when the Texas Longhorns host Texas A&M in the 120th edition of the Cotton Holdings Lone Star ShowdownDarrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Ranked No. 3, the Aggies are hungry, and a loss here would likely end Texas’ playoff hopes for the third straight year. "This win today? It’s a confidence builder," said CBS Sports analyst Tom Hart on air. "But if you think beating Arkansas means you’re playoff-ready, you’re fooling yourself. Texas has to go through A&M—and they have to do it convincingly." The Longhorns haven’t made the playoff since 2021. This season, they were preseason No. 1. Now, they’re clinging to a sliver of hope—and Manning is the only thing holding it together.
A Historic Rivalry, Renewed
Texas now leads the all-time series against Arkansas 58-23, dating back to 1894. The Longhorns have won 19 of their last 20 home games, including eight straight at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Arkansas’ only recent win in Austin? 2016. Since then, the Razorbacks have been outscored 227-82 in four trips to Texas. Quarterback Tayen Green had a solid night—28-of-43 for 312 yards, two TDs—but he was under constant pressure. Jahdae Barron and T'Vondre Moore made key stops, while Arkansas kicker Sam Starzyk missed a 48-yard attempt in the second quarter that could’ve tied the game.What’s Next?
The Longhorns have one game left before the conference championship. If they beat Texas A&M, they’ll likely sneak into the playoff as a 10-3 team. If they lose? They’ll likely end up in the Sugar Bowl. Either way, Manning’s legacy in Austin is already cemented. He didn’t just win this game—he made it unforgettable.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Arch Manning’s performance compare to other Texas quarterbacks?
Arch Manning’s six total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing, one receiving) and 359 passing yards were the most by a Texas QB in a single game since Colt McCoy’s 2009 performance against Oklahoma. He’s the first Longhorn since 2005 to throw four TDs and rush for another in the same game. His ability to make plays outside the pocket—both as a passer and receiver—sets him apart from previous Texas QBs, who were typically more traditional pocket passers.
Who are the key players Texas will need against Texas A&M?
Beyond Arch Manning, Texas will need DeAndre Moore Jr. to continue his record-setting stretch and the defensive line, led by Colin Simmons, to pressure A&M QB Conner Weigman. Linebacker Liona Lefau’s ability to create turnovers will be critical, as Texas A&M’s offense thrives on big plays. If the offensive line can protect Manning for 60+ snaps, Texas has a real shot.
What does this win mean for Texas’ playoff chances?
Texas is still alive, but barely. A win over No. 3 Texas A&M would likely push them into the top 4, especially if other top teams lose. But a loss—even a close one—would almost certainly eliminate them. The committee values strength of schedule, and beating a top-5 team on the road is their only remaining path. This Arkansas win helped, but it’s not enough on its own.
Why is the Texas-Arkansas rivalry significant despite being uneven?
Though Texas dominates the series 58-23, Arkansas has been a consistent SEC opponent since 2012, and the games often come down to the wire. For Texas, it’s a chance to dominate a non-powerhouse before facing rivals like A&M. For Arkansas, it’s a rare opportunity to prove they can compete with elite programs. The 2016 win in Austin remains one of the most shocking results in recent SEC history.
How did Texas’ offense manage 490 yards of total offense?
Texas mixed play-action passes with quick slants and designed quarterback runs to keep Arkansas’ defense off balance. Arch Manning completed 24 of 31 passes, and running back Roschon Johnson added 97 yards on 16 carries. The offensive line, which had been inconsistent earlier in the season, didn’t allow a sack and opened holes for big plays. The result? 393 passing yards and 97 rushing yards—a perfect balance.
What’s the significance of Colin Simmons’ 10th sack this season?
Simmons’ 10 sacks are the most by a Texas defensive end since Cedric Reed and Jackson Jeffcoat both hit 10 in 2013. He’s on pace to break the school’s single-season record of 13, set by Jeffcoat in 2013. His ability to collapse the pocket from the edge has been vital in third-down situations, forcing Arkansas into long-yardage plays that led to turnovers. He’s now a top NFL draft prospect.
Written by Gareth O'Dell
View all posts by: Gareth O'Dell