Texas football : Texas Longhorns Snatch Heart-Stopping OT Victory from Mississippi State – But at What Cost to Arch Manning?

Texas football: In a game that will be etched into Texas Longhorns football lore, the No. 22 Longhorns staged one of the most improbable comebacks in program history, rallying from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-38 in overtime on October 25, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium. Trailing 38-21 with just over 12 minutes left in regulation, Texas unleashed a furious fourth-quarter onslaught, scoring 24 points to force OT and ultimately secure the win. This victory, their second straight in overtime, keeps the Longhorns firmly in the SEC title hunt at 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

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But the triumph came with a gut punch: Star quarterback Arch Manning, who dazzled with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns, exited in overtime after a brutal hit, sparking immediate concerns about his injury status. As fans buzz online with questions like “Did Arch Manning get injured?” and “Why did Arch Manning not play in overtime?”, the Longhorns’ resilience shone through, with backup Matthew Caldwell delivering the game-winning strike.

This article dives deep into the Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State thriller, answering burning queries on the game, Manning’s status, and even the timeless debate: Who is the Texas Longhorns’ biggest rival? Whether you’re a die-hard Horns fan or just catching up on college football chaos, read on for key plays, stats, and insights that make this matchup unforgettable.

Epic Comeback: How Texas Turned the Tide

The Texas Longhorns’ victory over Mississippi State wasn’t just a win—it was a masterclass in fourth-quarter magic, marking their largest comeback since 2007. Down 31-14 entering the final frame, the Bulldogs appeared poised to snap a 16-game SEC losing skid under first-year coach Jeff Lebby. But Steve Sarkisian’s squad flipped the script, outscoring Mississippi State 24-7 in the fourth and adding seven more in OT.

Here’s a bullet-point breakdown of the key moments that fueled the Texas Longhorns comeback:

12:29 Left – Mississippi State’s Dagger (38-21 Lead): Bulldogs QB Blake Shapen connected with Davon Booth on a 62-yard catch-and-run touchdown, seemingly burying Texas. The Horns’ defense, which entered allowing just 11.3 points per game, had been gashed for 381 passing yards already.
9:34 Left – Manning Strikes Back (38-28): Arch Manning, under constant pressure (Mississippi State racked up five sacks), aired it out for a 21-yard touchdown pass to wideout Emmett Mosley. This score ignited the sideline and cut the deficit to 10, showcasing Manning’s poise amid chaos.
Under 5 Minutes – Field Goal Keeps Hope Alive (38-31): Kicker Mason Shipley nailed a 26-yard field goal after a gritty drive, forcing Mississippi State to sweat. Texas’ defense stepped up here, notching two of their seven sacks to disrupt Shapen’s rhythm.
1:47 Left – Punt Return Pandemonium (Tie Game, 38-38): In a play straight out of highlight reels, return specialist Ryan Niblett fielded a punt at his own 21 and weaved 79 yards untouched for a touchdown. This electric score, Texas’ first punt return TD since 2022, silenced the Starkville crowd and sent the game to OT.
Overtime Thriller: Manning took the first snap but was leveled on a blindside hit, slamming his head into the turf. Helped off gingerly, he handed the reins to Caldwell, who coolly threw a 15-yard TD to Mosley on third down, sealing the 45-38 win. Texas’ D added two more sacks in OT, including a game-clincher that dropped Shapen for a 12-yard loss.

This sequence not only highlighted Texas’ special teams prowess but also their defensive grit—12 tackles for loss and seven sacks turned the tide. For Mississippi State (4-4, 0-4 SEC), it was another heartbreaker in a season of close calls, amassing 445 total yards but crumbling under pressure.

Arch Manning’s Heroics and Heartbreak

Arch Manning entered Saturday’s clash against Mississippi State as the Longhorns’ supernova, stepping in for an injured Quinn Ewers earlier in the season. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli didn’t disappoint, carving up the Bulldogs’ secondary for a career-high 346 passing yards on 29-of-46 attempts, three touchdowns, and one interception. He even added a 1-yard rushing score in the first half, proving his dual-threat danger.

Manning’s arm looked surgical: A 45-yard bomb to Jaydon Blue set up an early field goal, and his connection with Mosley (three catches, two TDs) was telepathic. But the game’s cruel twist came in OT, when Manning absorbed a vicious hit from linebacker Nic Anderson on the opening play. He stayed down briefly, clutching his helmet, before trainers rushed to his side. The 21-year-old walked off under his own power but was ruled out for the remainder, leaving fans holding their breath.

This performance silenced early-season doubters who questioned if the five-star recruit could lead Texas through the SEC gauntlet. Yet, the injury cloud looms large—more on that below.

Why Arch Manning Didn’t Play in Overtime

The burning question post-game: Why did Arch Manning not play in overtime? Simple answer: A precautionary measure after a scary hit. On the first OT snap—a handoff to CJ Baxter—Manning scrambled and lowered his shoulder into Anderson, resulting in a helmet-to-turf collision. Officials reviewed for targeting (none called), but Manning’s exit was immediate.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed postgame: “Arch took a tough shot to the head. We got him evaluated, and our priority is his long-term health. Matthew [Caldwell] stepped up huge— that’s why we recruit depth.” Caldwell, a redshirt freshman, hadn’t thrown a collegiate pass before Saturday but delivered under the lights, going 1-for-1 for 15 yards and the dagger TD.

This decision underscored Texas’ quarterback depth, built for SEC brutality. No reports of concussion yet, but Manning’s absence in OT highlighted the fine line between heroism and health in college football.

Did Arch Manning Get Injured? The Latest Updates

Yes, Arch Manning did get injured in the Texas Longhorns’ overtime win over Mississippi State. The exact nature remains under wraps—Sarkisian labeled it an “upper-body issue,” likely involving the head/neck from the OT hit. Manning was seen walking to the locker room without assistance, a positive sign, but he didn’t return.

As of October 26, 2025, updates are cautiously optimistic. Texas’ official site reports Manning is “day-to-day,” undergoing further tests. Social media exploded with concern, trending #PrayForArch alongside fan tributes. If it’s a concussion, expect a multi-week absence; otherwise, he could suit up for next week’s matchup vs. Vanderbilt.

This isn’t Manning’s first scare—he missed time in 2024 with a sprained ankle—but his toughness is legendary. Longhorns Nation prays it’s minor, as his leadership has Texas eyeing a playoff push.

Who Is the Texas Longhorns’ Biggest Rival?

For Texas Longhorns fans, rivalries aren’t just games—they’re blood oaths. But who holds the crown as the biggest foe? Drumroll: It’s the Oklahoma Sooners, hands down. The Red River Rivalry, played annually at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair, dates to 1900 and boasts 120 meetings (Texas leads 63-52-5). No other matchup matches its intensity—neutral-site spectacle, cultural clash, and conference stakes.

Why Oklahoma Tops the List:
- Historical Heat: The series has decided Big 12 titles and fueled legends like the 2008 shootout (Texas won 45-35).
- Modern Stakes: Now both in the SEC, the 2025 edition (Oct. 11, Texas won 34-27) amplified the bad blood.
- Fan Fury: Polls show 78% of Horns faithful rank OU No. 1.

Key Stats and Standout Performers

To quantify the madness, here’s a quick stats table from the Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State showdown:

Category	Texas Longhorns	Mississippi State
Total Yards	428	445
Passing Yards	361	381
Rushing Yards	67	64
Turnovers	1	1
Sacks	7	5
Points in Q4/OT	31	7

Standouts:

Arch Manning (TEX): 29/46, 346 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT; 12 rush yds, 1 TD.
Emmett Mosley (TEX): 4 rec, 89 yds, 2 TD—clutch in crunch time.
Blake Shapen (MSU): 26/42, 381 yds, 4 TD—kept Bulldogs alive.
Ryan Niblett (TEX): 79-yd punt return TD—game-tying hero.

These numbers underscore Texas’ balance: Passing firepower met defensive dominance.

Season Implications for the Longhorns

This overtime win propels Texas toward SEC contention, avenging a sloppy start (losses to Michigan, Georgia). At 4-1 in conference, they trail leaders Alabama and Ole Miss by one game. Next: Vanderbilt (easy win?), then Oklahoma State and Texas A&M—rivalry tests ahead.

Manning’s injury? If he misses time, Ewers’ return could stabilize, but Caldwell’s poise buys breathing room. Playoff odds? Up to 45% per analytics, thanks to this resilience. The Horns’ depth, exposed yet unbreakable, positions them as dark horses in a loaded SEC.

Conclusion: A Win That Defines Resilience

The Texas Longhorns’ 45-38 OT thriller over Mississippi State was more than a comeback—it was a statement. From Manning’s brilliance to Niblett’s flair, this game embodied Horns grit. As questions swirl on rivals and injuries, one truth endures: In Austin, we burn orange and fight on.