Nothing comes easy against No. 9 Vanderbilt and star quarterback Diego Pavia, but No. 20 Texas football (7-2, 4-1 SEC) stayed in contention for a third consecutive berth in the College Football Playoff by holding on for a wild 34-31 win Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who wasn’t cleared from the official injury report until Friday evening while remaining in the concussion protocol, powered the offense with 328 yards and three touchdowns. The Longhorns needed all that offense to fend off Pavia, who threw for a career-high 365 yards while guiding the Commodores to 21 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes, 5 seconds of the game.

Article continues below this ad

Here’s how the Longhorns graded out in the win over visiting Vanderbilt.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) leaps over Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) to earn a first down in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) catches the ball to score a touchdown in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) brings down Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The ball slips through the fingers of Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) in the end zone during the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Young Texas fans line up to see the team run out ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs toward the student section to celebrate as the final whistle signals a 34-31 win for the Longhorns over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) tries to stay up under a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Kolbey Taylor (3) as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) carries the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) tackle him in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Fireworks go up behind Texas cheerleaders at the end of the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Jaylin Lackey (27) arrives to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) and wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt defensive and Texas offensive players attempt to catch a Hail Mary pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) celebrates a run with Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) evades a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) and runs the ball for a touchdown during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) flips over Vanderbilt Commodores safety CJ Heard (8) as he catches a pass while linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) runs in to defend in the third quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his horns up as he enters the stadium ahead of the Longhorns game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas mascot Bevo enters the stadium as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A truck pulling Bevo’s trailer is decorated with the skeleton of an Oklahoma player as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRandy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Randy Baker is dressed as an orange monster on Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

A Texas Longhorns fan dressed as the Grinch holds up the sign of the horns ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanA young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

A young Texas fan gets a better view to see the Texas Marching Band parade down Bevo Boulevard as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game as the Longhorns prepare to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanActor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Actor Matthew McConaughey greets Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) catches a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) celebrates a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) runs out of a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson (10) to run the ball in for a touchdown on the first play of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

The Texas defense take down Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Vanderbilt Commodores running back Makhilyn Young (22) eyes the landing as he goes down in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) in the second quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em crowd surfs during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) dives for more yards during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) is tackled during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) avoids a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Randon Fontenette (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt players huddle on the field during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) runs the ball during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) is tackled during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) dives for a catch during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin. The catch was ruled an incomplete pass.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian disputes a call during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns place kicker Mason Shipley (49) kicks a field goal during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ethan Burke (91) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrate a sack during the game against Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanVanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades a sack by Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Austin.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Cheer run the flags across the field to celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) celebrates a touchdown on the first play of the game with his teammates as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas takes the field for the second half of the game as the Longhorns take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Quarterback: A

Manning continues to blossom. After being officially cleared for full contact Thursday, Manning was 25 of 33 and avoided any big mistakes. He also avoided the Vanderbilt pass rush by quickly getting the ball out of his hands and getting it to his playmakers.

Article continues below this ad

Running back: B-

Quintrevion Wisner had the only Texas run that went more than 10 yards, but Wisner and CJ Baxter made up for a lack of explosiveness with their efficiency. Wisner had a total of 102 yards from scrimmage, but the offense will need more from the backfield in order to keep the pressure off Manning.

Article continues below this ad

MORE: How the Longhorns landed a first-quarter knock out of Vanderbilt | Golden

Receivers: A-

Ryan Wingo again delivered a big play on the Longhorns’ first snap: a 75-yard catch-and-run score on a pass from Manning in the flat. But Wingo had just one more catch after suffering an undisclosed injury to his right hand. Emmett Mosley V continues to emerge as a go-to target with seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Article continues below this ad

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the team’s 34-31 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 1, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Offensive line: A

Cole Hutson, back from injury for the first time in two weeks, got his first career start at left guard and seemingly solved the protection issues that have plagued the position all season. The line gave Manning his best protection of the season and paved the way for 428 yards of offense. The combination of Connor Robertson at center with Hutson and DJ Campbell at guards anchored the unit.

Article continues below this ad

Defensive line: A-

Vanderbilt had allowed only seven sacks all season, but Texas racked up six, including two from defensive end Ethan Burke. The front also helped snuff Vanderbilt’s power running game; Sedrick Alexander, the Commodores’ hard-charging tailback from LBJ High School, had just 11 yards on five carries.

Linebackers: B-

Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore got after Pavia with one sack each, but the unit struggled to corral the Commodores’ mobile quarterback. He ran for 43 yards and made multiple plays downfield while scrambling away from the pressure. If the Texas defense tried to spy Pavia, it didn’t work.

Article continues below this ad

MORE: Arch Manning stats vs Vanderbilt: Texas football QB shows out for second straight game

Secondary: D

Michael Taaffe missed his second consecutive game with a broken thumb, and fellow starting safety Jelani McDonald left the game early with an injury and didn’t return. Not surprisingly, Pavia feasted on the inexperienced replacements such as Xavier Filsaime and Jonah Williams.

Article continues below this ad

Special teams: C+

After seemingly making a game-breaking play in every contest throughout October, return man Ryan Niblett had just one punt return for 12 yards. Mason Shipley nailed two of his three field-goal attempts with the miss coming from 51 yards, but the coverage unit did allow a 32-yard kick return by the Commodores.

Article continues below this ad

Coaching: B

With Manning back from concussion protocol, head coach Steve Sarkisian did a masterful job with play-calling by relying on short passes and nary a quarterback run. The defensive coaches didn’t enjoy the same success, but they also had to shuffle around more pieces because of injuries. One concern: a flurry of late Texas penalties helped fuel the Commodores’ fourth-quarter comeback.

Article continues below this ad