Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with linebacker Justin Cryer (28) after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with linebacker Justin Cryer (28) after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Texas football snapped its first two-game losing streak in five seasons with a desperately needed 34-27 win over Ole Miss Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium.

But a wild ending that featured a late Ole Miss field goal, a successful onside kick and a final shot into the end zone testified to one undeniable fact: Nothing comes easy for the No. 19 Longhorns (5-2, 2-2 SEC), who continue to reveal their flaws even while gutting out a desperately needed win over No. 7 Ole Miss (5-2, 3-2). Texas raced out to a 24-3 halftime lead, allowed Ole Miss to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but showed enough grit to pull out the win.

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Here’s how the Longhorns graded out in a 34-27 win over Ole Miss.

Quarterback: B-

Marked as “edgy” by Texas coach Steve Sarkisian earlier in the week, Arch Manning certainly played with some verve against the Rebels. But he also played with some carelessness, which must just be part of the senior’s quarterbacking DNA considering his experience. He threw for 212 yards and a touchdown on 18-of-30 passing and added two more scores on the ground — his first of the season — to go with 33 yards rushing without the sack yardage. But two interceptions are inexcusable, and a lost fumble on a sack has become a trend.

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Running backs: A-

Without the injured Hollywood Smothers and Derrek Cooper, Raleek Brown had the backfield almost all to himself and he responded in workhorse fashion. The senior transfer from Arizona State became the first Longhorn to top 100 yards rushing in a game this season by racking up 157 yards on 23 carries, his second-highest yardage total in a five-year career. Seldom-used Michael Terry III added some power with 41 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and running back Raleek Brown celebrate after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and running back Raleek Brown celebrate after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning runs into the end zone untouched for a fourth quarter touchdown against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning runs into the end zone untouched for a fourth quarter touchdown against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans react to the Longhorns’ defensive plays in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter of the their win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas fans react to the Longhorns’ defensive plays in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter of the their win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe ball slips from Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Traylon Ray’s (7) fingers as Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) defend in the last seconds of the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

The ball slips from Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Traylon Ray’s (7) fingers as Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) defend in the last seconds of the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball through the defense in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball through the defense in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning runs into the end zone untouched for a fourth quarter touchdown against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning runs into the end zone untouched for a fourth quarter touchdown against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” for “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” for “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) swats the ball away from Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) swats the ball away from Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Kade Phillips (8) defend against a final pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) in the end zone during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Kade Phillips (8) defend against a final pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) in the end zone during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) goes down as Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) arrives to make the tackle in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) goes down as Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) arrives to make the tackle in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) spins through the defense in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) spins through the defense in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Kewan Lacy (5) in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) and defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Kewan Lacy (5) in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe moon rises over Royal-Memorial Stadium ahead of kickoff in the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27, Oct. 24, 2026.

The moon rises over Royal-Memorial Stadium ahead of kickoff in the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels linebacker Tah'j Butler (49) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels linebacker Tah’j Butler (49) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans in the Texas student section dance in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans in the Texas student section dance in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels wide receiver Johntay Cook II (0) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Johntay Cook II (0) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and running back Raleek Brown celebrate after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and running back Raleek Brown celebrate after beating Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III (11) dives toward the end zone, just inches short of a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III (11) dives toward the end zone, just inches short of a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) smiles after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) smiles after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Marching Band feature twirler Gracie Williams performs in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Marching Band feature twirler Gracie Williams performs in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with linebacker Justin Cryer (28) during “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with linebacker Justin Cryer (28) during “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns beat the Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) and safety Nick Cull (29) chase in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) and safety Nick Cull (29) chase in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) looks for an open teammate in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) looks for an open teammate in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) tackles Mississippi Rebels tight end Caleb Odom (4) in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) tackles Mississippi Rebels tight end Caleb Odom (4) in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFans cheer as the Texas football team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans cheer as the Texas football team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is tackled by Mississippi Rebels cornerback Jaylon Braxton (2) in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is tackled by Mississippi Rebels cornerback Jaylon Braxton (2) in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) celebrates a stop in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) celebrates a stop in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) leaves the field in a cart after going down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) leaves the field in a cart after going down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an end zone interception with his teammates in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an end zone interception with his teammates in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” as the team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” as the team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) huddles with his team in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) huddles with his team in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (9) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (9) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) walks out with the team for warm-us in street clothes ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) walks out with the team for warm-us in street clothes ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the sidelines in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the sidelines in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, second from left, arrives for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, second from left, arrives for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (9) embraces Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Jackson Christian (76) ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (9) embraces Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Jackson Christian (76) ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFans watch Bevo XV walk into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans watch Bevo XV walk into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with a member of the Mississippi Rebels staff ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with a member of the Mississippi Rebels staff ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA cheerleader casts a shadow on the road ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

A cheerleader casts a shadow on the road ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) watches from the sidelines in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) watches from the sidelines in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMembers of the UT Texas Cowboys organization arrive for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Members of the UT Texas Cowboys organization arrive for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” as the team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian puts his “Horns Up” as the team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanYoung fans wait to watch the Texas football players walk in ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Young fans wait to watch the Texas football players walk in ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) waves to fans as he walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) waves to fans as he walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Justin Cryer (28) heads to the locker room after entering the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Justin Cryer (28) heads to the locker room after entering the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanFans watch as the Texas football team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans watch as the Texas football team walks into the stadium ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian arrives for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian arrives for the game against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) leaves the field in a cart after going down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) leaves the field in a cart after going down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass over the Texas defense in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass over the Texas defense in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanStaff attend to Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) after he went down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Staff attend to Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) after he went down with an injury in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA Mississippi Rebels defender bats down a pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

A Mississippi Rebels defender bats down a pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass in to score in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass in to score in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception in the second quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Mississippi Rebels at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown tries to run past Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown tries to run past Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a first down against Mississippi in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a first down against Mississippi in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a first down against Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a first down against Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates his interception with teammates Justin Cryer (28) against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates his interception with teammates Justin Cryer (28) against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception with teammates Zina Umeozulu (19) and Justin Cryer (28) against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) celebrates an interception with teammates Zina Umeozulu (19) and Justin Cryer (28) against Mississippi in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi linebacker Luke Ferrelliand and Mississippi linebacker Luke Ferrelli in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi linebacker Luke Ferrelliand and Mississippi linebacker Luke Ferrelli in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs past Mississippi Rebels safety Sharif Denson (7) for a touchdown in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs past Mississippi Rebels safety Sharif Denson (7) for a touchdown in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown tries to run past Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown tries to run past Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans in the Texas student section dance in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans in the Texas student section dance in the third quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III (11) indicates a first down in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III (11) indicates a first down in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi Rebels 34-27 at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns block a long field goal attempt by Mississippi Rebels kicker Lucas Carneiro in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns block a long field goal attempt by Mississippi Rebels kicker Lucas Carneiro in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive end Colton Vasek (92) chases Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colton Vasek (92) chases Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs past Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) and cornerback Jalyn Crawford (0) int he fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs past Mississippi Rebels safety Joenel Aguero (6) and cornerback Jalyn Crawford (0) int he fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a timeout against Mississippi Rebels in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a timeout against Mississippi Rebels in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III runs against Mississippi in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns running back Michael Terry III runs against Mississippi in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) catches a touchdown pass against Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Horatio Fields (11) catches a touchdown pass against Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes in the fourth quarter against Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes in the fourth quarter against Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning walks off the field after getting hit in the head in the third quarter against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning walks off the field after getting hit in the head in the third quarter against Mississippi at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) breaks up a pass intended for Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Traylon Ray (7) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) breaks up a pass intended for Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Traylon Ray (7) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns kicker Gianni Spetic (44) is congratulated by teammates after kicking a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns kicker Gianni Spetic (44) is congratulated by teammates after kicking a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels wide receiver Deuce Alexander (1) misses a catch late in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Deuce Alexander (1) misses a catch late in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) catches an interception on the final play of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) catches an interception on the final play of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels safety Andy Jaffe recovers an onside kick in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels safety Andy Jaffe recovers an onside kick in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks off the field during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks off the field during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a receiver in the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a receiver in the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo tries to run past Mississippi Rebels cornerback Antonio Kite (8) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo tries to run past Mississippi Rebels cornerback Antonio Kite (8) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans get fired up at the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas fans get fired up at the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns kicker Gianni Spetic kicks a field goal in the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns kicker Gianni Spetic kicks a field goal in the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes over Mississippi Rebels safety Nick Cull (29) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes over Mississippi Rebels safety Nick Cull (29) in the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. warms up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterbacks Arch Manning, left, and KJ Lacey Jr. warm up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterbacks Arch Manning, left, and KJ Lacey Jr. warm up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterbacks Arch Manning, right, and KJ Lacey Jr. warm up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas quarterbacks Arch Manning, right, and KJ Lacey Jr. warm up before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive end Zina Umeozulu (19) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Joshua Dye (28) in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive end Zina Umeozulu (19) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Joshua Dye (28) in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates the win over the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans watch the Texas Longhorns play the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans watch the Texas Longhorns play the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian congratulates players after a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian congratulates players after a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks to an offical in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks to an offical in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) chases Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) chases Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns Athletic Director Chris Del Conte looks at a replay during the game against the Mississippi Rebelsin the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns Athletic Director Chris Del Conte looks at a replay during the game against the Mississippi Rebelsin the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns tight end Michael Masunas (15) runs against the Mississippi Rebels in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns tight end Michael Masunas (15) runs against the Mississippi Rebels in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanMississippi Rebels cornerback Jalyn Crawford (0) catches an interception intended for Texas Longhorns tight end Emaree Winston (85) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Mississippi Rebels cornerback Jalyn Crawford (0) catches an interception intended for Texas Longhorns tight end Emaree Winston (85) in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanFans watch the Texas Longhorns play the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Fans watch the Texas Longhorns play the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning celebrates with his mother Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning after beating the Mississippi Rebels at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday Oct. 24, 2026.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Wide receivers: B

Ryan Wingo topped 100 receiving yards for the second time this season with seven catches for 111 yards and his fourth touchdown, and tight end Michael Masunas had his best game as a Longhorn with three catches for 37 yards. But Cam Coleman continues to disappoint with a drop of a perfectly placed bomb by Manning, and he may have to deal with a serious shoulder or collar bone injury after leaving the game in the first half and not returning.

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Offensive line: B+

The loss of All-American left tackle Trevor Goosby to what looked like a knee injury cast a pall over this unit. His backup, Andre Cojoe, struggled early in pass protection and gave up a sack that resulted in a fumble and an Ole Miss touchdown. The unit struggled against the Rebel blitz but did power an offense that topped 200 yards both passing and rushing, which is always a coveted offensive benchmark for Sarkisian.

Defensive line: B

Even with injured All-American edge Colin Simmons cheering on from the sideline, this unit managed to do enough to make Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss uncomfortable in the pocket. Chambliss didn’t take a sack but completed only 25 of 52 passes, his lowest completion rate of the season. Lance Jackson (four tackles, one pass breakup) was particularly active after moving from his defensive end spot to the stand-up edge position usually occupied by Simmons.

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Linebackers: A

Justin Cryer (five tackles) and Rasheem Biles (four tackles) set the tone in the first half with a pair of interceptions, the first takeaways for the Longhorns in SEC play. The two also spent more time getting after the quarterback as defensive coordinator Will Muschamp dialed up some extra blitzes in the absence of Collins; Biles had a team-high four quarterback pressures.

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Defensive backs: B+

Texas safety Jelani McDonald made plays all over the field while racking up a team-high 12 tackles and grabbing an interception in the end zone on Ole Miss’s final play from scrimmage. Overall, holding Chambliss to 250 yards on 54 pass attempts counts as a big matchup win. Two PI calls on McDonald hurt, and cornerback Kade Phillips keeps getting picked on in recent weeks.

Special teams: D

Aside from two field goals by kicker Gianni Spetic and a blocked field goal by Alex January, not much went right for the beleaguered special teams coordinated by Jeff Banks. Ole Miss converted a fake punt in the first half and recovered a desperate onside kick late in the game that gave them a chance at a stunning comeback. Oh, and a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct on Kosi Okpala on kickoff returns cost the Longhorns plenty of yardage.

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Coaching: B+

Sarkisian takes umbrage at any suggestions that his team listens to the unending chatter about his team’s issues, and the Longhorns’ effort against Ole Miss proves that point. Texas circled the wagons and showed plenty of heart while holding on in a must-win game. Now, Sarkisian has to coach out some troublesome trends like penalties (14, 121 yards), turnovers (three by Manning), third-down conversions (3 of 13) and those pesky special teams.

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