The No. 5 Texas Longhorns host the Texas State Bobcats Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN, which you can stream free on DIRECTV.

Where to watch Texas State vs. Texas for free

Tonight’s matchup: Texas State Bobcats vs. No. 5 Texas Longhorns

When: Saturday, Sep. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN

Stream: DIRECTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial)

FuboTV (free trial) and DIRECTV (free trial) both offer ESPN for virtually the same price. Fubo’s “Pro” package costs $88.99, while DIRECTV’s “Entertainment” package is $89.99. Both options offer a free trial and money off the first month of subscription. Your free trial will start once you create an account.

READ MORE: Where to watch the top Week 1 college football games for free this weekend

Why today’s game matters

Texas opens the 2026 season Saturday by hosting in-state foe Texas State at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. The Longhorns enter the year ranked No. 5 after a 10-3 campaign and will look to build momentum before a highly anticipated showdown with Ohio State next week.

Texas State should provide an interesting early challenge. The Bobcats went 7-6 last season and fielded one of the nation’s most productive offenses, averaging 36.5 points and 222.1 rushing yards per game.

The Longhorns will be looking for a strong start behind quarterback Arch Manning and a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. While Texas is a heavy favorite, the Bobcats have enough offensive firepower to test the Longhorn defense if they can avoid turnovers and sustain drives.

This is just the second meeting between the schools and the first since 1930, when Texas won 36-0.

Players to watch

TXST: Quarterback Brad Jackson was a bright spot for the Bobcats in 2025, throwing for 3,224 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions and adding 744 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Keeping up with Texas will be extremely difficult, but having a duel-threat QB such as Jackson makes it at least a little more interesting.

TEX: Arch Manning is the biggest name in college football, but his new wide receiver Cam Coleman is the one to watch for. The Auburn transfer is a projected top-10 pick in next year’s draft and should help take the Longhorns’ offense to the next level.