Updated Sept. 6, 2026, 2:39 p.m. CT
As the reaction to the Texas State game continues, it’s time to grade the Longhorns performance. In a 52-point win, it’s hard to be too harsh against the team but there are nits to be picked. From minor miscommunications defensively to lackluster run blocking at times, there are things that need to be fixed. Despite that, the positive comfortably overwhelms the negative.
Here is how I grade the Longhorns performance, by position group:
Quarterback: A-
This was a very strong start to the season for Manning. Considering the opponent, it’s generally considered he “should’ve” had that performance but that wasn’t the case against lesser teams last season. He finished the day 20/27(74% completion) for 305 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT. The INT was a minor blemish on what was overall an incredibly clean, efficient afternoon for No. 16. On top of that, KJ Lacey entered the game late in the third quarter and went 6/7 for 55 yards while leading three scoring drives.
This was a solid start for both Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. Between them, they totaled 21 carries for 104 yards and 3 total scores. Smothers showed his explosivity on the first play of the game, breaking off a 45-yard run before a receiving TD. Brown got in the endzone twice, both times on 10+ yard runs, a rarity last season. Derrek Cooper hurts going down hurts, but it’s unknown the severity of that injury yet. The depth of Simon, Terry and Niblett flashed late in the ball game as well, Simon getting the endzone for the first time in his college career.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Wide Receiver: A+
I’m not sure how much better the debut of the new WR room could’ve gone for the Longhorns. More touches for Mosley would’ve been nice to see but if Manning hits him on the INT, this is a different conversation. The Wingo-Coleman combination went for 10 catches, 191 yards, 3 TDs, each dominating one of the halves. The depth got a chance to shine late, with Sterling Berkhalter and Jermaine Bishop Jr. getting some catches. Overall, the group that carries elite expectations into this season delivered in Game One.
Tight End: A-
I came away impressed with the tight ends as a whole. The trio of Winston, Townsend and Shannon combined for just 4 catches for 45 yards(Masunas didn’t log a catch). Not an ideal day on the receiving end but the group did an incredible job blocking. Masunas, Townsend and Shannon all had great blocks to spur TDs by Wingo and Brown. Assuming that is the baseline and the receiving aspect will develop, this will be a very strong unit this season for Texas.
Offensive Line: B+
Overall, this was a strong opening performance from the rebuilt offensive line. The pass protection was very strong, allowing pressures on just 13% of Manning’s dropbacks according to PFF. For context, there wasn’t a game where that number was under 19% last season.
The drop in grade comes from the run blocking. While the Longhorns averaged 4.3 yards per carry, the consistency of the run game left some to be desired. Between the 45-yard run from Hollywood Smothers and the 21-yard TD run from Raleek Brown, Texas averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. That needs to be better moving forward, but considering this unit hasn’t worked together much during fall camp, I assume it will.
Defensive Line: A-
This is another unit that lived up to the billing yesterday. There were minor misses in the run game and they didn’t stuff the stat sheet(2 sacks, 8 TFLs) but a strong performance overall. The top end of the unit flashed, with Maraad Watson, Justus Terry, Hero Kanu and Ian Geffrard making their impact felt. On top of that, the depth of Myron Charles and Josiah Sharma was obvious.
On the edge, it wasn’t a downright dominating performance. Brad Jackson was able to escape and create off schedule a touch too often, but the unit played well overall. Colin Simmons flashed as always, while Lance Jackson, Colton Vasek and Zina Umeozulu gave solid performances. Not overpowering from the group but a strong start for a high ceiling unit.
Linebackers: A-
The rebuilt LB core looked good in their first appearance. There were a few coverage mistakes that need to be cleaned up, but this Texas State offense does a great job finding mismatches for their pair of WRs. Rasheem Biles stole the day with two TOs, a forced fumble and an INT. The rest of the group didn’t shine but Cryer, Spence, Okpala and more made plays throughout the game. It’s another unit that could use improvement but you’d imagine that will come as they get more reps on Saturday.
Secondary: A-
This is a unit that has been questioned coming into the season. I thought they performed well in their first outing. The top four tacklers, McDonald, Williams, Littleton and Phillips were all secondary players and they allowed just 59 yards to Sparks and Dawn. That duo will do quite a bit of damage to defense this season and Texas corralling them is a win. There are some communication things that need to be cleaned up, but this group played very well.
Coaching: A+
Steve Sarkisian and Will Muschamp were very good in this game. The defense had minor lapses towards the end of halftime. Well, after halftime, this was the Texas State drive chart: fumble, INT, missed FG, turnover on downs, end of game. That’s elite adjustments from Muschamp and the defensive staff.
As for Sarkisian and the offense, they scored on all but one drive(Manning interception). They went 11/15 on 3rd down, 2/2 on 4th down and 6/7 in the redzone. The pass and run game showed up throughout the game, the playcalling was complementary and it was an efficient performance from Manning. Not to mention, just 4 penalties for 35 yards on the day. Just about every box that needed to be checked was checked in this one.
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