<\/p>\n
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after the 27-24 loss to Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
It turns out they’re not very good.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We knew as much about the Florida Gators coming into Saturday, but the\u00a0Texas\u00a0Longhorns<\/a> provided visual evidence that the 2026 season will end for the second straight year with them on the outside looking in while the real national players compete for a college football championship.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) is tackled during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) misses a catch during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall as the teams warm up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n For those who are still holding onto the hope of Texas (4-2, 1-2) running the table to make the 12-team tournament, you haven’t been watching. The Horns aren’t very good at running anything these days, unless we’re talking about running a season into the ground. It’s over \u2014 not mathematically, but that will come soon enough, perhaps as soon as next Saturday against No. 9 Ole Miss or the following week against Mississippi State.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “We’ve got a better team that what we are right now,” Longhorns head\u00a0coach Steve\u00a0Sarkisian said afterward.\u00a0<\/p>\n MORE HORNS: Edge rusher Colin Simmons exits with injury<\/a><\/p>\n A Texas Longhorns fan reacts to a fumble recovery by Florida during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Boos emanated from the fans at Royal-Memorial Stadium who stuck around to watch the Gators in victory formation. A second straight 27-24 loss to an unranked team \u2014 and the second straight loss to Florida, which ended up keeping Texas from last year’s CFP \u2014 left them angry, frustrated and hurt, all at once.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Arch Manning’s first lost fumble of the season was a killer. Texas’ surprisingly porous defense had provided a late stop after the Longhorns had cut their 27-17 deficit to 27-24. Manning completed a 62-yard bomb to Emmett Mosley V on fourth-and-7 and then a 9-yard TD pass to Cam Coleman with 4 minutes, 21 seconds left.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Horns can stop thinking about the\u00a0CFP and just try to win a game. The offense produced a measly 272 yards on only 50 plays and went 2-for-10 on third-down conversions. Manning completed a pedestrian 14 of 20 attempts for 173 yards against the SEC’s worst defense and remember, 62 of those came on one play.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) runs the ball during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman A Texas fan reacts to a Florida touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns celebrate a punt return touchdown by receiver Ryan Niblett (21) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Fans watch the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V. (3) beats Florida Gators defensive back Kanye Clark (20) after a reception in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates a touchdown by Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers (2) runs the ball through the Florida defense in the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Hudson Powell (86) reacts to the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to Florida during \u201cThe Eyes of Texas,\u201d Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after the 27-24 loss to Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr. (4) runs around defense from Florida Gators linebacker Aaron Chiles (8) in the first quarter of the game at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) signs an autograph for a fan as he leaver the field after Texas lost 27-24 to the Florida Gators 27-24 at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter with wide receiver Emmett Mosley V. (3) during the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) goes down as Florida defense arrives to defend in the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Students cheer for the Longhorns in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) leaves the game with an injury in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns a punt for a touchdown during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Longhorns take the field ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The stadium is reflected in Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian\u2019s glasses as he sings \u201cThe Eyes of Texas\u201d after the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers (2) carries the ball as Florida Gators linebacker Myles Graham (5) makes a tackle in the first quarter of the game at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns cheerleaders huddle on the field ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Florida Gators take the field ahead of the game against Texas at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a pass to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) chases down Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) in the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall as the teams warm up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns mascot Bevo XV arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) holds the ball as he warms up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman A fan watches the Texas Longhorns walk into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman A member of the Texas Marching Band performs ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas linebacker Jonathan Cunningham (37) misses a tackle on Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu (93) says hello to fans as he walks into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The sun rises over Royal-Memorial Stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) in the third quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) greets fans as he walks into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field as the team warms up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian takes the field ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns band performs ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Bevo XV arrives at the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Young Texas fans wait for the team to walk into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns fans cheer during the player parade ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns band marches in the Bevo Parade ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian arrives at the stadium ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns band performs ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas fans watch the team walk into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns linebacker Justin Cryer (28) greets fans as the team walks into the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Matthew McConaughey watches the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman A Texas fan puts his \u201chorns up\u201d in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Kohen Brown (13) leads the team onto the field ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) kneels in the end zone ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns fans cheer during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) is tackled during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida corner Anthony Rubio (25) breaks up a pass intended for Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) and defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) tackle Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Kohen Brown (13) celebrates a long kick return by Texas receiver Ryan Niblett (21) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) is grabbed by the facemark by Florida\u2019s Jayden Woods (0) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Miami Dolphins safety and former Longhorn Michael Taaffe watches the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Ryan Niblett (21) runs in a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian watches a play review during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman A Texas Pom member watches the flyover ahead of the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas receiver Ryan Niblett (21) collides with defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) during a Florida kick return during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas linebacker Justin Cryer (28) celebrates a defensive stop during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns celebrate a punt return touchdown by receiver Ryan Niblett (21) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) tackles Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida corner Ben Hanks III (12) grabs the jersey of Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) misses a catch during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs the ball during the game against Texas at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Texas Longhorns celebrate a defensive stop by edge Colin Simmons (1) during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns a punt for a touchdown during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leaves the field after the 27-24 loss against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns fans hold up the sign of the horns during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Trainers check on Texas defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) after an injury during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida safety Bryce Thornton (1) attempts to intercept a pass intended for Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida safety Bryce Thornton (1) drops an intercepted pass intended for Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) hypes up the crowd during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V. (3) goes down after a reception in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) is stopped on 4th down during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman \/Florida players celebrate a stop on 4th down by linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the game against Texas at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) sends a pass over the Texas defense in the third quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman A Texas cheerleader looks at the crowd from behind a sign in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) sends a pass to a teammate in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) defends as Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) looks to make a reception in the fourth quarter of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) sacks Florida quarterback Trammel Jones Jr. (9) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) lies on the ground after an injury during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Trainers check on Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) after an injury during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) is tackled during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida linebacker Aaron Chiles (8) pushes down on Texas quarterback Arch Manning\u2019s (16) helmet after a tackle during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) misses a catch during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) misses a catch during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Emmett Mosley V. (3) catches a pass during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman The Florida Gators huddle on the field during the game against Texas at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas wide receiver Emmett Mosley V. (3) runs the ball during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas linebacker Tyler Atkinson (16) is sacked during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Lance Jackson (40) tackled Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the game at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Texas edge Lance Jackson (40) celebrates a defensive stop during the game against Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman Florida players surround quarterback Trammel Jones Jr. (9) after the 27-24 win over Texas at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman A flyover passes over the stadium ahead of the game between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) carries the ball as Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) defends in the second quarter of the game at Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) sings \u201cThe Eyes of Texas\u201d following the Longhorns\u2019 27-24 loss to the Florida Gators at home in Royal-Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n The defense gave it up to Florida backup quarterback\u00a0Tramell Jones and old Longhorns nemesis Jaden Baugh, and Sarkisian had zero answers for any of it. During the pivotal opening drive of the third quarter, Jones authored five straight third-down conversions against what was supposed to be an elite defense.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n It all added up to a Sarkisian-coached team losing a second straight for the first time since his 5-7 debut in 2021.<\/p>\n “Everything will be evaluated,” a visibly upset\u00a0Sarkisian said.<\/p>\n When asked if that included the starting quarterback, Sarkisian said, “Everything is everything.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n This has to go down as the worst loss since, well, last week’s to the Oklahoma Sooners. Florida had been outscored 83-36 over the last two losses to South Carolina and Missouri.<\/p>\n “We haven’t given up,” Texas defensive tackle Hero\u00a0Kanu said. “We still believe.”<\/p>\n Now 1-2 in the toughest conference in America, the Horns are back at home against Ole Miss in their next one, which will feature a much better quarterback in SEC player of the year candidate Trinidad Chambliss.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sign up for Ced’s Corner<\/p>\n Sign up for Cedric Golden\u2019s newsletter<\/a> for hot takes and expert analysis each Tuesday on Texas Longhorns football and beyond delivered straight to your inbox. \u00a0It’s called Ced\u2019s Corner, from the NSMA’s 2025 Texas Sportswriter of the Year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Sarkisian should evaluate himself before he looks at any players. The\u00a0Gators came in allowing 268 passing yards per game, the worst at defending the pass\u00a0in the SEC, but he stuck to his bullet-less guns and decided against airing it out with talented pass catchers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman on the outside. And when the defense showed some cracks, the Horns \u2014 a roster that costs in the neighborhood of $45 million \u2014 were an open book.<\/p>\n These are the times that will test a team’s mettle. Texas got\u00a0out-toughed and outplayed by a team that showed tremendous belief.<\/p>\n And just like that, Texas’ CFP future is very much on the line.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n More realistically speaking, it’s over.<\/p>\n Hear Me Out Question<\/p>\n Who is the best Texas college football coach of all time? <\/p>\n Most RecentTop Responses<\/p>\n Frank L<\/p>\n Winter Springs, FL<\/p>\n 10\/16\/26<\/p>\n Darrell Royal<\/p>\n Jim C<\/p>\n Manchaca, TX<\/p>\n 10\/15\/26<\/p>\n DKR<\/p>\n James S<\/p>\n Georgetown, TX<\/p>\n 10\/15\/26<\/p>\n Darrell Royal<\/p>\n D.R. was the best BY FAR. Mack had superior athletes and won DESPITE COACHING; Gregg Davis was terrible.. i AM 80 AND SAW MANY HC’s. D.R. RARELY LOST 2ND HALF UNLIKE SARK who often does frequently because of his play calling despite great players. D.R. HAD good (NOT GAME CHANGERS) PLAYERS INDIVIDUALLY. I was in Longhorn band 63-68 and saw every game. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after the 27-24 loss to Florida at Darrell K Royal\u2013Texas…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":470222,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[3230,132,134,133,11511,265,261,262,96710,2745,81142,3231,537,536],"class_list":["post-470221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-austin","tag-arch-manning","tag-austin","tag-austin-headlines","tag-austin-news","tag-cedric-golden","tag-cfp","tag-college-football","tag-college-football-playoff","tag-columnist-opinions","tag-florida-gators","tag-royal-memorial-stadium","tag-steve-sarkisian","tag-texas-longhorns","tag-texas-longhorns-football"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=470221"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470221\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/470222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=470221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=470221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=470221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/p>\n
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