When Arch Manning dropped back on third-and-8 late in the third quarter, the crowd at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium fell silent — then exploded. He faked the handoff, rolled right, and fired a 42-yard laser to wide receiver Jaden Nixon for his fourth touchdown of the night. The score made it 45-23. Game over. That moment, on November 22, 2025, wasn’t just a highlight reel clip — it was the culmination of a performance that etched Manning’s name into Texas football lore. The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns crushed the Arkansas Razorbacks 52-37 before 102,361 fans, extending their home dominance and setting up a massive showdown with Texas A&M.
A Quarterback for the Ages
Arch Manning didn’t just play well — he rewrote the script. Completing 18 of 30 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns, he added a 7-yard scramble for another score. His precision under pressure was surgical. On six critical third-down conversions, he went 5-for-6, including a 28-yard dime to Xavier Worthy that set up Texas’s first touchdown. His 155.4 passer rating was the highest by a Longhorn since Sam Ehlinger in 2019. And here’s the twist: Manning did it while playing through a sprained right ankle suffered in practice Wednesday. He didn’t miss a snap.
"He’s got ice in his veins," said head coach Steve Sarkisian after the game. "Not just because of his arm, but because he never looks rattled. Even when they blitzed eight, he saw the coverage and made the right throw. That’s rare."
The Defense That Kept It Close — Until It Didn’t
Arkansas didn’t roll over. Quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, and the Razorbacks led 20-14 at halftime. But then came the third quarter — and the Longhorns’ defense turned into a wrecking ball. Colin Simmons, the senior linebacker, notched his 10th sack of the season, the most by a Texas defender since Cedric Reed in 2013. He also forced a fumble that safety D’Marco Jackson recovered at the Arkansas 22-yard line. Three plays later, Manning hit tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders for a 14-yard score. Texas scored 28 points in 18 minutes and 30 seconds of the second half. The Razorbacks? They went three-and-out four times in a row.
"We knew they’d come out swinging," said Simmons. "But we also knew if we stayed disciplined, they’d start pressing. And when they press? That’s when Arch makes you pay."
The Rivalry That Never Dies
This win wasn’t just about points — it was about legacy. With the victory, Texas improved its all-time series lead over Arkansas to 58-23, dating back to their first meeting on November 24, 1894. It also marked Texas’s eighth straight home win and extended their incredible 19-1 record at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium over the last 20 games. Kicker Mason Shipley sealed the first half with a 44-yard field goal as time expired — a perfect bookend to a half that saw Arkansas score 14 points in the final 3:12 to make it 24-20.
And then there was the postgame tweet. Texas Football, the team’s official social media account, didn’t post a highlight reel. They posted five bacon emojis: 🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓. The caption? "Bacon never lies." It was a nod to the team’s tradition of celebrating big wins with bacon-themed memes — a quirky, human touch that fans loved. Even ESPN noted it as "the most unhinged celebration of the season."
What’s Next? The Lone Star Showdown Looms
With the win, Texas improved to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in SEC play. Arkansas? They fell to 2-9, their ninth straight loss, and are now officially out of bowl contention. But for the Longhorns, this was merely a warm-up. Their next game — the 120th installment of the Cotton Holdings Lone Star ShowdownDarrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium — is Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Opponent? No. 3 Texas A&M. The Aggies are 10-1, and the winner likely claims the SEC West’s top spot heading into the conference championship.
"This win was great," said Manning. "But we’ve got bigger fish to fry. A&M’s got a chip on their shoulder, and we’ve got a legacy to protect."
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Arch Manning isn’t just a quarterback. He’s the latest chapter in a legacy that began with his uncle Peyton, then his cousin Eli. But he’s not living in their shadows — he’s carving his own path. His 389-yard, four-TD performance against a ranked SEC defense isn’t just impressive — it’s historic. He’s the first Texas QB since Vince Young to throw for over 350 yards and rush for a TD in a single game. And he did it on a night when the entire state was watching.
The Longhorns’ offense, once criticized for being too predictable, now looks unstoppable. The defense, once plagued by big plays, is tightening up. And the fan base? They’re buzzing again. After years of rebuilding, Texas isn’t just back — they’re dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arch Manning’s performance compare to other Texas quarterbacks?
Arch Manning’s 389 passing yards and four TDs tie him for the second-highest single-game passing yardage by a Texas QB in the last 20 years, behind only Sam Ehlinger’s 412-yard game in 2019. He’s the first Longhorn since 2010 to throw four TD passes and run for another in the same game. His 155.4 passer rating is the highest by a Texas QB in a conference game since 2016.
Why is Colin Simmons’ 10th sack such a big deal?
Simmons’ 10 sacks in 2025 are the most by a Texas linebacker since Cedric Reed in 2013. He’s the first Longhorn to reach double-digit sacks in a season since Jackson Jeffcoat in 2013. His ability to pressure the quarterback without blitzing has been key to Texas’s defensive turnaround — he’s been on the field for 94% of defensive snaps this season.
What’s the significance of the bacon emojis?
The bacon emojis are part of Texas’s long-running, fan-driven tradition of celebrating big wins with absurdly specific memes. The team started posting bacon after a 2021 upset win over Oklahoma, and it stuck. It’s not about the food — it’s about humor, identity, and connecting with fans. The post went viral, hitting 2.1 million views in under 12 hours.
How does this win affect Texas’s chances in the College Football Playoff?
Texas is currently ranked No. 17 in the CFP rankings. A win over No. 3 Texas A&M next week would likely push them into the top 10, making them a serious dark-horse candidate. The committee values strength of schedule, and Texas’s win over Arkansas — combined with their upcoming game against a top-three team — could be enough to get them in if they finish 10-2 or better.
Why has Arkansas struggled so badly this season?
Arkansas has lost nine straight games after starting 2-0. Their offensive line has allowed 34 sacks this season — the worst in the SEC. Injuries have decimated their secondary, and quarterback KJ Jefferson has been under constant pressure. They’ve scored fewer than 20 points in seven of their last eight games. The program is in full rebuild mode under new head coach Sam Pittman.
What’s the history behind the Texas-Arkansas rivalry?
The rivalry began in 1894, making it one of the oldest in college football. Texas dominated early, winning 17 of the first 18 meetings. The series went dormant from 1957 to 1985, then resumed as a non-conference game. Since both joined the SEC in 2024, it’s become an annual matchup. Texas leads 58-23, and they’ve won 11 of the last 12 games — including the last seven in Austin.