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Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns are moving closer to the playoffs after a disappointing start to the season.
The No. 20 Longhorns held on to beat No. 9 Vanderbilt, 34-31, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Manning, 21, was impressive in the victory, completing 25 of 33 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning throws before a game against Vanderbilt in Austin, Texas on November 1, 2025. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
It was his second straight week with an impressive performance after completing 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in their overtime win over Mississippi State last week.
Texas started fast against Vanderbilt. On the first play from scrimmage, Manning hit receiver Ryan Wingo on a screen pass for a 75-yard touchdown. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia fumbled on the ensuing possession, setting up the Longhorns to score a field goal to make it 10-0 just minutes into the game.
The Longhorns took a 17–0 lead in the second quarter after Manning led a 10-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown pass to running back CJ Baxter.
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The Texas Longhorns celebrate after running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) for a touchdown in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on November 1, 2025. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
The Commodores responded with a field goal to make the score 17-3, but the Longhorns offense scored another touchdown. Running back Quintrevion Wisner punched it into the end zone from four yards out to make the score 24-3.
Pavie put together a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, connecting with tight end Eli Stowers on an 18-yard touchdown run to cut Texas’ lead to 24-10 before halftime.
Vanderbilt got the ball first in the second half and had a chance to take the lead, but made a three-pointer. Manning then led another long touchdown drive – a 93-yard drive in 13 plays – that ended with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V to make the score 31-10.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning runs as he looks to throw against Vanderbilt during the first half in Austin, Texas, November 1, 2025. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
Vanderbilt came roaring back with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cut the score to 34-31, but it wasn’t enough. With 33 seconds left, Vanderbilt nearly intercepted the onside kick to give them a chance to tie, but the ball squeaked out of bounds.
Pavie completed 27 of 38 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
The Longhorns improved their record to 7-2 with this victory and have a week off before their next game against Georgia (6-1). A win against Georgia would go a long way in getting Texas to the playoffs.
Vanderbilt fell to 7-2 with the loss and will look to bounce back against Auburn (4-4) next week.
