Texas needs a big win over Vanderbilt in the worst way. The Longhorns have not been particularly impressive this season, and at 6–2, their backs are against the wall when it comes to the College Football Playoff.
Saturday’s home game against No. 9 Vanderbilt presents a huge opportunity for the Longhorns to add another statement win to their résumé. It is hard to get off to a better start than Texas did.
On the first play from scrimmage from the 25, Arch Manning put receiver Ryan Wingo into motion and hit him on a quick swing pass about five yards behind the line of scrimmage. Wingo ran through a weak arm tackle by a Vanderbilt defender at the line of scrimmage, and split another three defenders with some help by an effective Emmett Mosley V block. From there, it was off to the races and no one could come close to catching Wingo.
WHAT A START FOR THE LONGHORNS
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 1, 2025
(via @TexasFootball)pic.twitter.com/YqwHWf1bAa
On the following drive, Texas’s aggressive front strip-sacked Diego Pavia, recovering the fumble at the Vanderbilt 29-yard line to set up a field goal.
Texas leads 10–0 just five minutes into the game.
More College Football on Sports Illustrated
Listen to SI’s new college sports podcast, Others Receiving Votes, below or on Apple and Spotify. Watch the show on SI’s YouTube channel.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Arch Manning, Ryan Wingo Connect for 75-Yard Touchdown on Texas’s First Play vs. Vanderbilt.