In Austin on Sept. 6, 2025, No. 7 Texas overcame a slow start and used a first-half offensive burst and a turnover-heavy defensive performance to beat San Jose State 38-7, with Arch Manning and receiver Parker Livingstone combining for two explosive scores.
Key Takeaways
- Texas scored quickly in the second quarter and built a lead that carried into the second half.
- Parker Livingstone broke free for an 83-yard touchdown and finished with 128 yards and two TDs on five targets.
- Tight end Jack Endries added two first-half touchdown catches for 52 yards.
- The Longhorns defense forced four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception — largely in the first half.
- Discipline remains an issue: Texas had 12 penalties for 115 yards and converted just 2-of-12 on third down.
Verified Facts
Texas improved to a decisive win over San Jose State with a final score of 38-7 on Sept. 6, 2025. The Longhorns’ offense produced an 83-yard scoring play from Arch Manning to Parker Livingstone early in the second quarter; that connection sparked a sequence of touchdowns that put the game out of reach.
Parker Livingstone finished with 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five targets, recording 74 yards after the catch. Jack Endries accounted for both of his 52 receiving yards on two first-half touchdown receptions, giving Texas multiple explosive plays through the passing game.
Texas’ defense dominated the turnover battle, forcing four takeaways in the first half — three fumbles and an interception. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was credited with two forced fumbles during that stretch. The Longhorns also generated pressure, registering multiple quarterback hurries, three tackles for loss and two sacks on San Jose State’s starter Walter Egan.
Penalties and third-down inefficiency tempered the performance. Texas was 2-of-12 on third downs with an average distance of 9.7 yards to convert; the lone meaningful third-down conversion that stuck was the 3rd-and-3 that produced the 83-yard touchdown to Livingstone. The team was flagged 12 times for 115 yards, and several offensive penalties negated big gains and a touchdown.
Context & Impact
This game followed Texas’ season opener loss to Ohio State, when the Longhorns struggled to sustain offense and failed to force turnovers. Against San Jose State the defensive takeaway ability returned, easing concerns from Week 1 and giving the offense shorter fields and extra possessions.
Still, the persistent penalty problems and poor third-down conversion rate are issues that can undermine Texas against stronger opponents. Hidden yardage from flags erased significant positive plays; coaches will want to clean that up before more competitive conference matchups arrive.
- Turnovers: Restored ball-hawking in the secondary and at linebacker gives Texas a clear identity on defense.
- Offense: Connection-building between Arch Manning and his top receivers showed progress but needs consistency.
- Penalties: Repeated infractions remain the most likely single factor to cost the Longhorns a close game.
Official Statements
Head coach Steve Sarkisian described the 12-penalty night as below the program’s standard and emphasized discipline as a focus in practice this week.
Postgame remarks summarized by Burnt Orange Nation
Unconfirmed
- No authoritative, detailed injury report was released after the game; listed depth-chart changes and coach comments on injuries remain preliminary.
- How long the Longhorns can sustain the same turnover rate against Power Five opponents is uncertain.
Bottom Line
Texas’ 38-7 win showed the potential of its passing game and the defense’s ability to create turnovers, but recurring penalties and poor third-down efficiency are flaws that must be cleaned up before the Longhorns face stiffer competition. If Arch Manning keeps building rapport with targets like Parker Livingstone and Jack Endries, Texas can pair explosive plays with a disruptive defense — provided discipline improves.