Texas loses 24-17 to Florida as Arch Manning struggles
The Texas Longhorns dropped a 24-17 decision to the Florida Gators on Saturday, surrendering a 14-point lead in the second half. The defeat marks the first home loss for quarterback Arch Manning and leaves the No. 1 ranked team with significant questions heading into its next matchup. Early in the contest, the Longhorns appeared poised for a rout. Ryan Niblett returned a punt for a touchdown to give Texas a 17-3 lead midway through the second quarter at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Florida Gators, however, adjusted under head coach Jon Sumrall, outscoring Texas 24-7 over the final two and a half quarters to secure the victory. Florida entered the game on a two-game losing streak and without starting quarterback Aaron Philo and top wide receiver Vernell Brown III. In response, Tramell Jones made his first collegiate start, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jadan Baugh contributed on the ground with 91 yards and a score on 25 carries. For Texas, the performance raised concerns about Manning's effectiveness. The junior signal-caller finished with just over 100 passing yards, excluding a 62-yard completion on fourth-and-seven late in the game. Florida's defensive line pressured Manning throughout the contest, though the Gators' pass defense has ranked in the bottom 100 in most statistical categories this season. The loss complicates Texas's College Football Playoff prospects, as a second defeat would likely eliminate postseason hopes for a team considered a national championship favorite two weeks prior. Head coach Steve Sarkisian faces increased scrutiny following the result, with some observers questioning his tenure if the team cannot stabilize immediately. The Longhorns remain at home next week to host the Ole Miss Rebels, a top-ten ranked opponent, while dealing with mounting pressure on both the coaching staff and the quarterback position.
The Texas Longhorns dropped a 24-17 decision to the Florida Gators on Saturday, surrendering a 14-point lead in the second half. The defeat marks the first home loss for quarterback Arch Manning and leaves the No. 1 ranked team with significant questions heading into its next matchup. Early in the contest, the Longhorns appeared poised for a rout. Ryan Niblett returned a punt for a touchdown to give Texas a 17-3 lead midway through the second quarter at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Florida Gators, however, adjusted under head coach Jon Sumrall, outscoring Texas 24-7 over the final two and a half quarters to secure the victory. Florida entered the game on a two-game losing streak and without starting quarterback Aaron Philo and top wide receiver Vernell Brown III. In response, Tramell Jones made his first collegiate start, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jadan Baugh contributed on the ground with 91 yards and a score on 25 carries. For Texas, the performance raised concerns about Manning's effectiveness. The junior signal-caller finished with just over 100 passing yards, excluding a 62-yard completion on fourth-and-seven late in the game. Florida's defensive line pressured Manning throughout the contest, though the Gators' pass defense has ranked in the bottom 100 in most statistical categories this season. The loss complicates Texas's College Football Playoff prospects, as a second defeat would likely eliminate postseason hopes for a team considered a national championship favorite two weeks prior. Head coach Steve Sarkisian faces increased scrutiny following the result, with some observers questioning his tenure if the team cannot stabilize immediately. The Longhorns remain at home next week to host the Ole Miss Rebels, a top-ten ranked opponent, while dealing with mounting pressure on both the coaching staff and the quarterback position.
Filed by the newsroom of MarketPR on October 17, 2026. Source: foxnews.com. Indicative figures are not investment advice.