STARKVILLE, Miss. — In a thrilling encounter on October 25, 2025, the Texas Longhorns staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-38 in overtime, keeping their hopes for postseason play alive. The game, marked by a rainy atmosphere and high stakes, prompted Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian to address speculation regarding his potential departure for an NFL job, particularly amidst reports linking him to the Tennessee Titans.
Following the game, Sarkisian vehemently denied the rumors, which had gained traction earlier that day. The Athletic had reported that he would be open to considering an NFL position, prompting Sarkisian’s agents to issue a rebuttal, labeling the claims “patently false” and “wildly inaccurate.” Expressing his frustration, Sarkisian reflected on the media’s role in perpetuating such rumors, emphasizing the importance of protecting his team from misinformation.
“You guys are going to run with it as factual, which is really embarrassing,” he stated. Sarkisian underscored the credibility of his decision-making process, asserting that no one speaks on his behalf without his consent and expressing dismay over the negative impact such reports can have on team dynamics.
Amidst the chaos surrounding Sarkisian’s future, the Longhorns displayed resilience, orchestrating their largest comeback since 2007. The team, which has recently struggled with consistency, erased a 31-14 deficit in the second half. Players like Ryan Niblett, whose pivotal 79-yard punt return helped tie the game, along with quarterback Arch Manning, who threw for 346 yards and four total touchdowns, played crucial roles in the victory. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo also contributed significantly, recording five catches for 184 yards, and fellow receivers Emmett Mosley V and Parker Livingstone scored key touchdowns.
Texas’ defense, despite some challenges during the game, held strong in the clutch, preventing Mississippi State from scoring on their final four possessions. Although the Longhorns were without injured captain Michael Taaffe, the unit displayed an impressive commitment to securing the win.
Looking forward to November, the Longhorns improved to 3-1 in the league and are positioned competitively within the conference. They are set to face a daunting challenge against the Vanderbilt Commodores in their first home game in over a month. A win against Vanderbilt could further solidify Texas’ standing in a competitive conference.
This comeback victory likely reflects not just physical skill but a stronger team culture, which players and coaches alike are beginning to embrace. The Longhorns appear determined to build on this momentum and prove their resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead in pursuit of a successful season.