In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that went down to the wire, the No. 22 Texas Longhorns staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-38 in overtime. The victory, however, was tempered by a significant injury to star quarterback Arch Manning, who exited the game in the extra period, forcing backup Matthew Caldwell into a pivotal role in this exciting Texas Mississippi State matchup. This top trending news story from Saturday, October 25, 2025, will have lasting implications for both programs involved in the Texas Mississippi State drama.
A Texas Mississippi State Comeback for the Ages
The game at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville was a tale of two halves and a stunning second-half rally. Mississippi State held a commanding 31-14 lead entering the final quarter, a deficit that seemed insurmountable for the visiting Longhorns. However, Texas orchestrated a spectacular turnaround, scoring 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. At one point, with 11:40 remaining in regulation and trailing 38-21, ESPN’s win probability gave Texas a mere 1.4 percent chance of securing victory in this intense Texas Mississippi State clash.
Key Plays Seal Regulation Tie in Texas Mississippi State Showdown
Two monumental plays propelled Texas back into contention. First, receiver Emmett Mosley V hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Arch Manning with 9:34 left in regulation, narrowing the deficit. Moments later, a field goal brought Texas within seven points. The most dramatic moment of regulation came with under two minutes remaining when Ryan Niblett returned a punt an astonishing 79 yards for a game-tying touchdown, sending the contest into overtime, a true College football overtime thriller between Texas and Mississippi State.
Manning’s Arch Manning Injury and Caldwell’s Heroics
In overtime, on the first play of possession, quarterback Arch Manning was injured after a run and a hard fall, appearing to hit his head on the turf. He was taken to the medical tent and did not return, with reports later indicating a concussion. Stepping into the critical situation was backup Matthew Caldwell. On his first and only passing attempt of the game, Caldwell delivered a 10-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V, securing the improbable 45-38 victory for the Longhorns in this memorable Texas Mississippi State game. Caldwell, a transfer with previous stops at Gardner-Webb and Troy, was praised for his poise under pressure, delivering a crucial Matthew Caldwell touchdown in the Texas Mississippi State contest.
Individual Brilliance Amidst the Texas Mississippi State Drama
Arch Manning put forth a career performance before his injury, completing 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, adding a rushing score as well. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo was a key target, posting a career-high 184 receiving yards. On the Mississippi State side, quarterback Blake Shapen delivered a career game, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns, though it wasn’t enough to end his team’s struggles. Running back Davon Booth contributed significantly with a 62-yard touchdown reception and 99 rushing yards, in a game that showcased immense talent from both the Texas Longhorns football team and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Implications for Both Programs in Texas Mississippi State Context
The victory moves No. 22 Texas to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in SEC play, keeping their College Football Playoff aspirations alive. Coach Steve Sarkisian lauded the resilience, calling it a “culture win” and expressing immense pride in his team’s toughness, a key factor in the Texas Mississippi State outcome. This is significant SEC football news for the Longhorns.
Conversely, the loss extends Mississippi State’s SEC losing streak to 17 consecutive games, a streak that now dates back to October 2023. Second-year coach Jeff Lebby continues to search for his first conference win, with 12 of those losses occurring under his tenure. The Bulldogs surrendered 445 total yards to Texas, despite recording five sacks and 12 tackles for loss in their matchup against the Texas Mississippi State teams.
Looking Ahead for Texas Mississippi State Programs
Texas will host No. 10 Vanderbilt next week in Austin, while Mississippi State travels to face Arkansas. The dramatic overtime win provides a significant momentum boost for the Longhorns, even as they await updates on Arch Manning’s health and the potential impact of the Arch Manning injury. For Mississippi State, the search for answers and a breakthrough conference victory continues, hoping to avoid another Texas Mississippi State defeat.
