Texas Beats Ole Miss 34-27 After Surviving Late Rally

No. 19 Texas defeated No. 7 Ole Miss 34-27 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday, preserving its lead despite late attempts by the Rebels to recover an onside kick and complete a Hail Mary. The victory helped the Longhorns avoid their first three-game losing streak since 2021, according to Burnt Orange Nation. Texas relied on quarterback Arch Manning and its defense to withstand the challenge from the seventh-ranked Rebels.

The Longhorns also generated crucial turnovers, including interceptions by linebacker Justin Cryer and an Ole Miss interception that briefly disrupted Texas' offensive momentum. Before kickoff, Texas adjusted its lineup amid several availability concerns. Offensive lineman Jackson Christian and running back Derrek Cooper were removed from the injury report, while safety Kobe Black was listed as a game-time decision.

Black participated in warmups but took backup repetitions behind senior Derek Williams.

The Longhorns also entered the game without edge defenders Colin Simmons and Richard Wesley. Sophomore Lance Jackson started at Jack end, with senior Colton Vasek serving as his backup.

Texas opened the scoring with a field goal after a 12-play, 69-yard drive that consumed more than five minutes. Manning connected with wide receiver Emmett Mosley V for a 23-yard gain and found tight end Michael Masunas for nine yards, but the offense stalled near the goal line and settled for three points. Ole Miss answered with a 46-yard field goal to tie the score at 3-3. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss helped move the Rebels into scoring range with a 36-yard completion to wide receiver Deuce Alexander, but Texas' defensive pressure disrupted the next series.

Texas linebacker Justin Cryer then intercepted Chambliss, recording the Longhorns' first forced turnover since the opening play of their game against UTSA. However, the offense failed to capitalize immediately when Manning delivered a deep pass to wide receiver Cam Coleman, who dropped a potential touchdown. The Longhorns regained momentum through a 43-yard catch-and-run by Ryan Wingo. Running back Raleek Brown followed with a 23-yard gain that brought Texas close to the goal line, putting the offense in position to extend its lead.

Manning finished the sequence with a two-yard touchdown run on a zone-read play, taking advantage of a block from Masunas. The score gave Texas a 10-3 advantage. Texas' defense continued to pressure Chambliss and limit Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy during the early stages of the game.

The Rebels struggled to sustain several possessions, while the Longhorns worked to convert their offensive opportunities into points. The game also brought a setback for Texas' offensive line when senior left tackle Trevor Goosby left the field after being injured during a pass-blocking play. His departure came as the Longhorns attempted to maintain their offensive rhythm against Ole Miss.

Despite missed opportunities and an interception by Ole Miss, Texas continued to create openings through Manning's passing and designed runs. The Longhorns ultimately secured the 34-27 victory, holding off the Rebels' late efforts to force a comeback.