When Texas Longhorns rallied from a 24‑point hole to win in overtime, the entire SEC felt the tremor.
The drama unfolded on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, where the No. 22 Longhorns faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a clash that would decide whether Texas kept its playoff hopes alive.
Here's the thing: Arch Manning, quarterback for Texas Longhorns threw for a career‑high 346 yards, but a concussion with seconds left turned the spotlight on the bench.
A Record‑Breaking Turnaround
Texas entered the fourth quarter trailing 38‑14, a deficit that would have sunk most teams. Yet the Longhorns, guided by head coach Steve Sarkisian, head coach, refused to fold.
First, senior kicker Mason Shipley narrowed the gap with a 26‑yard field goal at 4:14 left in regulation. Then, with 1:47 remaining, junior punt returner Ryan Niblett, punt return specialist sprinted 79 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 38‑38 and sparking a stadium‑wide roar.
The Longhorns proceeded to force overtime, a rare feat after such a deficit. In the extra period, a new hero emerged: redshirt sophomore Matthew Caldwell stepped in for the injured Manning and delivered a 9‑yard strike to sophomore wideout Emmett Mosley IV, sealing a 45‑38 victory.
How Texas Engineered the Rally
The comeback wasn't magic; it was methodical. After the Bulldogs extended their lead to 38‑14 with a 62‑yard pass from quarterback Blake Shapen, quarterback to senior receiver Davon Booth, Texas refocused.
Arch Manning orchestrated three straight scoring drives. On the first, he connected with junior receiver Ryan Wingo for a 30‑yard touchdown, giving Texas a glimmer of hope. A second drive culminated in a rushing plunge by Manning himself, his first career rushing TD, putting the Longhorns within eight.
What’s more, the Longhorn defense tightened up. Senior defensive end Ethan Burke recorded a strip‑sack on Shapen during the final two minutes, forcing a turnover that set up Shipley’s field goal.
Mississippi State's Missed Opportunities
Jeff Lebby, in his inaugural season as Jeff Lebby, head coach of the Bulldogs, watched a 16‑game SEC losing streak stretch to 16 as his team blew a commanding lead.
Shapen posted a career‑best 381 passing yards and four touchdowns, yet three of those scores came before the Longhorns’ resurgence. The Bulldogs’ offensive line, which had held firm early, surrendered seven sacks overall—four in the final five minutes alone.
Defensive lapses also hurt. Without consensus All‑American safety Michael Taaffe, the Bulldogs struggled to contain Texas’s aerial assault, allowing Manning to pick apart the secondary for 184 receiving yards to junior wideout Ryan Wingo.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
After the final whistle, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey praised Texas’s “resilience” while noting the Bulldogs’ “continued struggles” illustrate the conference’s growing parity.
Steve Sarkisian, still beaming, said, “We never lost belief. A 24‑point deficit scares most teams, but our guys showed why they’re ranked.” Meanwhile, Jeff Lebby admitted, “We didn’t execute in the fourth. The kids will learn, but it hurts when a lead disappears.”
College football analyst John Taylor of ESPN Stats & Information Group highlighted that Texas became only the third FBS program since 2000 to overcome a 24‑point fourth‑quarter deficit. “It’s a historic moment for the Longhorns and a wake‑up call for the SEC,” he added.
What This Means for the SEC Race
With the win, Texas improves to 6‑2 overall and 3‑1 in SEC play, keeping a shot at the College Football Playoff alive. Their next challenge: a showdown with No. 11 Alabama on November 1 at Kyle Field, a game that could cement—or shatter—their résumé.
Mississippi State, now 4‑4 overall and 0‑4 in the SEC, faces Vanderbilt at home on October 30. The Bulldogs must stop the losing streak if they hope to stay relevant in the conference standings.
The broader implication? Teams can no longer treat a fourth‑quarter lead as safe; the SEC’s depth means any lapse can be punished quickly. As the season tightens, coaches will likely emphasize “finish‑line” mentality in practice.
Looking Ahead
For Texas, the immediate question centers on Arch Manning’s health. The concussion protocol will determine whether he returns for the Alabama game or if Matthew Caldwell becomes the starter. Either way, the Longhorns have shown they can adapt under pressure.
Mississippi State, on the other hand, must regroup mentally. Jeff Lebby’s staff is expected to lean on veteran leader Blake Shapen to regain confidence.
One thing’s clear: this overtime comeback will be remembered as a turning point in the 2025 SEC season, a story that will be retold whenever a team faces a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this comeback affect Texas’ playoff chances?
The win lifts Texas to 6‑2 overall and 3‑1 in SEC play, keeping them in the top‑four of the College Football Playoff rankings. A victory over Alabama next week could catapult them into the top‑three, solidifying a coveted spot.
What were the key moments that shifted momentum?
Three moments stand out: Mason Shipley’s field goal at 4:14, Ryan Niblett’s 79‑yard punt return touchdown with 1:47 left, and the strip‑sack by Ethan Burke that forced a turnover and set up the tying field goal.
Will Arch Manning play against Alabama?
Manning is currently undergoing concussion protocol. The medical staff will determine his status 24‑48 hours before the Alabama matchup. If he’s sidelined, Matthew Caldwell will start.
How rare is a 24‑point fourth‑quarter comeback?
According to ESPN’s Stats & Information Group, only three FBS teams have erased a 24‑point deficit in the fourth quarter since 2000. Texas joins a very exclusive club with this victory.
What does this loss mean for Mississippi State’s SEC streak?
The defeat extends Mississippi State’s SEC losing streak to 16 games, a run that began on October 15, 2022. The streak remains a focal point for the program’s rebuild under Jeff Lebby.
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