Arch Manning Scores First TD as Texas-Texas A&M Rivalry Resumes After 13 Years

The much-anticipated Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry returned with a bang after a 13-year hiatus, and it was Arch Manning who made headlines. The Texas Longhorns quarterback scored his first touchdown in this iconic series, delivering a crucial moment in the game. Manning, the latest in a family of football legends, entered the game during a fourth-down running play and helped give Texas an early 7-0 lead at Kyle Field.

Manning’s Big Moment

Arch Manning’s touchdown came on a critical fourth-and-1 play from the 15-yard line. The Longhorns had been struggling offensively, with limited success in the passing game, making this moment even more vital. Manning executed a zone-read play with running back Jaydon Blue, opting to keep the ball and run.

As he sprinted down the sideline, Manning received a key block from tight end Gunner Helm, which helped him reach the pylon. Though initially ruled short of the goal line, a replay review overturned the call, confirming the touchdown. This score not only energized the Longhorns but also marked the first touchdown in the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry since 2011, when Justin Tucker’s walk-off field goal secured Texas’s victory.

For Manning, this was a meaningful moment. It was his first touchdown since starting in a 35-13 win over Mississippi State earlier in the season on September 28. While Quinn Ewers remains the starting quarterback despite battling an ankle injury, Manning proved his value as a situational player with his athleticism and decision-making on this play.

Struggles in the Passing Game

While Manning’s touchdown was a highlight, Texas’s offense faced challenges, particularly in the passing game. The Longhorns had thrown for negative yardage—minus six yards on seven attempts—at that point in the game. With Ewers playing through his injury, the team leaned heavily on its rushing attack, which had gained 87 yards. Manning’s contribution on the ground provided a much-needed boost.

High Stakes for Both Teams

This renewed rivalry wasn’t just about bragging rights. The winner of the game would secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game against No. 7 Georgia, adding even more intensity to the matchup. For fans of both Texas and Texas A&M, this game held historical and emotional significance as the rivalry was revived after over a decade.

The Legacy of Texas-Texas A&M

The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, dating back to 1894. The two teams last met in 2011 before conference realignments put the series on hold. With the Longhorns now in the SEC, the rivalry is back on the schedule, much to the delight of fans and players alike.

The previous meeting in 2011 ended in dramatic fashion, with Justin Tucker’s field goal sealing a 27-25 win for Texas. This latest chapter of the rivalry saw a new hero in Arch Manning, whose touchdown is sure to be remembered as a defining moment in the series’ revival.

What’s Next for Manning and the Longhorns?

As the game progresses, all eyes will be on Manning and the Texas offense to see if they can build on their early momentum. While Ewers continues to lead the team, Manning’s ability to step up in key moments adds an extra dimension to the Longhorns’ playbook.

The Longhorns are fighting for more than just a win—they’re aiming for a shot at the SEC Championship and a chance to prove themselves against top-tier competition. For Arch Manning, this game could be a stepping stone toward establishing himself as a key player in college football.

A New Chapter in a Historic Rivalry

The return of the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry has already delivered memorable moments, and Arch Manning’s touchdown is at the center of it all. As the Longhorns and Aggies battle for supremacy, this historic series has been reignited in thrilling fashion.

Fans will remember Manning’s touchdown as the spark that brought life to this renewed rivalry, and with so much on the line, the game promises to be one for the ages.