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Arch Manning’s late interception against Oklahoma proved costly for Texas, but head coach Steve Sarkisian has made clear that one disastrous moment will not shake his confidence in the quarterback.
The Longhorns lost 27-24 to their bitter rivals on Saturday, suffering their first defeat of the season and damaging their hopes of competing for a national championship.
President Trump wouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch Arch Manning against Tennessee
Manning threw two interceptions, including the decisive turnover with 19 seconds remaining. Oklahoma safety Courtland Guillory intercepted his final pass, giving the Sooners an opportunity to win before Tate Sandell converted a 47-yard field goal as time expired.
Despite the disappointment, Sarkisian remained supportive of his second-year starter, pointing to the progress Manning had shown during the game rather than allowing the result to define his performance.
“I thought there was a level of confidence, consistency,” Sarkisian said. “And rhythm he was in when he was throwing the ball. We’ve got to continue to run the ball better so it’s not all on his shoulders.”
Manning struggles against Sooners as Longhorns suffer first loss of the year
The Longhorns had one last opportunity to take control but instead, Guillory intercepted Manning’s final throw and the game was over, with the Longhorns forced to accept their first loss of the 2026 NCAA season.
The Sooners’ John Mateer then completed two passes to Isaiah Sategna, moving his team into position for Sandell’s winning kick and the defeat was particularly painful because Oklahoma managed only 238 total yards, well below its season average entering the contest.
Defense and special teams provided the decisive scores, with Dakoda Fields recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for another touchdown and now Manning’s season faces scrutiny as another big moment slips away.
He entered the game with 10 touchdown passes and five interceptions, and the Oklahoma loss added further pressure on a quarterback expected to lead Texas toward the College Football Playoff.
But the Longhorns cannot afford to dwell on the loss for long. Their immediate challenge comes against the Florida Gators on October 17, before home matchups against the Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs are followed by road trips to the Missouri Tigers and LSU Tigers.
Those contests could determine whether Texas remains in contention for the SEC title and a place in the national playoff picture. Oklahoma, meanwhile, improved to 3-2 overall, recording their first victory over a No. 1 ranked team since 2007.