In one of the most breathtaking games of the 2025 college football season, the Texas Longhorns mounted a stunning late comeback to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45–38 in overtime at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville. What began as a nightmare outing turned into a statement of resilience, courage, and belief — the kind of win that can define a season.

⚡ The Comeback That Silenced Starkville

For three quarters, Mississippi State seemed unstoppable. The Bulldogs’ balanced offense carved through Texas’ defense, racing to a 38–21 lead early in the fourth quarter. Their home crowd roared with confidence as the clock ticked down, believing an upset over Texas was inevitable.

But the Longhorns refused to fold. Quarterback Arch Manning, who had struggled early, began orchestrating a furious rally. With precision passing and poise well beyond his years, he led three straight scoring drives that turned the stadium’s cheers into disbelief.

A 79-yard punt return by Ryan Niblett ignited the comeback, cutting the lead to 38–31. Minutes later, Manning connected with Isaiah Bond on a 28-yard touchdown strike to tie the game at 38–38 with under a minute remaining. The Texas sideline exploded with emotion — the impossible was suddenly within reach.

When the Bulldogs failed to move the ball in the closing seconds, the game headed into overtime — and the Longhorns smelled victory.

🧱 Overtime Glory

In overtime, backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell took the field after Manning exited with leg cramps. Calm under pressure, Caldwell delivered a perfect 10-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V, giving Texas the lead for the first time all night.

Mississippi State had one final chance, but the Texas defense — which had struggled earlier — rose to the moment. On fourth-and-20, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. broke through the line and sacked quarterback Blake Shapen, sealing the 45–38 victory.

The Longhorns bench emptied as players stormed the field, celebrating one of the most dramatic wins of the season.

💪 Leaders Step Up When It Mattered

Arch Manning finished the night with 346 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Despite the early struggles, his composure and leadership fueled the team’s belief.

Running back CJ Baxter added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wideout Isaiah Bond led all receivers with 112 yards and two key scores.

On defense, freshman safety Derrick Williams Jr. made the game’s defining stop late in the fourth quarter — a bone-rattling tackle that halted Mississippi State’s momentum and gave the Longhorns a chance to tie.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team’s resolve:

“We talk about staying the course, about fighting to the last whistle. Tonight, these young men showed what Texas football is all about — toughness, unity, and heart.”

🏠 Bulldogs’ Collapse at Home

For Mississippi State, the loss was devastating. The Bulldogs had controlled the tempo for most of the game, with quarterback Blake Shapen throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Seth Davis added two rushing scores, and the defense forced two early turnovers that put the Longhorns on the ropes.

But as the pressure mounted late in the fourth quarter, cracks began to show. Missed tackles, blown coverage, and a costly special-teams lapse gave Texas the opening it needed.

After the game, Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby appeared emotional:

“We had it — and we let it slip away. That’s on me. Credit to Texas, they finished stronger.”

🔥 Turning Point of the Season

The win moves Texas to 6–2 overall and 3–1 in conference play, keeping them firmly in the race for the SEC Championship. It was more than just a victory — it was a reaffirmation that the Longhorns still belong among college football’s elite.

Players in the locker room described the atmosphere as “electric” and “unforgettable.” Arch Manning, his voice still raspy after the postgame celebration, summed it up best:

“We’ve been through adversity this season, but we never stop believing. That’s what being a Longhorn means.”

For the Bulldogs, now 4–4 on the year and winless in conference play, the challenge will be mental. A 17-point fourth-quarter collapse is the kind of loss that can linger — unless they regroup fast.

🌟 Key Takeaways

• Resilience Redefined: Texas proved that even when trailing big, elite teams know how to respond under pressure.

• Arch Manning’s Leadership: The young quarterback displayed maturity and command in the clutch, solidifying his role as Texas’ emotional leader.

• Special Teams Swing: Niblett’s punt return shifted the game’s momentum completely — one of the season’s most impactful plays.

• Bulldogs’ Missed Opportunity: Mississippi State must confront its late-game execution issues to avoid another heartbreaking loss.

🕊️ The Road Ahead

Texas now returns home with renewed confidence, preparing for a high-stakes matchup next week that could decide their championship fate. The win not only boosts their playoff hopes but also sends a warning across the SEC — the Longhorns are still a force to be feared.

For Mississippi State, redemption will have to come quickly. Their season isn’t over, but the margin for error has vanished.

As the crowd in Starkville emptied and the Texas players gathered for their traditional postgame chant, the message from Coach Sarkisian echoed loud and clear across the field:

“You can count us out — but never count us done.”

And after what the world witnessed tonight, nobody will.