Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Live Game Updates

After a win against the Kentucky Wildcats last week that seemed more like an escape than a victory, the Texas Longhorns look to achieve a more decisive triumph this week in Starkville, Mississippi, against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs are the fourth lowest ranked team in the SEC, and they have come up short in every conference game so far. That being said, their home field advantage is one that can't be overlooked.

Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and his offensive line will need to show up in a more dominant fashion to secure a win this afternoon, both to help Texas build more momentum and to keep media criticism at bay.

Running back CJ Baxter is expected to return from his hamstring injury for the matchup, which could help the Longhorns establish a stronger game on the ground. After accumulating only 16 points throughout four quarters and overtime against the Wildcats, his comeback could make a big difference.

Just as these past few games have been for Texas, a win is crucial if they want the door to a potential College Football Playoff selection to remain cracked open.

Follow below for live updates once the game gets underway:

Texas Longhorns footbal — Oct 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) celebrates after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Mississippi State receives the opening kick.

First Quarter

The Longhorns force a three-and-out for the Bulldogs on their opening offensive drive. They start the drive on their 25-yard line and punt from their 32-yard line.

change of possession

After a 16-yard kick return from wide receiver Ryan Niblett, Manning finds wide receiver Ryan Wingo for a 60-yard gain. On the very next play, Manning finds his way into the endzone with a 3-yard run. Kicker Mason Shipley's extra point is good, and the Longhorns secure seven points on their first offensive drive.

Longhorns 7, Bulldogs 0

change of possession

For the second drive in a row, quarterback Blake Shapen and the Bulldogs can't generate much momentum offensively. That being said, their punt from their 32-yard line forces Texas to start on thier own 5-yard line.

change of possession

The Longhorns respond with a three-and-out of their own after two 4-yard runs from running back Quintrevion Wisner and an incomplete pass from Manning intended for wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. They punt from their own 13-yard line.

change of possession

Cornerback Graceson Littleton gets called for pass interference on a deep ball headed to Mississippi State wide receiver Anthony Evans III, helping the Bulldogs earn their first first down of the afternoon. However, the drive ultimately culminates in a blocked field goal by edge rusher Ethan Burke.

change of possession

Despite the momentum created by Burke, the Longhorns lose nine yards on three plays during this drive and punt from their 20-yard line.

change of possession

At the end of a six play, 53 yard drive, Mississippi State finds the endzone with a 13-yard conversion from Shapen to tight end Sam West. Kicker Kyle Ferrie sinks the extra point to tie the game up in the first quarter.

Longhorns 7, Bulldogs 7

change of possession

With a chance to turn a weak drive around with a conversion on third down and long, Wingo drops a pass from Manning. After four plays, the Longhorns punt from their 28-yard line.

change of possession

The Bulldogs are stopped with one yard to go on fourth down, creating a turnover on downs and giving the ball to Texas on the Mississippi State 37-yard line.

change of possession

Second Quarter

Shipley kicks a field goal from the Bulldogs 25-yard line, but defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones gets called for a block below the waste and allows the Longhorns three more chances offensively from inside the 10-yard line to score a touchdown instead. Manning converts to wide receiver Parker Livingstone and Shipley lands the extra point.

Longhorns 14, Bulldogs 7

change of possession

Mississippi State finishes a strong drive with a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Kamario Taylor to tight end Seydou Traore. The pass was deflected but still secured for six points, and Ferrie's extra point goes through to tie the game once again.

Longhorns 14, Bulldogs 14

change of possession

A 15-yard run by Manning highlights the drive, but Texas can't build a lot of momentum outside of this play. They lose yardage in two of their six plays during the drive and punt from their 45-yard line.

change of possession

After giving up a touchdown last time they took the field, Texas' defense terminates this drive in just four plays. The Bulldogs earn 12 yards on their first play of the drive, but three consecutive incomplete passes by Shapen forces Mississippi State to punt from its 20-yard line.

change of possession

In an attempt to start off hot with a deep pass to Livingstone, Manning throws an interception to Bulldogs cornerback Kelley Jones. Jones returns the pass 25 yards to the Texas 40-yard line before being brought down by Wisner.

change of possession

Using the energy created by the interception, the Bulldogs stretch down the rest of the field, and Ferrie kicks a 24-yard field goal to give Mississippi State their first lead of the game.

Bulldogs 17, Longhorns 14

change of possession

This drive leading up to halftime is a tough one for Texas. Wisner recovers his own fumble to start things off, and Manning closes it out with getting sacked for a loss of seven yards. The Longhorns punt from their 19-yard line.

change of possession

Mississippi State closes out the half offensively with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to wide receiver Brenen Thompson. The extra point is good, and the Bulldogs go up by 10 points.

Bulldogs 24, Longhorns 14

change of possession

The Longhorns fail to create a threatening situation for Mississippi State's defense to close out the half. They end up punting from their 33-yard line after an incomplete deep pass from Manning to Wingo.

Third Quarter

The Longhorns get the ball first this half with an opportunity to make it a one score game. However, nine plays and 64 yards later, Shipley misses a field goal attempt from 29 yards.

change of possession

Texas defense shows up for this drive, not allowing the Bulldogs to progress past their own 36-yard line.

change of possession

The Longhorns go three-and-out, further proving their inability to convert on third and short. Manning unsuccessfully targets wide receiver Emmett Mosley V to bring up fourth down. Texas punts from its 20-yard line.

change of possession

The Bulldogs go for it on fourth down with one yard to go, looking to keep their drive alive. Despite their best effort, Shapen is sacked for a loss of 10 yards and Texas' offense takes over on their 47-yard line.

change of possession

The Longhorns generate a net gain of 0 yards after Manning gets sacked for a loss of eight yards. They punt from the Bulldogs 43-yard line.

change of possession

The Bulldogs capitalize and become the first team to get on the board in the second half. Shapen finds Thompson for four yards and a touchdown at the end of an eight play, 80 yard drive. Ferrie's extra point is good.

Bulldogs 31, Longhorns 14

change of possession

Fourth Quarter

Manning finds Wingo for a 62-yard play to keep the drive alive on third down. What follows is three penalties, two by the Bulldogs and one by the Longhorns. Following the penalties, Livingstone finds the endzone for the second time tonight, and Mississippi State's lead is lessened to 10 points.

Bulldogs 31, Longhorns 21

change of possession

Texas can't keep the gap at 10 for very long, and a shovel pass from Shapen to running back Davon Booth results in a 62-yard touchdown. The extra point is good, and the Bulldogs extend their lead by seven.

Bulldogs 38, Longhorns 21

change of possession

Mosley slides to secure an endzone reception for 21 yards, and Shipley's extra point goes through. The game of catch up continues, but its effectiveness hinges upon Texas defense's ability to make stops during the remainder of this game.

Bulldogs 38, Longhorns 28

change of possession

Texas defense pulls through and it's a three-and-out for the Bulldogs. They finish the drive with a net loss of nine yards and punt from their own 16-yard line.

change of possession

It's a strong drive for the Longhorns, but a dropped pass by Wingo forces them to settle for a Shipley field goal. The drive spans 10 plays and 53 yards, along with three valuable fourth quarter minutes.

Bulldogs 38, Longhorns 31

change of possession

The Bulldogs face an important third down situation with a yard to go, but Burke takes Taylor down and forces Mississippi State to punt.

change of possession

Niblett does what he does best, returning the kick for 79 yards and a touchdown. Shipley makes the extra point, and it's a tie game in Starkville.

Longhorns 38, Bulldogs 38

change of possession

The Bulldogs make it into Texas territory briefly, but a fumble by Shapen results in an 8-yard loss. They punt from their own 45-yard line.

change of possession

Manning dives forward for no gain, and it's time for overtime in Starkville.

Overtime

Texas loses the coin toss, and Mississippi State elects to play defense first. Manning opens the drive with a 13-yard run, but he suffers an injury on the play. Caldwell takes over at quarterback, and finds Mosley in the endzone for an overtime touchdown. Shipley's extra point is good.

Longhorns 45, Bulldogs 38

change of possession

Two incompletions, two offensive false starts and two sacks for Mississippi State's offense finalize Texas' second consecutive overtime victory.

Final: Longhorns 45, Bulldogs 38