Texas enters its October open date with four wins and no losses, but the 20–17 finish at Tennessee was a reminder that an unbeaten record can contain very different kinds of games. The Longhorns scored 59 against Texas State to open the season, came back to beat Ohio State by a point, held UTSA to six, and then survived a three-point SEC opener in Knoxville.
The latest result is the one that will stay with fans over the bye. Texas led Tennessee 20–10 in the fourth quarter before the Volunteers scored with 1:22 left. Tennessee got the ball again, but Texas broke up the final pass as time expired. The scoreboard says 4–0. The way the last game ended gives the coaching staff plenty to revisit before Oklahoma.
Four September games, four different tests
Texas opened at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium with a 59–7 win over Texas State on September 5. That was followed by the tightest home result of the month: a 24–23 victory over Ohio State on September 12. The Longhorns then beat UTSA 30–6 on September 19 before traveling to Neyland Stadium for the 20–17 win over Tennessee on September 26.
Those are confirmed final scores, not projections. Three games were in Austin and the Tennessee game was Texas's first road trip of the season. The win in Knoxville also moved the Longhorns to 1–0 in SEC play. The range of scores matters: fans have now seen a comfortable opener, a one-point marquee game, a low-scoring defensive performance, and a difficult conference finish on the road.
Why the Tennessee game felt so tense
Texas's two rushing touchdowns came from Raleek Brown. Arch Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards, while the team gained 262 total yards. Tennessee had 221 total yards, according to the official box score. Those figures describe a game in which Texas did enough with limited possessions, rather than one in which its offense ran away from the opponent.
The final minutes explain the anxiety. Brown's four-yard touchdown helped Texas build a 20–10 lead. Tennessee responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Faizon Brandon to Mike Matthews, closing the gap to three. The Volunteers then regained possession after a Texas fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Texas still held on, with Jelani McDonald breaking up the last pass in the end zone.
Colin Simmons repeatedly disrupted Tennessee's passing game. The official play log records multiple sacks by Simmons, including consecutive sacks in the third quarter. Pressure helped Texas limit Tennessee to 1.6 net rushing yards per attempt and 2.9 yards per offensive play. The same box score shows that Texas itself averaged only 1.7 net rushing yards per attempt. Both sides had stretches where moving the ball was difficult.
What the September record does and does not say
A 4–0 start is a strong position, especially with wins over Ohio State and a ranked Tennessee team. The close margins in those games also leave room for a measured reading. Texas has shown it can finish tight contests; it has not established that every part of the offense is settled. At Tennessee, the 14 first downs and 262 yards are useful context beside the final score.
The defensive performance offers a clearer positive signal from Knoxville. Tennessee had 76 offensive plays but scored 17 points, and the late touchdown made the margin look more precarious. This is an interpretation of one game, not a prediction about the rest of the SEC schedule. October will bring different opponents and game situations.
The bye week and the next kickoff
Texas does not have a game on October 3. Its next scheduled matchup is Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Saturday, October 10, at 2:30 p.m. Central. The official broadcast window lists ABC or ESPN; a final single-network designation should be checked closer to kickoff.
After the neutral-site rivalry, Texas returns to Austin for Florida on October 17, Ole Miss on October 24, and Mississippi State on October 31. Those three games have announced time windows rather than exact kickoff times. The open date gives fans a pause after four very different Saturdays, then the schedule becomes a four-game October run with no additional bye.
A practical way to follow the next month
Keep the September results separate from the October preview. The wins and scores are final; the Oklahoma game is scheduled; the other October kickoff details can still change. If you are arranging a trip to Dallas or a home-game weekend in Austin, confirm the official start time and TV assignment again during game week.
For now, Texas carries a 4–0 overall record and a 1–0 SEC record into its bye. The immediate question is whether the defense that controlled long stretches at Tennessee can carry that pressure into the Red River Rivalry, while the offense finds a steadier path to first downs. We will have an answer on the field, not in the September standings.
Sources and update note
Published and last checked September 27, 2026. Final scores and schedule windows were checked against Texas Athletics. Exact kickoff times and TV networks can change when new announcements are made.
Frequently asked questions
What is Texas football's record after September 2026?
Texas is 4–0 overall and 1–0 in SEC play after beating Tennessee 20–17 on September 26.
Who did Texas beat in September 2026?
Texas beat Texas State 59–7, Ohio State 24–23, UTSA 30–6, and Tennessee 20–17.
When is Texas's next game?
Texas has an open date on October 3. Its next game is against Oklahoma on October 10 at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
What was the final score at Tennessee?
Texas defeated Tennessee 20–17 at Neyland Stadium on September 26, 2026.
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