The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Forty Acres Insider: October 28
10.28.2025 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte
Longhorn Nation,
TEXAS FIGHT, TEXAS FIGHT, YEA TEXAS FIGHT! Talk about the epitome of Texas Fight — it was absolutely on full display for Coach Sark and our Longhorns on Saturday night in Starkville. And they did it in epic fashion. "Don't Stop Believin'" was blaring through the Davis Wade Stadium speakers, cowbells we're ringing at a fevered pitch, and Mississippi State had surged ahead. Down 17 points with 12:29 remaining, it was the pride and winning tradition of this team — and its culture — that believed & rose above. TWENTY-FOUR unanswered points later, and with extra football in back-to-back games for the first time in school history, the cowbells were silenced. Together we celebrated with all our incredible fans in attendance (and all of you great Longhorns tuning in around the world!) as we sang The Eyes of Texas. Then it was off to the locker room for a spirited chorus of Texas Fight.
Shoutout Longhorn Nation for sticking with us 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BqOn5yc2BE
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 26, 2025
Before the game, Coach Sark told the team we had to be the tougher football team — mentally and physically — and that it had to be all Texas Fight tonight — Coach, it certainly was — WE WERE TEXAS TOUGH! This squad is anything but weak or timid, and good golly almighty did they deliver a truly memorable and historic comeback win. After a grueling month-long stretch and four-straight games away from home, our road warriors are finally back in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium this week. I know y'all are excited — we can't wait to see everyone at all our pregame festivities, then packing the house for a big-time SEC matchup against a No. 9-ranked Vanderbilt team. It's going to be electric! SEC Nation will be in the house, so it's going to be a fantastic day on the Forty to get charged up early and ready for the 11 a.m. kickoff. Come early. Be loud. And wear your Burnt Orange best ready to make this a fabulous homecoming for our Horns, my friends!
a night to remember 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/YU471IrFV9
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 26, 2025
Finally back home 🤘 pic.twitter.com/lG9EeHG4MX
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 27, 2025
TWO MORE UP AND TWO MORE DOWN for Coach Elliott and Volleyball — keeping the perfect season alive. You can make it 18-0 overall (one of only two programs remaining undefeated this season), 10-0 (six by sweep!) & atop the SEC standings, and with road wins at Ole Miss (3-1) and LSU (3-0) last week that extends our all-time SEC road record to 13-0! The three-game road swing continues as our Horns head to College Station on Halloween for a Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown at No. 9 Texas A&M (6:30 p.m. CT/SEC Network) before returning home for a clash of titans against No. 3 Kentucky in The Greg on Sunday (Noon CT/ESPN). Let's go Horns!
IT'S A SWEEP and the PERFECT season continues for @TexasVolleyball🤘🏼
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 26, 2025
✅ 18-0 overall (one of only 2 programs remaining undefeated this season)
✅ 10-0 in SEC (6 by sweep)
✅ 7-0 on the road (5-0 vs. SEC/never lost an SEC road match — 13 and counting!) https://t.co/MivLjsvhpq
Swimming and Diving took to the water and did their thing last week as well — ALL THEY DO IS WIN! As Coach Bowman and the men lowered another National Championship banner from the rafters of the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, the men and women proceeded to sweep Tennessee in a dual-meet matchup. The No. 1-ranked men's victory was decisive (120-65) over the No. 6 Volunteers, as was Coach Capitani and the No. 2-ranked women's (135-51) take down of No. 4 Tennessee. The combined men's and women's dual meet triumph was an emphatic one, outscoring the Vols 226.5-90.5!
a true team effort tonight 🤘#HookEm | @TexasWSD pic.twitter.com/NrHL8GKLf6
— Texas Men's Swimming & Diving (@TexasMSD) October 25, 2025
As Coach Schaefer and Coach Miller continue to prepare our Women's and Men's Basketball teams for their official season tipoffs early next week, we had one last exhibition contest with the women hosting Texas Women's University on Monday at Moody Center. Thanks to everyone that came out to support our Longhorns, and we'll look forward to seeing you in The Mood this coming Monday against Incarnate Word (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+) and Richmond on Friday (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+). The men begin the season on the road in Charlotte against No. 6/5 Duke in the Dick Vitale Invitational on Tuesday (7:45 p.m. CT/ESPN) before playing their home opener on Saturday with Lafayette in town (2 p.m. CT/SEC Network+). Horns Up for Texas Hoops — look forward to seeing everyone at Moody Center next week!
In addition to Football, Volleyball and Women's Basketball in action this week, we've got Cross Country competing at the SEC Championships, Women's Golf taking to the course in Hawaii, and Men's and Women's Tennis in more tourney action. It's a great week to be a Longhorn, so let's get ready to Hook 'Em all week-long folks!
we'll see you this week 🤘#HookEm | @seatgeek pic.twitter.com/Z8e0L7erSD
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 27, 2025
Bevo "Boolevard", Salute to Service, The Beach Boys, and more highlight action-packed fan experience this Saturday!
It's been 42 days since Longhorn Nation has gathered at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (did you know that's tied for the longest stretch between home games in program history), and we can't wait to have the Burnt Orange and White BACK IN FULL FORCE for our SEC home opener versus No. 9 Vanderbilt this Saturday at 11 a.m. (pres. by H-E-B). I've always said that gamedays on the Forty Acres are an all-day celebration, and we've got an amazing lineup of activities to welcome y'all back to DKR. From Bevo "Boolevard" pres. by H-E-B pregame to Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys performing LIVE postgame at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister, this Saturday will be extra special.
Bevo "Boolevard" presented by H-E-B
It all gets started at 8 a.m. for college football's greatest street festival as Bevo makes his way down the boulevard for one of our greatest gameday traditions, the Bevo Parade pres. by TFBI. The temperatures are dropping, fall is in full swing, and we have several unique enhancements that will make Bevo "Boolevard" a can't-miss destination including:
• Signature Bevo "Boolevard" photo ops including a featured giant Longhorn pumpkin outside Gate 1. In addition, get your Bevo "Boolevard" photo ops at the Dress Like A Longhorn station.
• Make your way down to the south entrance to check out our live pumpkin carving artist who's got a 300+ pound pumpkin that will be carved with a commemorative design during the duration of Bevo "Boolevard."
• Several of our partners will give their activations a Bevo "Boolevard" makeover including H-E-B, Ford, Raising Cane's, St. David's HealthCare, Taki's, Toyota, and Truist.
• From 8-9 a.m., you can get your photo ops with the Golden Hat trophy across from Gate 1 to commemorate our victory over Oklahoma earlier this month at the Allstate Red River Rivalry.
• Our defending SEC Champion Texas Baseball team will be signing autographs from 9-10 a.m. across from Gate 5.
• LIVE art activations celebrating Dia de los Muertos
• Ride the Mechanical Pumpkin attraction on Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage
A reminder that all pregame and postgame activities are FREE to attend; no game ticket is required. And we've got Happy Hour pricing outside the stadium during pregame!
SEC Nation live broadcast to originate from Gregory Gym Plaza this Saturday!
Our friends from the SEC Network are bringing their signature pregame shows to campus this weekend to preview our game versus No. 9 Vanderbilt as well as games from around the league. Join them for live TV broadcasts this Saturday morning AT GREGORY GYM PLAZA on Speedway beginning with Marty & McGee from 8-9 a.m. followed by SEC Nation with host Laura Rutledge joined by Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rogers, and Tim Tebow from 9-10 a.m. Get there early for FREE giveaways!
Heyyyyyy, @SECNetwork 👋🤘 pic.twitter.com/kWF8oqrcS7
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 26, 2025
The Beach Boys bring "Good Vibrations" to Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister!
How bout that for an LCL lineup! We are so excited to welcome legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys to the Forty Acres for a very special postgame performance at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister. Their timeless classics have been the soundtrack of multiple generations and to hear their hits LIVE on the LBJ Lawn will be the perfect way to close out a fantastic Texas Football gameday. The concert will start approximately 15 minutes following the conclusion of the game, so there's plenty of time to sing the Eyes of Texas and make your way over for the show. But that's not all at LCL. Austin's own The Nightowls will get the day started off with live music from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Since 2011, they've been electrifying audiences with their unique funk sound. The lawn will open at 8 a.m. with the Tito's Tailgate, Bulleit Frontier Lounge, and Pinkerton's BBQ all opening so come on out, tailgate with us and experience what makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World.
good vibrations only at LCL this weekend 🤘🏖️#HookEm | @TheBeachBoys pic.twitter.com/vwvG2VU0yP
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 27, 2025
Salute To Service this Saturday
As we approach Veterans Day on November 11, we are proud to celebrate and recognize our veterans and active military personnel during our annual Salute To Service game. In collaboration with The University of Texas' Veteran and Military Affiliated Services and Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Veterans Committee, we have several recognitions and callouts planned for this Saturday including a signature recognition at halftime following the Longhorn Band's performance. Save the date as we host the annual wreath-laying ceremony to honor United States' veterans and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. inside the Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame.
Welcoming back our 2005 National Champions!
It's been 20 years since Texas Football won one of the greatest games of all time when we defeated USC 41-38 in the Rose Bowl for the 2005 National Championship. This week, we welcome back over 60 players from that legendary team including Coach Mack Brown, Rose Bowl Offensive MVP Vince Young, Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Michael Huff, Aaron Ross and more. Make sure to be in your seats as we recognize the group during the first quarter.
Here's your complete Saturday schedule
o 6 a.m. – Parking lots open
o 8 a.m. – Bevo "Boolevard" pres. by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, Hook `Em Hangout, and Big Bertha's Bazaar open
o 8 a.m. – Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance on Bevo "Boolevard" (fans line up at 7:45 a.m. at South Entrance on Bevo "Boolevard")
o 8-8:45 a.m. – Photo ops with Smokey the Cannon on Smokey's Midway
o 8-9 a.m. – Photo ops with the Golden Hat Trophy across from Gate 1
o 8-9 a.m. – Marty & McGee LIVE broadcast from Gregory Gym Plaza on Speedway. FREE admission!
o 8 a.m. – Gate 8 Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
o 8 a.m. –Tito's Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge open at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
o 8 a.m. – Hook 'Em Herd (pres. by Dick's Sporting Goods) signups begin for kids ages 7-12 across from Gate 1 on Bevo "Boolevard" (spots available on first-come, first-served basis)
o 8 a.m. – The Flat Creek Estate Wine Garden opens for the general public on the north side of DeLoss Dodds Way near Trinity St.
o 8 a.m. – Texas Exes Tailgate opens at Alumni Center for Texas Exes members
o 8 a.m. – Sports Radio AM 1300 AM The Zone Longhorn Gameday Pregame Show LIVE at Hook `Em Hangout begins
o 8 a.m. – Gate 25 and Gate 25 Ticket Resolution opens for Big Ticket holders (for UT students)
o 8:30 a.m. – The Nightowls LIVE at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
o 8:45 a.m. – Stadium Stampede team arrival on Bevo "Boolevard" (fans line up at 8:30 a.m. at North Entrance on Bevo "Boolevard")
o 9 a.m. – Ticket Resolution at Gate 32 open for mobile ticket support
o 9 a.m. – All stadium gates and Longhorn Foundation hospitality areas open
o 9 a.m. – Texas Baseball autographs on Bevo "Boolevard" across from Gate 5
o 9 a.m. – Halloween photo ops with Hook 'Em at the giant photo frame at Big Bertha's Bazaar
o 9-10 a.m. – SEC Nation LIVE broadcast from Gregory Gym Plaza on Speedway. FREE admission!
o 10 a.m. – Longhorn Band March to the stadium (starts on Robert Dedman Drive near Longhorn City Limits)
o 10:30 a.m. – Bevo "Boolevard", Longhorn City Limits, Smokey's Midway, Hook 'Em Hangout, and Big Bertha's Bazaar close
o 11 a.m. – Kick-off vs. Vanderbilt!
o In-Game – 2005 Football National Champions Recognition
o Halftime – Longhorn Band Halftime Show
o Postgame – The Beach Boys LIVE at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
For a full list of activities and everything you want to know about all-things gameday, please visit our Football GameDay headquarters page.
Football doesn't stop believing for an SEC overtime thriller of a win
In the opening, I mentioned "Don't Stop Believin'" playing over the loudspeakers. Well, I'm not sure Mississippi State realized they were bringing one of our favorite songs from our house in DKR all the way from Austin to Starkville. And let me tell you, that couldn't have been truer for what was happening on our Horns' bench. Even down 17, not once, but twice, there was no dropping of the heads, there were no blank stares, there were only the determined looks of, "Let's do what we need to do on the next play." And then it was the next play, and the next play, all the way until the last play of overtime when my guy Ethan Burke might have set a record for yards traveled by a forced fumble. Ethan, by the way, was the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, which is the third straight week we've won that award, was not to be outdone by Anthony Hill, who was not only the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, but the NATIONAL defensive player of the week! While we're on the subject of honors, what made it all possible was Ryan Niblett doing what he does and getting the National Play of the Week with his 79-yard punt return that tied it up with just under a couple of minutes to go. If you didn't get stirred up watching that, I can't help you, my friend! And let's not leave out that offense that was a huge part of the complimentary comeback. Arch ended up throwing career highs in both completions with 29 and yardage with 346, all while accounting for four touchdowns with three through the air and one on the ground. For that – and now this is really cool – he was named one of the, you guessed it, Manning Award Stars of the Week! Ha! From the first play of the game, one of his biggest targets was Ryan Wingo, who came down with the ninth-most receiving yards in our esteemed program's history with 184. Not only that, but we had two other receivers haul in multiple touchdowns including impressive toe tappers from both Parker Livingstone, and of course, the game winner by Emmett Mosley! How incredible was that? That it was tossed by our own version of Matty Ice – Matthew Caldwell – and the reaction is priceless after the officials reviewed it and called it good! I call him Matty Ice, not only because he had ice in his veins on that clutch throw, but he came off the bench cold as ice to throw it! Amazing! And I do need to give a special shoutout to Coach Michael Taaffe. Even though he was injured, he may have traveled more yards than anyone on the team during the game, just constantly going up and down the bench providing energy and encouragement and staying dialed in with the game plan. He even represented the team at the overtime coin toss. That's why he's so special, and that's why today he was named a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award! Great work, Mookie! What a tribute the whole thing was to Coach Sark's culture! Now it's back to the friendly confines of DKR, but there's no time for a let up as we jump right back into a top-10 match-up with Vanderbilt! We can't wait for another family reunion, and we'll see you all there in your Burnt Orange glory!
Grab some ☕️
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 27, 2025
Time for your Monday morning highlights 🎥🤘 pic.twitter.com/E8pjbC9uGv
Volleyball continues unbeaten start
18-0 sure sounds pretty darn good, doesn't it?! Coach Elliott and our No. 2 Volleyball team got it done again on the road twice this past weekend. The Longhorns started their two-step on Friday night in Oxford and beat Ole Miss 3-1 behind Abby Vander Wal's career-high 21 kills. Did you know she's just a freshman? The road trip continued in Baton Rouge with our 12th sweep of the year against LSU on Sunday afternoon. It also marked our EIGHTH-straight sweep against the Tigers. Cari Spears returned to her parents' old stomping grounds and posted a team-leading 16 kills. Oh by the way, Cari has now earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors a conference-leading FIVE TIMES! And let's not forget about Torrey Stafford who posted back-to-back double-doubles in the two road victories. Now we'll turn the page and get ready for a pair of matchups this coming week against Top 10 opponents. The ladies will head up the road to College Station to face No. 9 Texas A&M in the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown on Friday (6:30 p.m. CT/SEC Network). Then it's a quick turnaround and we need Longhorn Nation to pack The Greg for a battle against No. 3 Kentucky on Sunday (Noon CT/ESPN). What a week!
no caption needed.🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/NqdCR7nIA3
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) October 27, 2025
Hook 'Em Horns,
P.S. — We see ya Emma!
ACE QUEEN 👸🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/Hc5VN1S6uD
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) October 26, 2025
P.S. — Love to see it, Longhorn Fam! Appreciate all you did for Texas, Coach Johnson!!
Longhorn fam all back together🤘🫶#HookEm pic.twitter.com/WUmMyElWbC
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) October 26, 2025
P.S. — Great seeing Coach Vic supporting the Horns in Starkville!
What's up, @CoachVic_UT 🤝🤘 pic.twitter.com/1xzDA2lzvs
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 25, 2025
P.S. — All Eyes on Texas!
come back anytime, @KolbyCooper_ 🤘#HookEm | @CoachSchloss pic.twitter.com/DryuJQmDr9
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) October 23, 2025
P.S. — The first of many buckets for our guy Tre Johnson!
First @NBA bucket for Tre 🧙♂️#ForTheDistrict | @AlibabaGroup pic.twitter.com/sS5keU1BiP
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 23, 2025
P.S. — Mark your calendars folks, see you at UFCU Disch-Falk Field!
save the date 📅#HookEm | @TexasLonghorns pic.twitter.com/dIyoyHYNV2
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) October 17, 2025
HEADLINES:
Video: Football players' Monday media availability (Week 10 – Vanderbilt):
Video: Steve Sarkisian Monday press conference (Week 10 – Vanderbilt):
No. 20/19 Football's Manning named Manning Award "Star of the Week":
No. 20/19 Football's Hill Jr., Burke garner SEC weekly honors:
No. 2 Volleyball's Spears earns fifth SEC Freshman of the Week honor:
Soccer's McDonald earns SEC Freshman of the Week honors:
Soccer blanks Ole Miss in season finale:
Video: Steve Sarkisian postgame press conference (Mississippi State):
No. 4 Women's Basketball reaches triple digits in exhibition game against Lubbock Christian, 102-44
Video: Steve Sarkisian media availability (Week 9 – Mississippi State):
Thompson named to SEC Soccer Community Service Team:
No. 22/18 Football's Moore named Campbell Trophy finalist:
Women's Basketball picked No. 1 in SEC Coaches poll:
No. 5 Men's Golf finishes runner-up at The Williams Cup:
No. 22/18 Football's Shipley tabbed Lou Groza Award "Star of the Week":
Women's Basketball's Booker named AP preseason All-American: