The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
10.27.2026 | Forty Acres Insider
Important news happening in and around Texas Athletics compiled by Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte
Longhorn Nation,
Our hearts were pumping, high-fives and hugs were aplenty, and the pure, electric joy of singing the Eyes of Texas with all of you after Saturday's thrilling win was truly incredible. We had us a nailbiter — that's life in the SEC — and there's nothing sweeter than the thrill of victory and hearing the fellas belt out Texas Fight after a big-time win. OH WHAT A TIME WE HAD in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday Night! It was another SEC battle until the very end, and our Horns dug deep, showing grit, determination, and most importantly, resolve in delivering a thrilling 34-27 win over No. 7 Ole Miss. It kept us on the edge of our seats, folks, but Coach Sark and our Horns had their Texas Fight on full display in one heck of a win over another Top-10 team — our fourth-straight victory over a Top-10 at home over the last two seasons. Y'all were incredible once again, bringing the fight from Bevo Blvd to the glorious finish and we're so darn lucky to have you. And how awesome is it that we get to do it again with Mississippi State in town for another exciting night game on Saturday (6:30 pm CT/ESPN)?! There's lots of football left to play, and it starts again right here on the Forty Acres. Let's keep those Horns Up, break out your Burnt Orange and White best and be ready to bring the energy to DKR again on Saturday. There's nothing like a night game in DKR, so let's enjoy another big 'ol party filled with fireworks, flashing lights, drone shows and all of our game day festivities! And how cool is it that this will be the first ever Halloween night game at DKR?! It's the ninth time we've played at home on Halloween overall, and we're 7-1 in those previous eight games. All in all, it will be the 20th time we've played on Halloween with our Horns coming out on top 15 times in the previous 19. Can't wait to see the treats we have in store for that … stay tuned!
Deep in the heart of Texas https://t.co/BabN6LrM28
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 25, 2026
SATURDAY WAS A MEMORABLE ONE. The win gave us THREE Top-15 victories — including two over Top-10 opponents — this season, both the most in the nation! That's also 17 Top-25 wins and EIGHT Top-10 wins for our Horns since 2023— both tops in the FBS, as well. We got it done Saturday with a balanced offensive attack that delivered big plays and points, fueled by Arch's three TDs (two by ground and one by air), Raleek's running, and our guy Ryan Wingo hauling in another deep ball. The defense did its thing, making play after play right down to Jelani McDonald's game-sealing pick on the final snap. It was a total team victory, and Coach Sark and the fellas gave us a night to remember as the fourth-largest crowd (104,306) in DKR history roared all night long. DKR was absolutely en fuego! It's been that way all year with y'all bringing phenomenal energy and helping us pack the house for four of the top seven crowds in Texas Football history this season. And millions have been following along as we continue to be the most-watched program in college football, too. Y'all are the absolute best, and we appreciate you oh-so-much! We're moving on up, as well, climbing to No. 11 in the polls following the victory with just one week before round one of the CFP rankings due to come out on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Our Horns are 5-2 and right in the thick of wide-open SEC and CFP races with so much football left to play. As Coach Sark said at his Monday press conference, it's onward and upward with no slowing down — Mamba Mentality: relentless, driven and focused. We're back at work, locked in and ready for the next challenge, and we look forward to y'all bringing your best on Saturday, too!
That's the Longhorns' 17th win over a Top-25 opponent and EIGHTH over a Top-10 team since 2023 — most in the FBS. Texas has THREE wins over Top-15 ranked teams this year, including two Top-10 victories🤘🏻
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 25, 2026
IT'S TIME FOR SOME LONGHORN HOOPS, Y'ALL! Fresh off a trip to the Big Apple and an exhibition game against No. 13 St. John's at Madison Square Garden, Coach Miller and No. 7 Men's Basketball open the regular season next week, hosting Chicago State on Monday night at Moody Center (8 p.m. CT/SEC Network). Coach Schaefer and No. 6 Women's Basketball tuned up with a pair of big-time exhibition games against No. 2 UConn and No. 11 UCLA and have one more this Thursday versus Eastern New Mexico at Moody Center (7 p.m. CT) before tipping off the season for real next Wednesday with FDU in town (7 p.m. CT/SEC Network+). It's time to get in the Mood!
y'all in the Mood?👀🤘 regular season starts next week in @moodycenteratx! 💻: https://t.co/TmfKlNVW3v #HookEm https://t.co/aRFewatVyC
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 26, 2026
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL FOR ALL OF OUR LONGHORNS. In addition to Football and Basketball, there's lots to cheer for in the Burnt Orange and White again this week. Fresh off a Sunday sweep at South Carolina (25-12, 25-19, 25-21), Volleyball is back in Gregory Gym this week. It starts with Georgia on Wednesday night (7 p.m. CT on SEC Network) then our longtime rivals in a Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M in a big-time nationally televised match on Sunday (Noon CT/ABC). Meanwhile, Soccer, which is heading towards postseason play with its SEC Tournament (Pensacola, Fla., beginning on Nov. 8) spot secured, hosts its regular season finale against Auburn on Sunday (Noon CT/SEC Network+) at Mike A. Myers Stadium. It's postseason time for Coach Flo and Cross Country with the SEC Championship Meet in Columbia, Mo., on Friday. Women's Golf is on the links in Hawaii at the Nanea Invitational as we speak, while Men's and Women's Tennis continue their full fall season slate, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving are in action, and Softball hosts some more fall ball at Red & Charline McCombs Field tonight and Thursday (vs. UTSA/7 p.m. CT). It's a great time to be a Longhorn!
on the docket this week 🗓️ #HookEm https://t.co/i2XMKEZPYC
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 26, 2026
While I've got you, we had some TRULY EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE with the announcement of the McCombs School of Business launch of the new Bevo Lab. The University of Texas is built on pride and a tradition of winning. Now, Texas Athletics and the McCombs School of Business are helping shape the future of sports innovation through Bevo Lab. It's a groundbreaking venture that brings together sports, technology, AI and analytics. It's a unique collaboration that will serve as higher education's premier sports intelligence platform and living laboratory – to elevate human performance while expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students. The McCombs School, Texas Athletics and The University of Texas are joined by Dell Technologies, Google Cloud, and SHI International in creating a standard of excellence that spans 21 intercollegiate teams and over 500 student-athletes. What Starts here changes the World, my friends, and this vision will absolutely transform college athletics. There's no bigger stage, no more powerful brand and no better time than now to lead in this new evolution of sports technology!
Built by Longhorns, for Longhorns. Introducing the first class of Bevo Lab students. #HookEm https://t.co/4mFfQrEINP
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 23, 2026
Hook 'Em Horns,
Halloween Night at DKR. Longhorn Nation, let's make some HISTORY!
Longhorn Nation, we've got a real treat in store for y'all this Saturday! Coach Sark and our Longhorns welcome Mississippi State to the Forty Acres for a 6:30 p.m. SEC showdown, and we're pulling out all the stops to make this one special. From our drone shows, pyrotechnics and stadium light shows to some Halloween surprises we've got up our sleeves, there's no telling what kind of thrills await on Saturday night. It's our third straight home game, and we need Longhorn Nation bringing that Texas Fight one more time this October. So break out that Burnt Orange and White, get those Horns Up and let's make this a Halloween night to remember at DKR!
Hey Longhorn Nation, please be aware for Saturday when it comes to costumes …
Fans are encouraged to celebrate Halloween in costumes! Full-face costume masks are not permitted; face masks worn for medical reasons are allowed. Costumes and clothing must be suitable for a family-friendly environment and comply with the Texas Athletics Fan Code of Conduct. Fake weapons as well as costumes that interfere with other fans' sightlines or seating are prohibited. Texas Athletics reserves the right to require costume modifications or deny admission if a costume does not comply with these guidelines or stadium policies.
Bevo BOOlevard is BACK with a Texas-sized Halloween celebration! All areas open at 2 p.m.
We've got an afternoon full of tricks, treats and Texas traditions waiting for y'all before kickoff! Beginning at 2 p.m., Bevo BOOlevard pres. by H-E-B, Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, Big Bertha's Bazaar at Moody Center and Hook 'Em Hangout will all be open until 6 p.m. And remember, admission to all of our pregame destinations is completely FREE! From Halloween-themed photo ops and live entertainment to rides, games, exclusive shopping, great food and drinks, and all of our favorite Texas traditions, there's something for every Longhorn to enjoy. Bring the Little Longhorns, grab your family and friends, and come spend the afternoon with us before we head inside DKR for a Halloween night under the lights!
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon on the Forty Acres because our second annual Bevo BOOlevard pres. by H-E-B is bringing Halloween to Texas Football gameday in a big way! Starting at 2 p.m., come check out our giant Longhorn pumpkin photo op outside Gate 1, watch an acclaimed pumpkin-carving artist transform a giant pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind Texas creation near the south entrance, and enjoy photo ops at the Bevo BOOlevard hayride activation presented by State Farm. We'll also have LIVE Halloween art activations and a special Halloween soundtrack to keep the spooky vibes rolling all afternoon. There's no better place to celebrate than right here with Longhorn Nation, so come early, bring the family and get ready for a Texas-sized Halloween experience unlike any other!
And here's another treat for Longhorn Nation. We'll have autograph opportunities with TWO of our Texas teams throughout the afternoon! Come meet Track & Field at 4 p.m. and Women's Basketball at 5 p.m. It's a tremendous opportunity to show some love to our student-athletes and grab a few autographs before heading into DKR.
Exclusive drops and spooky sips await at Big Bertha's Bazaar!
We've got some frighteningly good finds waiting for y'all at Big Bertha's Bazaar on the Dell Technologies Plaza at Moody Center this Saturday! Doors open at 2 p.m. with another fantastic lineup of limited-edition Longhorns merchandise, including exclusive collections from Ebbets, Heritage Gear, Moodz & Vibez and more. And while you're checking out the latest Burnt Orange gear, be sure to stop by the Bazaar Bar for this week's Halloween-inspired specialty cocktails, including Zombie Punch and Texas Bourbon Black Cherry. From exclusive shopping to specialty drinks and a terrific tailgating atmosphere, Big Bertha's Bazaar is another great stop to add to your gameday plans!
Another incredible Longhorn City Limits lineup is on the way. Stay tuned!
What a season it's been at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister! We've already enjoyed tremendous lineups on the LBJ Lawn this fall, and we've got another exciting show in store for y'all this Saturday! We're putting the finishing touches on this week's lineup and will have more to share very soon, so stay tuned for the announcement. In the meantime, make plans to stop by the Tito's Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge, both opening at 2 p.m., and enjoy another afternoon of FREE live music before the game. There's nothing quite like live music on the Forty Acres, and we can't wait to keep the good times rolling!
Limited-edition Longhorn Pumpkin YETIs available this weekend!
Calling all our gameday YETI collectors! We've got another special edition coming your way Saturday, and this one is all about Halloween on the Forty Acres. Be on the lookout for our limited-edition Texas Longhorn Pumpkin YETI Ramblers, available for purchase at over 15 concessions locations including all Texas Tavern locations inside DKR while supplies last.
Here's your complete Saturday schedule
• 7 a.m. – Parking Lots open
• 2 p.m. – "Bevo BOOlevard" pres. by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway pres. by Conecuh Sausage, Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister, and Hook 'Em Hangout open
• 2 p.m. – Big Bertha's Bazaar opens on Moody Center Plaza. Get there early for the exclusive drops from Ebbets, Vineyard Vines, Mizzen+Main, and more!
• 2 p.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)
• 2 p.m. – Tito's Tailgate and Bulleit Frontier Lounge open at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 2 p.m. – Get photo ops with Big Bertha and check out Big Bertha's Bazaar
• 2 p.m. – Participate in Bevo BOOlevard activities including a live pumpkin carver artist, photo ops including a Giant Longhorn pumpkin and hay ride photo activation, and more!
• 2:30 p.m. – Huntington Bank Gate Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
• 2:30 p.m. – Photo ops with Smokey the Cannon on Smokey's Midway
• 3 p.m. – Photo ops with Hook `Em and friends at Hook `Em Hangout
• 3 – 4 p.m. – Live music at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 3:30 p.m. – Texas Exes Tailgate opens at Alumni Center for Texas Exes members
• 3:30 p.m. – Sports Radio AM 1300 AM The Zone Longhorn Gameday Pregame Show LIVE at Hook `Em Hangout begins
• 3:30 p.m. – Bevo Parade pres. by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance on "Bevo BOOlevard" (fans line up at 3:15 p.m. at South Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 3:30 p.m. – ShopBack Gate and ShopBack Gate Ticket Resolution opens for Big Ticket holders with student tickets
• 4 – 4:30 p.m. – Track & Field autographs on "Bevo BOOlevard" across from Gate 5
• 4:15 p.m. – Stadium Stampede team arrival on "Bevo BOOlevard" (fans line up at 4 p.m. at North Entrance on Bevo Blvd)
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Live music at Longhorn City Limits pres. by Hollister
• 4:30 p.m. – LLH Gate Ticket Resolution opens for mobile ticket support
• 4:30 p.m. – All stadium gates and Longhorn Foundation hospitality areas open
• 4:45 p.m. – Halloween photo ops with Hook `Em at Big Bertha's Bazaar
• 5 – 6 p.m. – Women's Basketball autographs on "Bevo BOOlevard" across from Gate 5
• 5:30 p.m. – Longhorn Band March to the stadium starts on Robert Dedman Drive near Longhorn City Limits
• 6 p.m. – "Bevo BOOlevard", Smokey's Midway, Hook 'Em Hangout and Big Bertha's Bazaar closes
• Pregame – Chinook and Blackhawks Flyover by the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade ("Mustang") of the Texas Army National Guard
• 6:30 p.m. – Kickoff vs. Mississippi State!
• Halftime – Longhorn Band and Alumni Band Halftime Show
For a full list of activities and everything you want to know about all-things gameday, please visit our Football GameDay headquarters page.
P.S. — A special day with our Heisman Trophy winners on the Forty Acres INDEED!
What an awesome time it was on Friday at the @rootsoffight event and @3rdandlonghorn podcast with our Longhorn Legends Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams. Always a joy to see and hear from our two @HeismanTrophy winners. Great stories, incredible opportunity & love the gear, too🤘🏻 https://t.co/yqZQno1qm0
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 24, 2026
P.S. — We see ya Coach Sark!
Steve Sarkisian is the FIRST head coach to lead the Longhorns to FOUR straight wins over AP Top-10-ranked opponents at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium 🤘🏻 Texas accomplished that feat twice before — from 1949–1953 and 1968–1978 — but each of those streaks spanned two head coaches 🤘🏻
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 27, 2026
P.S. — Horns Up for our SEC Defensive Player of the Week!
Shark-infested waters 🦈 https://t.co/np1irmMexU
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 26, 2026
P.S. — A BEAUTIFUL site!
it's a beautiful night for some @texasfootball 🏈 #HookEm https://t.co/60ioq51O9Z
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 25, 2026
P.S. — The Best Fans in the Land!
Best fans in the nation🤘 https://t.co/jLIXjLCYQ0
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 25, 2026
P.S. — We see y'all — we have the best of the best of student-athletes here on the Forty!
got a bunch of BOSS's on campus 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/sYbRAFMwGD
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 23, 2026
P.S. — Legends in the House!
Longhorn Legends in the building 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/vGooj2NlR3
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 24, 2026
P.S. — The M.O.C.!
showed 'em who we are 🤘 #HookEm https://t.co/T4Ea5Y5uIO
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) October 25, 2026
HEADLINES:
Video: Steve Sarkisian press conference (Oct. 26):
Texas Lottery Veteran Recognition: Yonic Medina:
Video: Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark featuring Quan Cosby (Oct. 23):
Video: Texas & Os Season 2, Episode 8 with Gianni Spetic, Elizabeth Ionescu and Zina Umeozulu:
