Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Venue: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
Broadcast: SEC Network+
Weather Forecast (Austin, TX – Sept. 20, 2025)
Temperature: ~86°F (30°C) at kickoff
Conditions: Clear skies, humid, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Warm Texas night; minimal weather disruption expected. Conditioning could play a role for Sam Houston’s smaller roster.
Injury Report
Sam Houston Bearkats (Conference USA):
QB Mabrey Mettauer (91 yards, 1 INT vs. Hawaii) healthy, splitting time with Hunter Watson (310 yards, 1 INT on season).
RB Elijah Green (124 receiving yards, 1 TD) available.
WR Malik Phillips (60 yards) healthy.
No major defensive absences reported.
#7 Texas Longhorns (SEC):
QB Arch Manning (579 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT; plus 112 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs) healthy and starting.
RB CJ Baxter (110 yards) and RB James Simon (67 yards vs. UTEP) both available.
WR Parker Livingstone (198 yards, 3 TDs) and WR Jack Endries (106 yards, 2 TDs) healthy.
Defense intact, led by LB Liona Lefau (20 tackles, 2 TFL).
Key Player Matchups
QB Arch Manning (Texas) vs. Sam Houston Secondary
Manning’s dual-threat ability (6 passing TDs, 3 rushing TDs) will test the Bearkats’ depth.
WR Parker Livingstone (Texas) vs. Sam Houston Corners
Livingstone is averaging nearly 25 yards per catch; Bearkats must prevent explosive plays.
QB Hunter Watson (Sam Houston) vs. Texas Pass Rush
Watson has struggled with turnovers; Texas’ front seven will look to pressure him into mistakes.
RB Elijah Green (Sam Houston) vs. Texas Linebackers
Green is the Bearkats’ most versatile weapon; he must produce both rushing and receiving to keep drives alive.
Recent Team Form
Sam Houston Bearkats (0–3)
8/30/25: L 31–14 @ Marist
9/6/25: L 48–14 @ Mercer
9/13/25: L 37–20 @ Hawaii
Trend: Offense averaging just 16 PPG; defense allowing 38 PPG. Struggling to compete against FBS opponents.
#7 Texas Longhorns (2–1)
8/30/25: L 31–24 @ Michigan
9/6/25: W 38–17 vs. UTEP
9/13/25: W 27–10 vs. UTEP
Trend: Defense stout (allowing 19 PPG); offense finding rhythm under Arch Manning.
Series History
This is the first-ever meeting between Texas and Sam Houston.
In-state matchup adds intrigue, but Texas has historically dominated smaller Texas programs.
Betting Trends
Texas:
0–3 ATS in 2025.
All 3 games have gone under the total.
Sam Houston:
0–3 ATS in 2025.
Overs hit in 2 of 3 games.
Head-to-Head: No prior meetings.
Game Odds
Sam Houston Bearkats 51.5
Texas Longhorns – 40
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
