The stage is set for a compelling showdown: the Texas Longhorns (often just “Texas football” or “UT football”) travel to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (also called “MS State football” or “Mississippi State football”) in what promises to be a pivotal SEC-era intersection matchup. Whether you’re searching for “where to watch Texas Longhorns football vs Mississippi State Bulldogs football,” “Texas vs MS State,” or “Texas vs Mississippi State prediction,” here is your comprehensive guide.
Team Backgrounds & Context
Texas Longhorns (University of Texas / UT Austin)
The Longhorns—a storied program under head coach Steve Sarkisian—have high expectations each season. With the addition of the SEC and the heightened competition, each game carries more weight. Texas football is seeking to assert itself consistently at this level, and games like this one matter not just for the win/loss but for trajectory, recruiting, and perception.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Under head coach Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State has attempted to rebound from a rough 2024. The schedule is among the toughest in the nation and the Bulldogs are working to climb back into relevance within the SEC. For MS State football, this is a home-field opportunity to upset a higher-profile opponent.
Matchup Essentials: Texas vs Mississippi State
Historical Notes
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Texas leads the all-time series over Mississippi State 3-2.
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Last year, Texas defeated Mississippi State 35-13, marking their first SEC win.
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For Mississippi State, every home game is an opportunity to show improvement; for Texas, every road game in the SEC is a test.
2025 Season to Date
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Texas currently sits at 5-2 going into this matchup.
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Mississippi State is 4-3, having lost its first three conference games.
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Texas’ offense has been inconsistent — the Longhorns’ defense remains one of their stronger assets.
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MS State has been improved relative to 2024 but still has major gaps to close to match programs like Texas.
Where to Watch / Broadcast Info
If you’re asking “where to watch Texas Longhorns football vs Mississippi State Bulldogs football” or “where to watch Mississippi State Bulldogs football vs Texas Longhorns football”, here’s what you need:
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Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025.
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Kickoff time: ~4:15 p.m. ET.
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Location: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi.
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Television/Streaming: SEC Network + streaming options.
Key Players & Storylines
Arch Manning
As Texas’ quarterback, Arch Manning is central to many headlines. His performance and health will significantly impact the Longhorns’ prospects. Recently:
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He exited during the overtime period of a recent Texas vs Mississippi State game with an apparent head injury, citing a hit on the turf.
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Update: He has been placed in concussion protocols and his status moving forward is uncertain.
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The “arch manning injury update” keyword is crucial because the Longhorns’ offense depends on him being available and healthy.
Backup QB: Matthew Caldwell
If Manning is knocked out or limited, senior Matthew Caldwell is the backup who may be called upon. His preparation and readiness are key.
Other Notables
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Receiver Ryan Wingo has emerged as a major play-maker for Texas, particularly relevant in big games.
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For Mississippi State, execution and consistency on offense remain challenges; their defense will need to step up.
Tactical & Game Keys
For Texas
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Establish the running game or a consistent passing rhythm to take pressure off Arch Manning (or Caldwell).
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Leverage the strong defense to create turnovers and manage field position.
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Avoid complacency on the road—despite being the favorite, road games in the SEC are never easy.
For Mississippi State
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Use home-field energy in Starkville to challenge Texas early.
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Try to control the clock via the run game and force Texas’ offense into uncomfortable situations.
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Create disruptive plays on defense to rattle the Longhorns’ rhythm.
Prediction & Odds Context
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Texas currently favored by around 6-8 points.
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Some predictions lean toward comfortable Texas wins (e.g., 27-10) while others see tighter games (e.g., 27-23) given MS State’s home advantage.
My Prediction: Texas vs Mississippi State
Considering the data, here’s how I see it playing out:
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The Longhorns will likely win, but it won’t be a blowout. A predicted score of Texas 30, Mississippi State 17 feels realistic given Texas’ talent edge and MS State’s home crowd push.
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If Arch Manning is limited or unavailable, the margin could shrink and the Bulldogs might make it much more interesting.
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This game matters significantly for Texas’ hopes in the conference; a loss would disrupt momentum.
Why This Game Matters
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For Texas: A win maintains relevance in the SEC and builds toward bigger matchups ahead. It also shows which direction the program is headed under Sarkisian.
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For Mississippi State: Beating Texas would be a signature win for Jeff Lebby’s program, reinforcing improvement and momentum.
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Broadly, these kinds of cross-conference or marquee matchups matter for recruiting, fan morale, and national attention.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tuning in to watch Texas Longhorns football vs Mississippi State Bulldogs football today (or when it happens), key names to track include Arch Manning (and his injury status), Matthew Caldwell, Ryan Wingo, and the overall performance of both defenses. Keep an eye on the “where to watch” info (SEC Network kickoff ~4:15 ET) and the odds if you’re interested in prediction angles.
