Texas Clinches 4-0 Start with 20-17 Win in Knoxville

A Dominant Visiting Performance

The Texas Longhorns secured their fourth straight victory by defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 20-17 in a tightly contested matchup at Neyland Stadium. The Longhorns, who improved to a 4-0 record, overcame a second-quarter deficit to take the lead and maintain it through the final seconds of regulation. The Volunteers, dropping to 3-1, managed to score in the final quarter but fell short in the end.

The game drew a crowd of 101,915 fans to the Knoxville venue on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Scoring Sequence and Key Drives

Texas struck first in the opening period, with Raleek Brown rushing nine yards for a touchdown to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. Tennessee responded with a 33-yard field goal by Cooper Ranvier to cut the deficit to 7-3. The Longhorns extended their advantage in the second quarter when kicker Gianni Spetic connected on a 22-yard field goal, putting Texas up 10-3 at the break.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Tennessee's Qua Moss returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 10-10. Spetic quickly restored the Texas lead with a 44-yard field goal, making it 13-10.

Decisive Fourth Quarter

The final quarter provided the deciding plays. Raleek Brown found the end zone again with a four-yard rush, extending the Texas lead to 20-10. Tennessee rallied with a 30-yard pass from Faizon Brandon to Mike Matthews for a touchdown, narrowing the margin to 20-17.

However, the Volunteers were unable to score again, allowing Texas to hold on for the win. The decisive nature of the game was highlighted by the late scoring flurry, with both teams finding the end zone in the final frame.

Statistical Highlights

Arch Manning led the Texas offense, completing 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards and one interception. Raleek Brown was the offensive engine on the ground, carrying the ball 17 times for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Wingo contributed on the receiving end with six catches for 74 yards.

For Tennessee, Faizon Brandon passed for 145 yards on 17 of 29 attempts, including one touchdown pass. DeSean Bishop rushed for 34 yards on 11 carries, while Mike Matthews finished with four receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Sources

ESPN