Four straight wins
The Texas Longhorns extended their winning streak to four games with a 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The decisive factor in the tight contest was the consistency of the Longhorns' offense, which managed to outscore the home team in the final quarter to secure the win in Knoxville.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 101,915 at Neyland Stadium, with Texas entering as the visiting squad and Tennessee as the host.
First half momentum
Texas established an early lead in the first period. Raleek Brown broke the scoring deadlock with a nine-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful kick from Gianni Spetic to make it 7-0. Tennessee responded late in the first quarter when Cooper Ranvier connected on a 33-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 7-3.
In the second quarter, Spetic added a 22-yard field goal for Texas, extending their lead to 10-3 at the halftime break. The Volunteers were held scoreless during the entire second period, allowing the Longhorns to maintain control of the scoreboard entering the intermission.
Third quarter shift
The third quarter saw a significant shift in momentum for the home team. Tennessee tied the game at 10-10 when Qua Moss returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown, with the extra point kick by Ranvier. However, Texas quickly reasserted its lead.
Spetic kicked a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter, putting the Longhorns ahead 13-10. This score held until the start of the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the final stretch of the game.
Final quarter and records
In the fourth quarter, Raleek Brown added his second touchdown of the game on a four-yard run, with Spetic's kick making the score 20-10. Tennessee mounted a late comeback effort, with Faizon Brandon finding Mike Matthews for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Ranvier's subsequent kick brought the Volunteers within three points, making the final score 20-17.
Arch Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards, while Brown rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns. For Tennessee, Brandon passed for 145 yards and one touchdown, and Matthews caught four passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. The result improved Texas to 4-0 on the season, while Tennessee dropped to 3-1.
Sources
ESPN
