Lexington, KY, October 19, 2025
News Summary
In a closely contested overtime battle, the Texas Longhorns secured a hard-fought 16-13 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. Key performances included a game-winning field goal by Mason Shipley and a strong defensive stand from Texas. Despite being outgained in total yards, Texas managed to pull through, improving their overall record and setting the stage for upcoming games. The Wildcats showed offensive potential but fell short in overtime.
Lexington, KY – The Texas Longhorns, ranked 21st in the nation, achieved a hard-fought 16-13 overtime victory against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday night. The win was marked by a crucial defensive stand and a game-winning field goal that secured Texas’s place in the win column.
In overtime, Texas kicker Mason Shipley successfully converted a 45-yard field goal, capping off a tense battle that had seen Kentucky’s offense pressured Texas’s defense with a strong attempt to score. The Wildcats advanced to the Texas 1-yard line but were thwarted by strong defensive efforts, particularly from Texas safety Michael Taaffe, who stopped back-to-back running plays by Kentucky’s Dante Dowdell.
The game was characterized by Texas’s struggles offensively; the Longhorns were outgained by the Wildcats, managing only 179 total yards compared to Kentucky’s 395. Texas also faced a significant deficit in first downs, with Kentucky recording 26 against Texas’s 8.
Despite these challenges, Texas scored the only touchdown of the game in the second quarter when Quentrevion Wisner rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. Shipley’s performance included three field goals, with his longest being a 53-yarder. The Longhorns had to rely on special teams, as Ryan Niblett’s punt return set up both scoring drives, notably giving Texas excellent field position when he returned a punt 45 yards to the Kentucky 5-yard line.
Kentucky’s kicker Jacob Kauwe was key in keeping the game competitive, nailing a 45-yard field goal late in regulation to tie the game and force overtime. Meanwhile, Wildcats quarterback Cutter Boley put forth a solid effort, throwing for 258 yards and adding a rushing touchdown, showcasing Kentucky’s offensive capabilities despite the loss.
Texas’s quarterback Arch Manning faced significant pressure throughout the game, ultimately completing 12 of 27 passes for 132 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions, and he was sacked three times. The Longhorns’ rushing game fell flat, accumulating just 47 yards total, with Tre Wisner leading the team with 37 yards on 13 carries.
The victory improves Texas’s overall record to 5-2 and places them at 2-1 in SEC play, while Kentucky drops to 2-4 and remains winless in the conference at 0-4. This win comes after Texas had faced setbacks earlier in the season, including losses to Ohio State and Florida, proving to be a significant boost for the team’s morale.
Looking ahead, Texas aims to build momentum as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs next week, hoping to capitalize on the positive aspects showcased in this overtime thriller.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Texas vs. Kentucky game?
Who kicked the game-winning field goal for Texas?
How did Kentucky’s offense perform in the game?
What are the records of Texas and Kentucky after this game?
Game Statistics
| Team | Total Yards | First Downs | Time of Possession | Quarterback Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Longhorns | 179 | 8 | 22:38 | 132 |
| Kentucky Wildcats | 395 | 26 | 37:22 | 258 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Longhorns Wire
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Football
- Burnt Orange Nation
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns Football Upcoming Games
- Bleacher Report
- Google Scholar: Texas Longhorns 2025 Season
- UK Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Fox Sports
- Google News: Kentucky vs Texas Football
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