Texas Longhorns Outlast Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime Thriller

Austin, TX, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In a tightly contested matchup, the Texas Longhorns triumphed over the Kentucky Wildcats with a narrow 16-13 overtime victory. Mason Shipley’s 45-yard field goal sealed the win after both teams played a hard-fought game filled with defensive stands and pivotal plays. Texas improved its season record to 5-2, while Kentucky fell to 2-4, remaining winless in SEC play. This victory serves as a significant morale boost for the Longhorns as they look to navigate the rest of their challenging season.

Austin, TX – The Texas Longhorns secured a narrow overtime victory against the Kentucky Wildcats, finishing the game 16-13. Mason Shipley’s 45-yard field goal in overtime capped off a hard-fought contest, improving Texas’ season record to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Kentucky, on the other hand, fell to 2-4 overall and remains winless in the SEC at 0-4.

The game was tightly contested, with Texas taking a 13-10 lead late in regulation thanks to Shipley’s 39-yard field goal in the final minute. However, Kentucky responded with a clutch 45-yard field goal from Jacob Kauwe with just nine seconds left, tying the game and sending it into overtime.

Throughout the game, Texas struggled offensively, recording only 179 total yards. The Longhorns’ defense, however, made several critical plays, including a significant goal-line stand that denied Kentucky a touchdown despite four tries from inside the 5-yard line. This defensive effort was crucial in maintaining their lead during critical moments of the game.

On the offensive side, Texas’ quarterback Arch Manning completed 12 of 27 passes for 132 yards, but did not throw for any touchdowns. The Longhorns’ only touchdown came from Quentrevion Wisner in the second quarter, while Ryan Niblett’s two key punt returns contributed significantly to the team’s scoring chances. Notably, a 43-yard punt return from Niblett in the fourth quarter set the stage for Shipley’s late field goal.

Kentucky’s Cutter Boley played a pivotal role for the Wildcats, throwing for 258 yards and rushing for 27, including a rushing touchdown that eventually tied the game in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats’ defense was also formidable, limiting Texas to just 93 total yards in the first half.

This victory exemplified a “culture win” for the Longhorns, as Coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted the team’s resilience under pressure. The outcome was significant not only for Texas’ ranking within the SEC but also as a morale booster heading into the latter part of the season.

Across the SEC, other notable matchups saw Alabama defeating Tennessee 37-20, Missouri edging out Auburn 23-17 in double overtime, and Florida narrowly beating Mississippi State 23-21, which has raised questions about Coach Billy Napier’s future with the Gators.

Key Game Stats

• Total Yards: Texas 179, Kentucky 285
• Texas Touchdowns: 1 (Quentrevion Wisner)
• Kentucky Touchdowns: 1 (Cutter Boley)
• Field Goals: Texas 3 (Mason Shipley), Kentucky 1 (Jacob Kauwe)
• Quarterback Performance: Arch Manning – 12/27, 132 yards; Cutter Boley – 258 yards passing, 27 yards rushing

Background Context

The Longhorns and Wildcats faced off in a matchup that illustrated both teams’ struggles and strengths. Texas, known for its strong football program, has been working through a challenging season, while Kentucky aimed to turn around their season after facing a tough SEC schedule. This victory adds a crucial win to Texas’ standings in the competitive SEC environment.

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Additional Resources

• USA Today: Texas vs Kentucky Schedule
• Burnt Orange Nation: Game Thread
• UK Athletics: Game Coverage
• Sports Illustrated: Warning Before Kentucky Game
• Fox Sports: How to Watch
• Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Football
• Google Search: Texas Longhorns Football
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• Google News: Texas vs Kentucky Football
• Google Scholar: Texas Longhorns Football

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