Austin, Texas, October 19, 2025
News Summary
In a nail-biting contest, the No. 21 Texas Longhorns triumphed over the Kentucky Wildcats 16-13 in overtime, with Mason Shipley securing victory with a 45-yard field goal. The win marked Texas’s first appearance at Commonwealth Stadium, improving their record to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, while Kentucky fell to 3-3 and 0-4 in conference action. Despite a struggling offense, Texas’s defense shone through, holding Kentucky to two scores.
Austin, Texas
The No. 21 Texas Longhorns edged the Kentucky Wildcats 16-13 in an overtime thriller, thanks to a decisive 45-yard field goal by Mason Shipley. This gripping victory took place at Commonwealth Stadium, marking Texas’s first-ever appearance at this venue. The game exemplified what coach Steve Sarkisian referred to as a “culture win,” indicating the strong camaraderie within the team despite their overall lackluster performance.
With this victory, Texas improved its overall record to 5-2 and maintained a solid 2-1 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Conversely, the loss dropped Kentucky’s record to 3-3 as they remain winless in the SEC at 0-4. Both teams faced challenges during the contest, but it was Texas’s defense and Shipley’s accurate kicking that ultimately made the difference.
Game Highlights
The Texas offense struggled throughout the game, finishing with just 171 total yards and converting only eight first downs during regulation. Freshman quarterback Arch Manning completed 12 of 27 passes for 132 yards, but he failed to throw either a touchdown or an interception, further contributing to the offensive woes. The Longhorns’ rushing attack also faltered, netting only 47 yards, with Tre Wisner recording 37 yards on 13 carries, leading the team.
Defensively, the Longhorns were stellar, making numerous key stops during both regulation and overtime. Texas only allowed two scores from Kentucky, showcasing their resolve under pressure. The game entered overtime after Kentucky equalized with a 45-yard field goal from Jacob Kauwe with just nine seconds remaining in regulation.
Overtime and Key Performers
During overtime, Texas managed to advance the ball to the two-yard line but faced a staunch defense from Kentucky that held them to no additional scoring. Shipley significantly contributed to the win by converting all three field goal attempts, highlighted by a 53-yard kick earlier in the game. His strong performance was crucial since the Longhorns were outplayed for significant portions of the match.
Special teams also played a vital role, particularly with Ryan Niblett’s effective punt returns providing Texas with favorable field position. Coach Sarkisian also noted the challenges faced by the offensive line in the absence of injured center Cole Hutson, which contributed to the team’s struggle to maintain offensive consistency.
Next Up for Texas
Following this narrow victory, Texas will face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road. The Longhorns must address their offensive challenges if they hope to build on their success against Kentucky and improve their standing in the SEC.
Key Game Statistics
| Stat | Texas Longhorns | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 171 | N/A |
| First Downs | 8 | N/A |
| Rushing Yards | 47 | N/A |
| Field Goals (Made/Attempted) | 3/3 | N/A |
| Quarterback Performance (Completions/Attempts/Yards) | 12/27/132 | N/A |
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Texas vs. Kentucky game?
The final score was Texas Longhorns 16, Kentucky Wildcats 13 in overtime.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal for Texas?
Mason Shipley kicked a 45-yard field goal to secure the victory for Texas.
How did Texas perform in terms of total yards and first downs?
Texas finished the game with 171 total yards and only eight first downs during regulation.
What is Texas’s current record after this game?
Texas improved to a record of 5-2 overall and 2-1 in SEC play.
Who will Texas face next?
Texas will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road following this victory.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas Longhorns Snatch Victory from Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime
Longhorns Edge Wildcats in Overtime Thriller
Texas Longhorns Outlast Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime Thriller
Texas Longhorns Edge Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime
Texas Longhorns Edge Kentucky Wildcats in Overtime Thriller
Texas Longhorns Secure Overtime Victory Against Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats Prepare for Historic Matchup Against Texas Longhorns
Additional Resources
- Longhorns Wire
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Football
- Burnt Orange Nation
- Google Search: Texas Longhorns Football
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- UK Athletics
- Google News: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Fox Sports
- Google Scholar: Texas vs Kentucky Football
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