The Cotton Bowl crowd witnessed a defining moment on Saturday. With just under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter and Texas clinging to a one-score lead, Texas’ versatile star fielded a punt at his own 25-yard line, weaved through defenders, bounced off linebacker Marshall Landwehr, and exploded down the sideline for the touchdown that sealed the rivalry win. Ryan Niblett, once unsure of his future in Austin, became the hero of Texas’ 23–6 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma, and his coach, Steve Sarkisian, made sure everyone knew how close the Longhorns came to losing him.

Ryan wanted to leave Texas this offseason, and Steve Sarkisian convinced him not to. “I credit him because there were moments when he was thinking about leaving this place. I didn’t let him leave and fought to keep him here,” said Steve. In a post-game presser, Sarkisian further stated, “There were times he wanted to leave,” Sarkisian admitted. “But I wouldn’t let him. I fought to keep him here — because of who he is, not just as a player, but as a culture guy. Culture wins.” That belief paid off in the biggest way possible. But why did he want to leave in the first place?

One reason could be that Steve often plays Ryan Niblett out of position. Listed as a WR on the roster, Ryan has played as an RB, DB, and Return & Kickoff Specialist. Versatile? Yes, but that also means burnout and frustration. Up until now, he has played all positions in his time with the program. Steve Sarkisian would be thanking his luck for making the decision not to let him leave. Fans would’ve been robbed of a genius play.

One of the biggest reasons Ryan Niblett stayed at Texas was a simple promise: the chance to return kicks. Steve Sarkisian used that opportunity to convince Niblett not to leave, and when his number was finally called against Oklahoma, Niblett made it count. “It’s been a long road,” Niblett reflected after the game. “From the start, Coach Sark believed in what I could become. He’s always seen how hard I work. He told me he didn’t want me to leave, and looking back now, I’m glad I stayed. It’s really been a journey.”

Before that play, freshman running back James Simon gave him a quiet piece of advice on the sideline: “Ryan, one big return can change everything.” Niblett smiled and replied, “You’re right.” Minutes later, he proved it, cutting through traffic and sprinting into the end zone for a moment that will live in Texas lore.

Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns are not ‘out’ yet

The Red River Rivalry was concluded with a huge 23-6 win for the Longhorns, and everyone on the team showed up to their full potential. Golden boy Arch Manning was reliable with his passes, completing 21 out of 27 throws for 166 yards and 1 TD. He was good on third down, going 11 of 12 for 117 yards. But it wasn’t just his performance that won the game.

The offensive line kept the pressure off Arch Manning, allowing him to make plays and pick passes. John Mateer returned to the field after recovering from his arm injury, but was kept quiet. The Longhorns’ defense pinned down Oklahoma’s QB John Mateer’s passing pathways, forcing three interceptions from him. And of course, Ryan Niblett’s amazing 75-yard TD sealed the game for the Longhorns.

After a bumpy season, this game was a relieving indicator that Steve Sarkisian’s side is not yet out of playoff contention. Now, Steve Sarkisian’s men will focus on their game against a last-place Kentucky. A win would be a monumental boost for them going forward.