Last week was ugly in Austin. The Florida game was a horror reel when George Gumbs blasted through to hand Texas a brutal 29-21 loss. Five sacks, a 58% pressure rate, and a national hype train that went off the rails. The noise outside got too loud and Steve Sarkisian heard every decibel. He remained mum, though. But then came Saturday. The Red River Rivalry. The kind of game that rewrites narratives. 

Ryan Niblett’s 75-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter was the dagger, sealing a 23-6 Texas win over sixth-ranked Oklahoma. Steve Sarkisian finally exhaled, but his postgame tone told a different story. An X post on October 11 presented the HC’s real emotions where he said, “It’s easy to succumb to the outside noise and there was a lot of shit getting talked about our team, these guys, and I think they responded.” You could almost feel the pent-up rage spilling out. This was a rebuttal to every headline, every social media jab, every lazy Arch Manning hot take.

Speaking of Arch Manning, the kid delivered. After being torched by critics all week, he looked poised, sharp, and borderline surgical. The 21-year-old completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and tossed a 12-yard TD to DeAndre Moore Jr. that flipped the game’s script. RB Tre Wisner stole some of the spotlight too, piling up 94 yards on 22 carries. Postgame, the QB made sure to credit him saying, “Tre Wisner … it’s all about him. I’m just proud of our team. I wish we could play like this every week going forward.” 

Tre Wisner, of course, has a history of shining in Norman. Last year’s 34-3 blowout saw him rush 118 yards with a touchdown. Momentum isn’t new for this guy, he’s just consistent. Texas dominated in other ways too, out-gaining Oklahoma 302-258 and converting four extra third downs. That 4-2 record now looks a lot healthier with a brutal stretch coming against No. 5 Texas A&M, No. 10 Georgia, No. 20 Vanderbilt. If Texas can finish 10-2 (7-1), a third consecutive College Football Playoff berth is within striking distance. And any success would taste sweeter after all the grim remarks hurled at Arch Manning. 

Arch Manning remains a polarizing QB in 2025 

A few days ago, The Athletic posted a wild take that went viral. The post was shared by The New York Times on X along with the caption, “Many people are having a bad year in college football, but Arch Manning is having one of the worst. The quarterback has gone from preseason Heisman Trophy favorite and projected No. 1 NFL Draft pick to a man synonymous with failure.” This take went viral and now, it’s aging like milk after Saturday’s display. Texas not only kept the Golden Hat, but possibly revived its playoff pulse. 

“This would be a huge step in the right direction for Texas, but it’s also a baby step,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich said on Get Up. “Think about this; it’s their first win against a Power Four opponent and first against a ranked opponent… Members of the selection committee will look at how Arch Manning and that offensive line played against one of the best defenses in the country.” And Steve Sarkisian is making sure the O-line is well furnished. 

Steve Sarkisian’s fire was personal. Kentucky’s next, but maybe we can start believing again. Texas just reintroduced itself to college football’s elite circle, with a little vengeance on the side.