AUSTIN, Texas — Arkansas’ struggles in the postseason stretch deeper after a 52-37 loss to Texas on Saturday, extending the Razorbacks’ losing streak to nine games.
The Longhorns’ quarterback Arch Manning made school history, but the focus for the Hogs now turns inward as the program searches for answers including a new coach.
Arkansas stayed within reach through the first half, trailing 24-20 at intermission. But Texas pulled away behind Manning’s 389 passing yards and six total touchdowns, including scores via pass, run and reception.
Arkansas is now 2-10 overall and winless in conference play this season.
Manning’s versatility posed unique problems for the Razorbacks.
On a trick play, wide receiver Parker Livingstone flipped a pass to Manning in the end-zone, and teammate DeAndre Moore said later, “Oh, 10 out of 10,” when asked to grade the catch.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said after, “Pretty crazy,” describing the sequence.
Arkansas’ offense showed flashes. Quarterback Taylen Green and running back Mike Washington found the end zone and help kept Arkansas competitive early.
But the Razorbacks repeatedly failed to sustain drives in the second half and couldn’t force big stops when needed.
The Razorbacks’ defense began the game under some duress and the pressure increased over time. Manning completed 29 of 39 passes, spreading the ball to multiple receivers.
Arkansas’ secondary began to struggle with long gains, and the defensive front could not consistently generate pressure or cover mismatches.
Interim coach Bobby Petrino acknowledged the challenge.
“He’s got a big heart and very competitive,” Petrino said of Manning.
For the Hogs, the issue was not Manning’s ability — it was Arkansas’ inability to make critical plays.
“For the first time, I felt like there was a couple of guys on the team whose attitude wasn’t what it needed to be,” Petrino said. “That’s not what we are and not what we want.”
The third quarter proved decisive. That’s also become an annoying pattern for the Hogs.
Texas extended the lead as Arkansas’ offense stalled and the Longhorns controlled the habits of the game.
With momentum shifted, the Razorbacks found themselves chasing instead of leading.
Arkansas did not register a turnover to help swing momentum but could not force one from Texas, and sustained drives from the Longhorns kept the Razorbacks off balance.
Sarkisian offered perspective on Manning’s development.
“He’s in a pretty good place mentally,” Sarkisian said. “I want him comfortable in the system.”
For Arkansas, normalizing stability is the opposite of comfort. The program has been forced into transition since the dismissal of Sam Pittman after five games. The continued losses only deepen the pressure on the coaching staff and roster.
Though the Razorbacks found the end zone in the second half, it couldn’t cut into the lead created by Texas’ offense.
Manning found a late touchdown pass to JJ Sparrow that effectively sealed the game.
Arkansas now play Missouri and will enter an offseason filled with questions about leadership, defensive depth and program identity.
The pattern of starting strong and fading late has become routine.
Key Takeaways:
- Arkansas extended its losing streak to nine games following the 52-37 defeat at Texas.
- Arch Manning became the first Texas player to throw, run and catch a touchdown in the same game.
- Arkansas kept close early but again faltered in the third quarter and could not stop Texas’ offense when needed.
