Texas escaped with a 34-20 win at Missouri on Nov. 7, 2026, after a game marked by several disputed officiating calls that created confusion and prolonged debate about the Longhorns’ postseason standing.
Fox News reported the most controversial sequence came in the third quarter when Texas quarterback Arch Manning was hit from behind while attempting a pass. According to Fox News, a Missouri defender tipped the ball as Manning’s arm was moving forward, the ball then lay about 12 yards past the line of scrimmage, and a Texas receiver recovered it. The call on the field was ruled a fumble; the SEC officiating crew and the SEC replay center upheld that ruling, and two plays later Manning threw a touchdown that tied the game at 20-20, Fox News wrote.
The article identified Texas as the No. 7 Longhorns and Missouri as No. 19, and noted Missouri was led by quarterback Austin Simmons. Fox News also wrote that Texas, coached by Steve Sarkisian, continues to be hampered by penalties and the absence of running back Hollywood Smothers while finding ways to win late in the 2026 season.
Fox News said Texas will prepare for a showdown at LSU in Baton Rouge next week. Fox News published the story on Nov. 7, 2026.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
