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The Saturday readTexas · Week 3 · 2026

Texas at Tennessee

Saturday, September 26 · 11 a.m. CT · ABC

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.

The lineFinish the drive.

01 / The plan

What matters Saturday

  1. 01

    Early-down runs

    Make the first drive count

  2. 02

    Tight-end options

    Cover the available routes

  3. 03

    Defensive patience

    Finish the possession

02 / Desk read

The read

Watch the extra blocker near the goal line and the available tight ends in the passing game. Texas needs useful early possessions before another comeback becomes necessary.

Early-down runs

In the field

AP Top 25 · Week 4

No. 1

8 of 12 opponents ranked.

  1. 4vs Ole MissSaturday, October 24
  2. 7vs Ohio StateSaturday, September 12
  3. 10at LSUSaturday, November 14
  4. 14at TennesseeSaturday, September 26
  5. 19at MissouriSaturday, November 7

Poll published Sep 20. Checked Sep 24. 3 more ranked opponents.

This week

Updated Sep 18

Texas turns from its Ohio State comeback to UTSA with Cooper expected back and Townsend unlikely to play, according to Sarkisian’s Thursday update. Watch the goal-line blocking and whether the defense can finish possessions.

  1. 01

    Coleman added a sixth offensive lineman on the goal lineOpens in a new tab

    Watch the extra blocker when Texas gets close to the end zone. The package helped create room against Ohio State; the next test is finishing without needing a late comeback.

    Burnt Orange Nation · Sep 18

  2. 02

    Sarkisian expects Cooper back; Townsend is unlikely to playOpens in a new tab

    Thursday’s update points toward more backfield depth, while the tight ends need to cover Townsend’s role. Check the final availability update before kickoff.

    Burnt Orange Nation · Sep 17

  3. 03

    Orangebloods reports a one-game suspension for NansenOpens in a new tab

    Watch the linebacker communication against UTSA. The report concerns Saturday’s coaching availability; it does not establish a permanent staffing change.

    Burnt Orange Nation / Orangebloods · Sep 17

  4. 04

    Texas shut Ohio State out in the fourth quarterOpens in a new tab

    Watch the coverage discipline after halftime carry into the opening series. Getting off the field would give the offense room to settle.

    Texas Athletics · Sep 12

  5. 05

    UTSA converted two fourth downs on its winning driveOpens in a new tab

    Prepare for an opponent willing to extend possessions. Watch McCown’s keeper as well as the short pass when Texas needs one more stop.

    UTSA Athletics · Sep 12

03 / Road ahead

Next three

  1. at Tennessee · Next

    11 a.m. CTABC

  2. vs Oklahoma

    2:30 p.m. CTABC or ESPN

  3. vs Florida

    Early start time (11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT)TV TBD