2026 Texas vs. Texas State Start-time, How to watch I-35 Rivalry Live stream, TV, Betting Odds, Predictions, Picks.
The Texas Longhorns open their highly anticipated 2026 season against in-state neighbor Texas State Bobcats in a rare meeting between the two programs. Ranked No. 5 in the preseason polls, Texas hosts the Bobcats (now in the Pac-12) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in what is only the second-ever matchup between the schools (the first since 1930).
The Matchup: Led by quarterback Arch Manning in his second year as the full-time starter, the high-powered Longhorns enter with massive expectations. However, Texas State comes in under coach G.J. Kinne with a dangerous up-tempo offense led by quarterback Brad Jackson..
When is the Texas vs. Texas State game?
Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Where is the Texas vs. Texas State game?
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR) in Austin, Texas.
Texas hosts the Bobcats.
What time does Texas vs. Texas State start?
2:30 p.m. Central Time / 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Here are the kickoff times across major U.S. time zones:
- Pacific Time (PT): 12:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 1:30 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 2:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time (ET): 3:30 p.m.
What channel is the Texas vs. Texas State game on?
ESPN.
The game airs nationally on ESPN.
Where to stream Texas vs. Texas State?
Stream the game live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com (with a qualifying TV provider login). Additional options include Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Essentials or Orange plans), and other live-TV streaming services that carry ESPN.
Texas vs. Texas State 2026 Odds
As of early September 2026, betting lines from major sportsbooks show a large favorite:
Texas is a 30.5-point favorite over Texas State in college football Week 1 odds for the game, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under (point total) for the game is set at 60.5 points.
- Texas is a massive home favorite expected to make a statement in its season opener.
Texas vs. Texas State 2026 Picks and Predictions
Most analysts and models heavily favor the Longhorns in a lopsided contest.
Dimers.com: Texas 44, Texas State 14 It writes: "After extensive simulations, our model gives Texas State a win probability of 4%, while Texas has a win probability of 96%." ESPN: Texas has a 98.4% chance to defeat Texas State on Saturday The site gives the Bobcats a 1.6% shot at winning the college football Week 1 game.
Sports Betting Dime: Texas 28.4, Texas State 26.1
The site's formula predicts that the Longhorns will beat the Bobcats in the Week 1 college football game.
- Projections commonly land in the Texas 45–52, Texas State 14–21 range.
- Simulation models give Texas a 96–98% win probability.
- Some see value on the over due to Texas State’s high-tempo offense and Texas’s explosive attack.
- A few note that large spreads can be tricky if Texas pulls starters early, but the consensus is a comfortable Longhorns victory.
Consensus lean: Texas covers and wins big; over 59.5 has support from some handicappers.
Texas vs. Texas State 2026 Team News
Texas Longhorns (No. 5 preseason)
Head coach Steve Sarkisian enters the season with national championship expectations. Quarterback Arch Manning returns as the clear starter after a strong finish to 2025. The roster is bolstered by high-end transfers and returning talent on both sides of the ball. Texas is coming off a 10-3 season and is viewed as a College Football Playoff contender.
Texas State Bobcats
Head coach GJ Kinne (in his fourth season) leads a program that has shown offensive firepower. Dual-threat quarterback Brad Jackson returns along with productive receivers. Texas State opens as a member of the new-look Pac-12 after success in previous Group of 5 seasons. The Bobcats are looking to keep the game competitive against a Power conference powerhouse.
This is only the second meeting in series history (Texas won the previous one in 1930). The schools are located about 30 miles apart along I-35.
Texas vs. Texas State 2026 Key Players to Watch
Texas
- QB Arch Manning — The highly touted junior/senior enters the year as a Heisman candidate and potential top NFL draft pick. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025 while adding rushing scores.
- Wide receivers including transfer Cam Coleman (preseason All-America candidate) and returners such as Ryan Wingo.
- Edge rusher Colin Simmons — One of the nation’s top pass rushers and a projected high NFL draft pick.
- Running backs bolstered by transfers such as Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers.
Texas State
- QB Brad Jackson — Dual-threat quarterback who threw for well over 3,000 yards and added significant rushing production (including multiple scores) in 2025. He is the centerpiece of Kinne’s offense.
- Receivers Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn — Both returned after strong 1,000-yard type seasons.
- Supporting skill players expected to keep the tempo high and challenge the Texas defense.
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