The Longhorns did it! They were able to upset the No.3-ranked Texas A&M Aggies and hand them their first loss of the 2025 season.
Not only does this upset throw a massive wrench in the Aggies' playoff rankings, but it also means that Texas will definitely have a chance at getting back into the College Football Playoff discussion. There's absolutely no way that the committee can ignore a Texas team that has 3 wins over top 10 programs this season.
1. The run game is alive and well
Against an incredibly good Texas A&M defensive front, the Longhorns were consistently able to move the ball on the ground except for a handful of plays. Offensive guards Cole Hutson and D.J. Campbell did an excellent job tonight on the interior for Texas. They were blowing defenders off the ball at the point of attack and moved really well in space when pulling and moving to the second level of the defense.
Quintrevion Wisner also had an unbelievable night for Steve Sarkisian and the offense, consistently being able to fight through arm tackles and hit a second gear to bolt passed Aggie linebackers. The ground game has been looking better and better over the past few weeks, and the Longhorns capped off the season with one of their best performances of the year in that area.
2. Jelani McDonald is an absolute STUD
McDonald was all over the field for the Longhorns in the Lone Star Showdown. He was consistently making plays for the defense throughout all four quarters, especially against the run. He has the body of a free or field safety, but the play recognition and aggressiveness of a strong safety.
It was hard to tell in the moment, but he was the spearhead of quite a few crucial third down stops tonight. Though the defense as a whole played very well against A&M, McDonald was a heat-seeking missile in week 14. It's no wonder why he's been getting a lot of 2026 NFL Draft buzz as of late.
3. Texas A&M's offensive line is the real deal
You have to give credit where it's due, and the Aggies' offensive line was as good as it's been advertised throughout the entire year. There's a very good chance that Texas A&M's offensive line currently has four starters that will be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Both of their offensive guards, Chase Bisontis and Ar'Maj Reed-Adams are projected to be drafted before the 4th round, and it's easy to see why. Bisontis is an elite pass blocker, and Reed-Adams is an absolute bulldozer in the run game.