The Texas Longhorns host the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a prime-time Halloween matchup at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct. 31, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, with Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Kris Budden calling the action.
Matchup Preview and Team Records
Texas enters the game with a 5-2 overall record and a 2-2 mark in SEC play following a 34-27 win over Ole Miss. The Longhorns are historically strong on October 31, holding a 15-3-1 all-time record in Halloween games, though they dropped their last appearance on this date to Oklahoma State. Mississippi State travels to Austin with a 4-3 record overall and a 2-3 conference standing.
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The Bulldogs must navigate the remainder of the season without Kamario Taylor, who sustained a season-ending toe injury. Parker Puckett and AJ Swann are the replacement options under center for Mississippi State. Meanwhile, edge rusher Colin Simmons has been ruled out for Texas.
Last season, the Longhorns needed overtime to defeat Mississippi State in a game where Matt Caldwell threw the winning touchdown after Arch Manning exited late in the fourth quarter. This year’s meeting carries significant stakes for Texas as the team fights to maintain its position in the College Football Playoff chase.
Betting Odds and Game Predictions
BetMGM lists Texas as a 20-point favorite heading into the weekend, with an over/under set at 50.5 points. The moneyline places Mississippi State at +900 and Texas at -1400. Clarion Ledger beat reporter Sam Sklar projected a 40-17 victory for the Longhorns, noting that the team has an incentive to run up the score to strengthen its postseason resume and alleviate pressure on Manning.
Despite earning a win over a top-10 Ole Miss squad last week, the Longhorns struggled with 14 penalties totaling 134 yards and a scoreless third quarter that allowed the Rebels to erase a 17-point deficit. Analysts suggest that without Taylor leading the offense, Mississippi State faces a steep uphill battle against the Longhorns defense in Austin.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans can watch the game nationally on ESPN or stream the broadcast through the ESPN app, Disney+, or Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. CT from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
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