Austin, Texas – The University of Texas football program is grappling with a series of special‑teams errors that have directly impacted recent games. In the latest setback, a 27‑24 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday highlighted missed kicks, blocked punts and a costly kickoff out of bounds, sending the Longhorns down to No. 7 in the AP Top 25.
Coach Sarkisian defends special‑teams staff
Head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the situation on Monday, emphasizing continuity over overhaul. “History’s the best indicator of the future. We’ve been good on special teams for quite some time around here,” Sarkisian said. He added, “I have a lot of faith in coach Jeff Banks and his schemes, and a lot of faith in our players to get that done.” The coach noted that occasional “lulls” occur on offense and defense, and he does not doubt the unit’s ability to rebound.
Recent special‑teams breakdowns
Over the past two weeks, Texas has surrendered critical scores on special teams. Against Oklahoma, Gianni Spetic’s opening kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving the Sooners favorable field position. A blocked punt in the second quarter resulted in the Sooners’ first touchdown against Texas in three years. Late in the fourth quarter, Spetic missed a 53‑yard field‑goal attempt.
Against Ohio State, a near‑fumble on a second‑half punt threatened to shift momentum, while a fair‑catch signal against Tennessee nullified a potential misdirection return. The Volunteers also broke a 13‑year streak by returning a punt for a touchdown, and Texas fumbled an onside kick in the final minute, leaving the game undecided until Tennessee’s last‑second pass fell incomplete.
Impact on the season
These miscues have kept opponents within striking distance in games that Texas might otherwise have controlled. The Longhorns’ offense, also under scrutiny, has struggled to sustain drives, recording 15 three‑and‑outs in the last two contests. Arch Manning threw two fourth‑quarter interceptions against Oklahoma, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Despite the setbacks, the Longhorns remain competitive in the SEC, ranking 12th in total offense and rushing, and ninth in passing. Manning sits seventh in the conference for passing yards per game (224.24) with ten touchdown passes and five interceptions, though his 63 % completion rate is the second‑lowest among the league’s top ten passers.
Looking ahead
Sarkisian acknowledged the need for improvement but remained optimistic. “Clearly we’ve been just a little bit off. I think we’re close,” he said. “Our job is to work our way through this lull that we’re in to be as explosive of an offense that we can be.” The coach’s confidence extends to special teams, where he expects the unit to correct its mistakes and return to the high‑level performance that defined the 2025 season, when Ryan Niblett averaged 22.67 yards per punt return and contributed multiple touchdowns.
As the Longhorns prepare for upcoming conference matchups, the focus will be on tightening special‑teams execution and reigniting offensive production. Fans and alumni hope the team can regain its footing and climb back up the rankings before the season’s critical stretch.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
