Longhorns return home for top 20 matchup against Vanderbilt

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As if four consecutive games away from DKR Texas Memorial Stadium wasn't difficult enough, No. 20 Texas will host No. 9 Vanderbilt in their first home game since Sept. 29.

"Doesn't really matter what team comes, we still have to play everybody," defensive lineman Hero Kanu said. "To get to where we want to go, we have to beat the best."

The Longhorns have been solid in their second season in the SEC. Texas sits at 3-1 in a conference that most consider to be one of the toughest in college football.

"That's why you come to Texas," running back CJ Baxter said. "We like to say around the building, it's literally the JV (junior varsity) of the NFL."

10 of the current AP Top 25 teams belong to the SEC, with five of the top 10, including 7-1 Vanderbilt. The one stain on the Commodores record was a 30-14 loss to Alabama on the road in Tuscaloosa.

The last time these two teams met was in October of 2024. Texas beat Vanderbilt on their home turf 27-24. This year, Texas is a three point favorite, but that projection could change if the Longhorns have to start backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell as Arch Manning goes through concussion protocol.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian to members of the media, Manning "did not practice" on Monday.

No. 20 Texas and No. 9 Vanderbilt will kickoff at 11 a.m. Saturday. Watch Texas Gameday on KBVO at 10 a.m. for all your pregame action.