Brown’s Second TD Lifts Texas Past Tennessee 20-17 in Knoxville

A Defining Fourth Quarter

The Texas Longhorns secured a narrow 20-17 victory over the host Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The win improves Texas’s record to 4-0, while Tennessee falls to 3-1. The game was defined by two critical scoring drives in the final period that ultimately decided the outcome.

Texas opened the scoring in the first quarter when Raleek Brown broke loose for a 9-yard touchdown run, completed by a kick from Gianni Spetic. Tennessee responded with a 33-yard field goal by Cooper Ranvier to make it 7-3 at the end of the opening frame. Texas added a 22-yard field goal by Spetic before halftime, taking a 10-3 lead into the third quarter.

The Volunteers cut the deficit in the second half when Qua Moss returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown, with Ranvier’s kick tying the game at 10-10. However, Spetic immediately answered with a 44-yard field goal to restore Texas’s lead at 13-10 heading into the final period.

Brown Carries the Load

The decisive moments came in the fourth quarter. Brown ran for his second touchdown of the day from 4 yards out, extending Texas’s advantage to 20-10. The Longhorns’ defense held firm until Mike Matthews caught a 30-yard pass from quarterback Faizon Brandon with a successful kick by Ranvier, making the final score 20-17.

Brown finished the game as the offensive leader for Texas, carrying the ball 17 times for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Wingo was his primary target, hauling in six receptions for 74 yards. Arch Manning managed the passing game efficiently, completing 14 of 19 attempts for 201 yards, though he did throw one interception.

Volunteers Fight Back Late

Faizon Brandon led Tennessee’s offense, finishing 17-of-29 passing for 145 yards and his touchdown strike to Matthews. DeSean Bishop provided ground support with 11 carries for 34 yards. Despite the late surge that brought the score within three points, the Volunteers could not secure the tying or winning field goal.

The contest drew a crowd of 101,915 spectators to Neyland Stadium. Texas leaves Knoxville with its undefeated record intact, while Tennessee remains at .500 in the standings after the hard-fought battle.

Sources

ESPN