Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the San Jose State Spartansat Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

How Parker Livingstone Could Be X-Factor for Texas Longhorns in SEC Play

Originally posted on Texas Longhorns on SI
By Payton Blalock | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 8:06 PM ET

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone has stepped up for the team in multiple big moments so far this season.

Most notably, the redshirt sophomore caught Texas' first touchdown of the season in their Week 1 opener against the Ohio State Buckeyes, along with earning two touchdowns in less than three minutes against the San Jose State Spartans.

Now, with conference play on the horizon, Livingstone looks to help this team build a strong College Football Playoff selection campaign.

Livingstone's statistics so far in 2025

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Livingstone accumulated 11 receptions for 232 receiving yards and three touchdowns during the Longhorns' non-conference season, averaging 21.1 yards per catch.

He leads Texas in receiving yards, while he is tied in touchdown receptions with wide receiver Ryan Wingo. Wingo and Livingstone both joined the program last year as freshmen, so the fact that they have emerged as leaders within the team already is a testament to their fast growth.

In terms of the team's total yardage, quarterback Arch Manning has thrown for 888 yards this season. Livingstone is responsible for catching a little over a quarter of Manning's total passing yards, and it seems that the two have been able to establish a strong rhythm with one another.

This rhythm could manifest in crucial ways during conference play, especially as Manning looks to further gain his composure as a starting quarterback. It's no secret that he faltered at times during the beginning of Texas' season, and with a stint of tough matchups ahead, it will be crucial that he has reliable targets.

Texas' upcoming SEC slate

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The Longhorns will start on the road against the Florida Gators, a team that has struggled to establish momentum. They have started the season with a record of 1-3, and they look to use a home matchup against Texas as a way to reestablish themselves as a threat in college football.

Next, Texas will head to Dallas for their Red River Rivalry matchup against the No. 7 Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners currently hold an impressive record of 4-0, and if quarterback John Mateer can recover quickly enough to lead the team, this matchup could be a tough one for the Longhorns.

They willl spend the following weeks taking on Kentucky, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, looking to strengthen their skills and build as strong of a record as possible.

WIth a defense that has performed consistently well so far, Texas' offense will need to rise to the occasion. Several players will need to step up, but Manning and Livingstone's connection will likely need to continue to prove to be a source of consistency and strength for the Longhorns in the upcoming weeks.

This article first appeared on Texas Longhorns on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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