"Sark will win a natty soon": CFB fans laud Matthew McConaughey for heartfelt message after crushing loss for Texas

Award-winning actor and proud Texan Matthew McConaughey has long been an iconic supporter of the Texas Longhorns. Following Texas' 28-14 loss to Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, McConaughey shared encouraging words for the Longhorns, who came up short in their quest for a College Football Playoff national championship berth.

“Hell of a fight tonight men of @TexasLonghorns football,” McConaughey wrote on X. “After the pain subsides, be sure and love each other and yourselves for so much that you did so well this year. It was a season to be proud of. Until forever."

McConaughey’s tweet resonated deeply with fans, who expressed their admiration for his support.

One fan praised both the team and coach Steve Sarkisian:

“Sark has brought the program back & they r close. He'll win a Natty soon.”

Another fan highlighted the team's resilience:

“Our Longhorns fought like hell all year long. They are one gritty tough team. I'm proud of the fight that they put up in every single game. HookEm Horns.”

Fans also shared their appreciation for McConaughey’s loyalty.

“You are a great fan of your team. Texas is lucky to have you,” a fan noted.

“Spoken by a true Longhorn fan who understands life, and football,” another fan wrote.

“Admire you, Double M. Mentally stronger/smarter than just about #everything you encounter, always cool and kind. *Cheers to your beloved team and university, good sir— Golden Age of NCAA football upon us, it sure feels like,” a fan added.

“Aight aight aight, keep on livin man,” another fan added.

McConaughey, a native of Uvalde, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in television and film studies from the University of Texas in 1993. He’s been a consistent figure on the sidelines, and on Friday, he was seen at AT&T Stadium sporting his signature cowboy hat.

Texas missed the CFP final berth for the second year in a row

For the second straight year, the Longhorns fell one step short of reaching the National Championship Game. Last season, Texas lost a close game to Washington in the Sugar Bowl. This year, despite a strong effort, they fell short of Ohio State.

The 2025 Cotton Bowl was more competitive than the final score suggested. With under three minutes remaining in a 21-14 game, Texas found themselves at Ohio State's one-yard line.

However, a failed jet sweep pushed them back to the eight-yard line. Shortly after, Ohio State's Jack Sawyer delivered a game-changing strip-sack on quarterback Quinn Ewers, returning the ball for a touchdown.

Texas had no time to recover. Ewers threw an interception on the next possession, sealing the Buckeyes' victory. The Longhorns are set to turn the page next season. While Ewers is eligible to return, all signs point to Steve Sarkisian entrusting the offense to sophomore sensation Arch Manning.

Despite only two career starts, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning is already considered one of the brightest stars in college football.