59 Days Until Kickoff: Only One Option For No. 59 / By The Numbers

[Blake Munroe]

We’re 59 days away from Texas football and this one is a little different.

There isn’t a long list of legendary No. 59s and Lee Lyles gets the nod here. Lyles was a three-year letterman at center from 1972-74, started during the early 1970s Darrell Royal era, helped anchor one of Texas’ potent rushing offenses, and then went on to play professionally.

So we’re also looking at No. 59 by the numbers.

The 1961 Texas defense gave up just 59 points all season, finished 10-1 and won the Cotton Bowl. That remains one of the stingiest defensive seasons in school history.

And then there are the 59-yard touchdown passes:

Case McCoy to Marcus Johnson in the 2013 Red River upset of No. 12 Oklahoma.

Major Applewhite to Wane McGarity in the 1999 Cotton Bowl win over Mississippi State.

Arch Manning to Parker Livingstone in the 2025 win over Mississippi State.

Not the easiest countdown day, but No. 59 still gives us a few pretty cool Texas football nuggets.