HOOVER, Ala. — In its second-ever game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, No. 5 Texas dropped an 8-1 result to No. 12 Arkansas at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Arkansas (38-19) posted six runs across the first two innings and cruised the rest of the way to punch its ticket to the tournament’s semifinals on Saturday.

After a leadoff hit-by-pitch, Camden Kozeal smacked a two-run blast to put the Razorbacks ahead, 2-0. Nolan Souza capped off the three-run frame, mounting a two-out base hit to plate TJ Pompey.

The Longhorns (40-13) responded with a tally of their own in the home half, but Arkansas answered to pad its advantage.

For the second straight inning, Kozeal left the yard, delivering a three-run shot to extend the lead to 6-1. Kozeal reached safely four times and totaled five RBI.

The Razorbacks punctuated their victory with two runs in the fifth.

Arkansas right-hander Gabe Gaeckle (4-3) struck out nine over six scoreless innings to earn the win. Gaeckle scattered just three hits and one walk in his 76-pitch effort out of the bullpen.

Texas righty Cody Howard (0-1) picked up the loss. Howard went the first two frames in his first start since March 16, 2024.

In the defeat, the Longhorns used eight pitchers. Texas’ bullpen allowed just two runs across the final seven innings.

Next, the Longhorns turn their attention to the 2026 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament selection show, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday on ESPN2.