Texas Delivers Statement Win, Rallies Past No. 1 Ohio State 24-23

Historic 20-Point Fourth-Quarter Comeback

No. 4 Texas pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent college football history Saturday night, rallying from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun No. 1 Ohio State 24-23. Arch Manning and the Longhorns appeared to be headed toward another frustrating loss to the Buckeyes after Ohio State dominated the first three quarters and built a 23-3 advantage.

Instead, Texas mounted an extraordinary comeback, capped by Hollywood Smothers’ 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining. The 20-point fourth-quarter rally is the largest fourth-quarter comeback to produce a victory against an AP No. 1 team.

Texas Turns the Game Around in the Fourth Quarter

The comeback began when Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving the Longhorns the spark they desperately needed.

Texas continued to chip away at the deficit, with Manning using both his arm and his legs to keep drives alive. Smothers then scored on a 1-yard run with 7:14 remaining, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 23-17 and setting the stage for an unforgettable finish.

The Buckeyes appeared to have an opportunity to put the game away when they drove into position for a potential clinching field goal. Connor Hawkins, who had already converted three field-goal attempts, missed from 45 yards.

That miss gave Texas life. The Longhorns took over and marched down the field, with Manning making several key plays with his arm and legs before Smothers finished the drive with the go-ahead touchdown.

Manning Delivers When Texas Needed Him Most

Manning entered the season facing enormous expectations after being viewed as one of the nation’s most highly touted quarterbacks and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate. His early career had not always matched those expectations, but Saturday provided the kind of performance that could change the conversation.

Manning finished with 196 passing yards and completed 11 of his final 15 passes as Texas steadily erased Ohio State’s seemingly insurmountable lead. The quarterback’s ability to make plays under pressure proved critical as the Longhorns repeatedly converted key situations during their fourth-quarter surge.

For Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, the victory was arguably the biggest regular-season win of his six-season tenure. For Manning, it was the kind of signature moment that can define a career.

Ohio State’s Offense Fades After Halftime

Ohio State looked firmly in control for most of the night. Quarterback Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered another outstanding performance with eight receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown.

But the Buckeyes’ offense completely stalled after halftime. After building a 23-3 lead, Ohio State managed only one field goal over the final two quarters.

That inability to finish ultimately proved costly. Sayin had one final opportunity after Texas took the lead, but his desperation pass on the final play was intercepted. Texas players then rushed onto the field to celebrate one of the most dramatic victories in program history.

Texas Finally Gets Its Win Over Ohio State

The victory was especially significant because Texas had lost to Ohio State in each of the previous two meetings over the past three seasons. The Longhorns and Buckeyes have now faced each other three times in three seasons, including their playoff meeting during the 2024 season.

Saturday’s result gives Texas its first victory in the recent series and provides a major boost to the Longhorns’ national championship aspirations. It also gives Texas an argument for the No. 1 ranking when the next AP Top 25 is released.

A Major Blow to Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes

For Ohio State, the loss dramatically reduces its margin for error. The Buckeyes entered the season as the No. 1 team in the country, but falling to Texas after controlling nearly the entire game leaves them with little room for additional mistakes if they hope to return to the College Football Playoff.

Texas, meanwhile, improves to 2-0 and gets a statement victory that could reshape its season. The Longhorns missed the postseason at 9-3 last year, including their loss to Ohio State. This time, Texas overcame the Buckeyes when the stakes were just as high—and did so in spectacular fashion.

Saturday night’s comeback was more than a win. It was a defining moment for Manning, Sarkisian and a Texas program that suddenly has a legitimate claim to being the best team in college football.