Texas Completes Historic Rally to Stun Ohio State, 24-23

No. 4 Texas produced a stunning 24-23 comeback against No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday, September 12, 2026, overcoming a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. The Longhorns improved to 2-0, while the Buckeyes fell to 1-1. [1][2]

Ohio State appeared to have complete control for most of the night. The Buckeyes led 20-3 at halftime and extended the margin to 23-3 after three quarters. Texas had managed only three points before its offense finally found a rhythm in the final period. [1][2]

The comeback began with Arch Manning’s touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo early in the fourth quarter. Texas then continued to use Manning’s arm and legs to sustain drives, converting crucial third and fourth downs while gradually cutting into the deficit. [1][2]

Hollywood Smothers brought the Longhorns within striking distance when he scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:14 remaining. The touchdown made the score 23-17 and gave Texas a realistic opportunity to complete a rally that had seemed impossible less than 15 minutes earlier. [1]

Ohio State appeared positioned to end the threat. The Buckeyes moved into field-goal range on the ensuing possession, but Connor Hawkins missed a 45-yard attempt. The miss kept Texas alive and gave the Longhorns possession for the decisive drive. [1]

Texas capitalized. Manning directed the offense down the field, and Smothers finished the comeback with another 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining. The Longhorns’ fourth-quarter rally was the largest ever by a team defeating an AP No. 1 opponent, according to Sportradar, as cited by The Associated Press. [1]

Manning finished with 195 passing yards in the official Texas game center and completed 11 of his final 15 passes, according to AP. His ability to extend plays and make key throws helped Texas overcome an offense that had struggled through the first three quarters. [1][2]

Smothers led Texas in rushing with 74 yards and scored both of the Longhorns’ fourth-quarter touchdowns. Ryan Wingo was Texas’ leading receiver with 65 yards, while Emmett Mosley V also contributed as the Longhorns mounted their late surge. [2]

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded 164 receiving yards. Smith was particularly effective early, helping the Buckeyes build their commanding lead, but Ohio State failed to score in the fourth quarter. [2]

The final statistics reflected a competitive game despite the dramatic scoreboard swing. Texas held advantages in first downs, 25-19, rushing yards, 141-94, total plays, 78-63, and third-down efficiency, converting 9 of 16 attempts compared with Ohio State’s 6 of 14. The Buckeyes held the edge in passing yards, 278-195. [2]

The result also changed the recent trajectory of the series. Ohio State had won the previous two meetings, including a 28-14 College Football Playoff semifinal victory on January 10, 2025, and a 14-7 victory in Columbus on August 30, 2025. The Buckeyes entered the 2026 matchup with a 3-2 all-time advantage, but Texas now owns the latest victory in the three-season series. [3]

For Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, the win was among the most significant of his tenure in Austin. The Longhorns entered the game after a 59-7 victory over Texas State and had been ranked fourth nationally in the matchup. Ohio State, meanwhile, had opened the season with a 56-3 win over Ball State and arrived as the country’s top-ranked team. [3]

The victory gives Texas an early argument for the No. 1 ranking and places the Longhorns among the leading contenders in the 2026 national championship race. Ohio State’s immediate challenge will be responding after surrendering the largest fourth-quarter collapse of its season—and one of the most remarkable finishes in the modern history of the program. [1][2]