Texas Stuns Ohio State With Incredible 24-23 Comeback
The Texas Longhorns just pulled off one of the biggest comebacks of the 2026 college football season.
No. 4 Texas erased a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 Saturday night at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns trailed 23-3 entering the final quarter before completely flipping the game.
Texas Saves Its Best For Last
For three quarters, Ohio State appeared to be in complete control.
The Buckeyes dominated possession and built a 23-3 advantage behind quarterback Julian Sayin and star receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith was especially difficult to contain, finishing with 164 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Texas, meanwhile, struggled to generate much offensively.
Then the fourth quarter arrived.
Arch Manning finally found his rhythm, connecting with Ryan Wingo for a touchdown to spark the comeback. The Longhorns’ defense followed with crucial stops, while Hollywood Smothers became the star of the comeback.
Smothers scored twice in the final quarter, including the game-winning one-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds remaining.
Manning Delivers When It Matters
Manning endured a difficult first three quarters, but he refused to let the game slip away.
The Texas quarterback finished with 196 passing yards and a touchdown, while also helping lead the Longhorns’ late offensive surge.
The comeback became even more dramatic when Ohio State had a chance to answer. Instead, Texas defensive back Graceson Littleton intercepted Sayin on the final play of the game, sealing the stunning victory.
A Massive Statement For Texas
This win means much more than just moving Texas to 2-0.
Ohio State had defeated Texas in their previous two meetings, including last season’s 14-7 victory. The Longhorns finally got their revenge in spectacular fashion.
Texas went from being completely dominated for three quarters to scoring 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points and knocking off the No. 1 team in the country.
For Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, this could be the victory that changes the entire trajectory of their season.
Texas was down 20 with one quarter left. Somehow, the Longhorns came all the way back.
