No. 4 Texas stunned No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Sept. 12, 2026, with three fourth-quarter touchdowns erasing a 20-point deficit, marking the largest fourth-quarter rally to beat an AP No. 1 team in history, per Sportradar.
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns pulled off one of college football’s most improbable upsets, overcoming a 20-point deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Sept. 12, 2026, at Royal-Memorial Stadium. The victory, fueled by three unanswered fourth-quarter touchdowns, is the largest fourth-quarter comeback against an AP No. 1 team in history, according to Sportradar.
A 20-Point Comeback for the Ages
Texas trailed 23-3 at halftime, with Ohio State dominating early with 240 yards of offense compared to Texas’s 97. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 23-3 before the Longhorns’ defense, led by new coordinator Will Muschamp, began clamping down. Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who struggled early, found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, completing 11 of 15 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown during the decisive drive.
The Longhorns’ comeback began with a 16-yard gain by Hollywood Smothers, who later scored the game-winning touchdown from a yard out with 25 seconds left.
Arch Manning’s Resilience Defines the Night
Last September was a hard month for him,
Sarkisian reflected, referencing Manning’s struggles in 2025. But when he comes back, everybody else comes back.
The coach’s faith in Manning was vindicated as the quarterback orchestrated three scoring drives of 12 plays or more in the final 15 minutes, including a 13-play, 59-yard march to tie the game at 23-23.
Ohio State’s Collapse: Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
Ohio State’s collapse was as dramatic as Texas’s comeback. The Buckeyes, who entered the game as heavy favorites, squandered multiple chances to seal the win.
The Buckeyes also missed a 45-yard field goal with 4:17 left, which would have extended their lead to 26-23. Coach Ryan Day’s decision to use both timeouts before Texas reached the 1-yard line proved costly. We just had to get something going. I always knew we were going to be in it in the end,
Manning said, echoing the Longhorns’ unyielding resolve.
Sarkisian’s Vision Comes to Life
The victory marked a turning point for Sarkisian, who has struggled against top-tier programs. Texas had lost its previous two meetings with Ohio State, including a 28-14 loss in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal. Sarkisian’s strategic adjustments, particularly on defense, were critical. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s scheme limited Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin to 278 yards and one touchdown, compared to 373 yards and three touchdowns in their 2024 clash.
This is a statement win, Sarkisian said. It shows what this team is capable of. The Longhorns’ performance also signaled their emergence as national championship contenders, with Manning’s growth and a revamped defense positioning them as a force to be reckoned with.
What’s Next for Texas and Ohio State?
Texas (2-0) will face a test in their next game, while Ohio State (1-1) must regroup after its first loss of the season. For Texas, the win cements its place among the elite, with Sarkisian’s program nearing the pinnacle of college football. For Ohio State, the defeat raises questions about its ability to handle adversity, particularly against a determined opponent.
The game’s legacy will endure as one of the most dramatic comebacks in college football history. As Manning put it, I’m so glad we won.
The Longhorns’ resilience and Ohio State’s missteps will be dissected for years, but for now, Texas celebrates a victory that could define its season.
