Week 2 of College Football Sees Texas Shock Ohio State, Big Ten Struggles, and Oregon’s Embarrassing Loss
Week 2 of the 2026 college football season delivered seismic shifts, with Texas’s last-second victory over No. 1 Ohio State marking a defining moment for Steve Sarkisian, while the Big Ten faced a brutal reckoning after multiple Power Four losses. Oklahoma State’s 39-31 upset of No. 6 Oregon further highlighted the unpredictability of the early season.
The 2026 season’s Week 2 featured Texas’s 24-23 win over Ohio State, a triumph that ended a 20-point deficit and propelled the Longhorns as national title contenders. According to USA Today, the Longhorns’ comeback was fueled by Arch Manning’s clutch performances, including three consecutive scoring drives of 91, 72, and 73 yards. Manning finished with 196 passing yards, 22 rushing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This victory not only erased years of frustration for Sarkisian, who had a 0-5 record against Ohio State and Georgia since joining the SEC in 2024, but also positioned Texas as a top national title threat.
The SEC’s dominance was further cemented by Texas’s performance, which USA Today noted more than overshadowed
Michigan’s 17-10 win over Oklahoma. For Sarkisian, the victory was a redemption arc, with the Longhorns now favored to ascend the rankings. The win also underscored the evolving dynamics of the SEC, which dominated Week 2 with multiple high-profile upsets.
College football winners, losers of Week 2
The Big Ten’s Week 2 performance exposed deep vulnerabilities, with the conference posting a 2-5 record against Power Four opponents. Michigan’s win over Oklahoma was the only bright spot, while No. 1 Ohio State and No. 6 Oregon suffered embarrassing losses. CBS Sports highlighted the “dreadful run” for the Big Ten, citing Minnesota’s loss to Mississippi State and Illinois’ collapse against Duke as indicators of a conference in disarray. The losses carried implications for the College Football Playoff selection committee, which will scrutinize every nonconference defeat.
Oregon’s 39-31 loss to Oklahoma State marked a low point for a program still adjusting to its new identity. The Ducks, ranked No. 6, fell to a team that had opened the season with a home loss to Tulsa, raising questions about their competitiveness.
The Big Ten’s struggles extended to other teams. Rutgers lost to Boston College, Illinois lost to Duke, and Purdue lost to Wake Forest in double overtime. No. 19 Washington barely beat Utah State 16-14, while No. 21 Iowa narrowly defeated Iowa State 16-13. These results underscored the conference’s lackluster performance, with the Big Ten’s 2-5 record against Power Four opponents. The losses carried implications for the College Football Playoff selection committee, which will scrutinize every nonconference defeat.
Arch Manning good, Oregon bad in college football Week
Oklahoma State’s 39-31 upset of Oregon ended a 21-game losing streak against FBS competition. The Cowboys, who had opened the season with a loss to Tulsa, showcased their resilience by defeating a ranked foe. The victory highlighted the unpredictability of the early season and set the stage for a dramatic stretch run.
The article also noted the impact of specific players, such as Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor, who completed 16 of 22 attempts for 227 yards with three touchdowns and ran 86 yards on 13 carries. Taylor’s performance against Minnesota, which included 12 penalties by the Golden Gophers, was a statement win for Jeff Lebby in his third season. Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop rushed for 147 yards in a 45-24 win over Georgia Tech, while freshman Faizon Brandon tossed two touchdowns without an interception.
The Big Ten’s struggles extended to its coaching staff, with CBS Sports reporting that Whittingham ends Michigan’s QB controversy with six words. Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian blows off an interview with Holly Rowe after Texas’s comeback against Ohio State. These moments highlighted the tension and drama surrounding the season’s early games.
As the season progresses, the early results have set the stage for a dramatic stretch run. Texas’s breakthrough, the Big Ten’s turmoil, and Oregon’s struggles will shape the narrative heading into October. The College Football Playoff race remains wide open, with every game carrying heightened stakes for programs vying for national relevance.
