Texas delivered one of the most dramatic wins of the young college football season, rallying from a 17-point deficit to stun No. 1 Ohio State in a game that featured turnovers, star performances and a fourth-quarter comeback led by quarterback Arch Manning.
Ohio State controlled much of the first half, taking advantage of Texas mistakes and leaning heavily on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who repeatedly created problems for the Longhorn secondary.
Texas turned the ball over on its first offensive play when Relique Brown lost a fumble, giving Ohio State an immediate opportunity. The Buckeyes added another takeaway when a pass intended for Cam Coleman deflected into the hands of the Ohio State defense.
Those early mistakes helped Ohio State build momentum while its offense steadily found openings.
Smith was the centerpiece. He consistently beat coverage, made difficult catches and helped move Ohio State into scoring position throughout the first half. His touchdown reception late in the second quarter extended the Buckeyes’ advantage to 17 points and appeared to put Texas in serious trouble.
Manning, meanwhile, struggled early.
He held the ball too long on several plays, missed open receivers and appeared uncomfortable against an Ohio State defense replacing eight starters. Texas had opportunities to change the momentum, including a potential touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo that was dropped.
The game changed after halftime.
Texas began running the football more effectively, with Hollywood Smothers and Brown finding increasing room behind the offensive line. Manning also settled into the game and began making the throws Texas needed.
The Longhorns finally reached the end zone early in the fourth quarter when Manning connected with Wingo for a touchdown, completing a 15-play, 91-yard drive.
Texas followed with another scoring drive, this time using its running game to cut the deficit to six.
Ohio State had a chance to regain control, but a missed field goal kept Texas within striking distance.
That opened the door for Manning.
With the game on the line, Texas methodically moved downfield. Manning completed key passes to Emmett Mosley and tight end Jack Endries while the Texas running backs continued picking up important yards.
The Longhorns eventually reached the goal line, where Smothers powered into the end zone with 25 seconds remaining. The extra point gave Texas its first lead of the night.
Ohio State still had one final opportunity, but a holding penalty pushed the Buckeyes backward. Their final desperation pass was intercepted as time expired, setting off a celebration in Austin.
The result was a striking reversal from the first half.
Ohio State had looked faster, sharper and more composed early, while Texas appeared headed toward another difficult night against an elite opponent. Instead, the Longhorns gradually became the more physical team and turned a game that once looked out of reach into a statement victory.
For Manning, the performance may have been particularly significant. His night mirrored the game itself: shaky early, increasingly confident later and ultimately successful when Texas needed him most.
