No. 4/3 Football earns historic 24-23 comeback win over No. 1/1 Ohio State

Saturday, September 12

Austin, Texas

6:30 p.m. CT

University of Texas

2-0 , 0-0

Ohio State

1-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Ohio St.	10	10	3	0	23
Texas	0	3	0	21	24

Steve Sarkisian celebrates after beating No. 1/1 Ohio State

No. 4/3 Football earns historic 24-23 comeback win over No. 1/1 Ohio State

09.12.2026 | Football

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Longhorns notch second-largest fourth-quarter come-from-behind victory in program history

AUSTIN, Texas — No. 4/3 Texas overcame a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit, rallying for a 24-23 victory over consensus No. 1-ranked Ohio State in front of 105,044 fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday evening.

With the come-from-behind win, the Longhorns (2-0) matched their second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in program history, accomplishing the feat for the first time since Nov. 3, 2007 against Oklahoma State.

Texas also became the first team to erase a 20-point hole against an AP No. 1 team across the last 22 seasons. AP No. 1 teams were 197-0 when holding a 20-point advantage in the fourth quarter since 2004 prior to the historic comeback.

Running back Hollywood Smothers found the end zone with 25 seconds left to even the game, 23-23. Gianni Spetic drove in the extra point to cap off the 21-0 run and secure Texas' first home victory over an AP No. 1 since beating then top-ranked SMU on Nov. 4, 1950.

Smothers scored his first rushing touchdown in burnt orange on a 1-yard run with 7:14 remaining in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just six points. The senior finished with 74 yards on the ground and two scores, making him the third Longhorn to register two-plus rushing touchdowns against the AP No. 1 over the last 30 years.

Arch Manning and Ryan Wingo sparked the 21-0 run with a 3-yard connection in the opening minute of the final quarter.

Manning finished 23-for-37 with 196 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by his fourth career fourth-quarter comeback. Manning went 8-for-11 for 83 yards and a score in the closing frame.

During the historic run, Texas held the Buckeyes (1-1) scoreless across the final 15 minutes, blanking a top-ranked opponent in the fourth quarter for the first time since Oct. 12, 1963.

The Longhorns outgained Ohio State 239-132 in the second half, limiting quarterback Julian Sayin to five completed passes in 16 attempts and an interception. Texas has now forced a turnover in 25-straight home games, the longest active streak in the FBS.

Linebacker Justin Cryer posted a team-high nine tackles, including one tackle for loss. Meanwhile, defensive back Graceson Littleton logged his third career interception.

Senior edge Colin Simmons tallied two tackles for loss and a sack, bringing his career total to 9.5 sacks in 10 games against AP Top 10 opponents.

The 105,044 fans in attendance marked the third-largest crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

ESPN's College GameDay broadcast live from Texas' campus Saturday morning, making it the 29th time the GameDay set and its show was a prominent fixture at a Longhorns' game.

Up next, Texas will host UTSA at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be televised on SEC Network+.