Arch Manning and Texas Longhorns erase 20-point deficit to stun Ohio State in shocking comeback for the ages
Texas Longhorns edge Ohio State 24‑23 in dramatic home comeback
Austin, Texas – The Texas Longhorns pulled off a narrow 24‑23 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday night at the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, turning a 20‑point halftime deficit into a win that could keep their season on a promising trajectory.
The game, the second meeting of the season between the two top‑spending programs, was the first in Austin since a 29‑21 loss to Ohio State in 2022. Texas, who had invested roughly $40 million in the roster this season, had been looking forward to the rematch after a 39‑23 defeat in Columbus last year.
A rough start for Texas
The Longhorns’ first play of the game ended in a fumble, and their offense never fully found rhythm. By the end of the first half, Texas had gained just 97 total yards, while the Buckeyes were racking up points at a brisk pace. Ohio State built a 20‑3 lead by halftime, a margin that left Texas scrambling.
“Ohio State’s offense was very effective, and we struggled to get into rhythm,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said after the game. “What this win can do is help us understand that we can overcome adversity, and we’re going to face more adversity. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson that we can come back from a lot.”
The comeback begins
In the third quarter, a 48‑yard reception by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith gave the Buckeyes a brief glimpse of relief. The play, caught in the slot, was followed by a 24‑second drive that ended with a touchdown, pushing Ohio State’s lead to 23‑3.
But the Longhorns’ defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and limiting Ohio State’s passing yards. Quarterback Arch Manning, who had been quiet for most of the game, began to find rhythm in the fourth quarter. Manning’s scramble into the end zone for a touchdown gave Texas a 17‑23 deficit, and the crowd surged.
A last‑second field goal
With the score tied 23‑23 and the clock winding down, Texas kicked a 35‑yard field goal to put the Longhorns ahead for the final time. The kick, made by senior kicker Jason Hatcher, sealed a 24‑23 win that will carry Texas into the final weeks of the season with a chance to improve its standing in the College Football Playoff rankings.
After the game
Longhorns’ athletic director Chris Del Conte walked over to SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey after the game, a gesture that underscored the magnitude of the victory. Meanwhile, fans in the Texas student section celebrated the win, and even former U.S. Senator Ted Cruz joined the crowd to cheer the Longhorns.
“We’re finally on the right track,” Sarkisian said. “It’s a hard‑won lesson that we can come back from adversity. The next steps are clear.”
What it means
The win keeps Texas in the conversation for a postseason berth and gives the program momentum after a disappointing season in which they finished 7‑6. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look to rebound in the Big Ten and keep its national championship aspirations alive.
The Longhorns will face the next regular‑season opponent on Monday night, while the Buckeyes will return to the field in early December. Both programs will look to use the lessons learned from this high‑stakes matchup as they head into the final stretch of the season.