Texas supplied one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the storied program Saturday, erasing a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat No. 1 Ohio State in the final minute for a 24-23 win.
The Longhorns trailed 23-3 entering the final frame but reeled off 21 unanswered points to shock the Buckeyes. Hollywood Smothers' second touchdown capped the victory, as the NC State transfer plunged into the end zone in the last minute of play.
FROM DOWN & OUT TO ALL THE WAY BACK 😱
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 13, 2026
TEXAS SCORES 21 UNANSWERED IN THE FOURTH TO TAKE THE LEAD IN THE FINAL SECONDS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hR4KLMqvzH
It's astonishing that the Longhorns even had an opportunity to come back based on how the first three quarters unfolded. Ohio State outgained the hosts 320-186 through 45 minutes and kept them out of the end zone the entire time.
However, a tired Buckeyes defense began to show cracks, and Steve Sarkisian and Texas' offense were able to take advantage with some clutch plays. Arch Manning kept drives going with two different fourth-down conversions in his own half, and the running game wore down the Ohio State front.
Even after Texas' second touchdown of the fourth quarter, the Longhorns still needed some luck. The Buckeyes attempted a 45-yard field goal with 4:16 to play that would have stretched their lead to nine points and effectively ended things.
Connor Hawkins - who was a perfect 3-for-3 on the night - hooked his attempt wide left and gave Texas a glimmer of hope. That's all Manning needed as he drove the Longhorns 73 yards to complete the comeback and send the Austin faithful into a frenzy.
According to Chris Hummer of CBS Sports, AP No. 1 teams were 223-0 when leading by 17-plus points since 2003. That number is now 223-1 thanks to the Longhorns' heroics.
