Texas comeback stuns Ohio State: Longhorns erase 20-point deficit in fourth to shock Buckeyes

Considering the substantial adversity Texas' offense faced over the first three quarters, it felt like a "here we go again" moment for Arch Manning. His poor performance in last season's 14-7 loss at Ohio State cast a shadow over what turned out to be a strong 2025 campaign for the Longhorns quarterback. 

Coming out of this year's matchup, the talk will be about Manning's resilience and leadership as he guided his team to a historic comeback win. His favorite target down the stretch was Emmett Mosley V. The 6-foot-2 junior had zero catches on two targets until the Longhorns faced a critical third-and-9 from the Ohio State 27 late in the third quarter. At that point, a comeback still seemed improbable as Texas trailed 23-3.

But Manning found Mosley to extend the drive and set up the Longhorns' first touchdown of the game. Though Mosley actually fumbled on the play, it was recovered by the Longhorns, and the conversion sparked a quarterback-receiver connection. Manning and Mosley proceeded to connect four times in the fourth quarter. None was bigger than the 19-yard pickup over the middle that positioned Texas at the 1-yard line with 1:23 remaining.

Manning finished 23 of 37 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception that wasn't his fault. He added 22 yards on the ground. While the stats don't tell the whole story, the victory says plenty. It was a legacy moment for Manning.

What made the Texas victory so remarkable is what preceded it. The Longhorns couldn't get out of their own way until their backs were all the way against the wall. Running back Raleek Brown fumbled after catching a swing pass on the first play from scrimmage, setting up an early Ohio State field goal. A near-spectacular diving catch attempt by Longhorns receiver Cam Coleman resulted in a bizarre interception for Ohio State on the next series.

Ryan Wingo dropped a would-be touchdown pass for the Longhorns in the second quarter. It looked like more of the same to start the third quarter, as Texas' first two possessions went absolutely nowhere. It conjured flashbacks to last year's Week 1 battle when Ohio State stifled Texas' offense in a 14-7 Buckeyes victory. But with a full season of starting experience under his belt, Longhorns starting quarterback Arch Manning eventually cracked the code this time. He led the Longhorns on three touchdown drives of 70+ yards and 12+ plays during Texas' final three possessions, flushing his unit's unending series of early blunders to create a historic comeback.

As Texas made its comeback, Ohio State's red-zone struggles and conservative decisions came into focus. Five trips inside the Longhorns' 20-yard line in the first half resulted in just two touchdowns for Ryan Day's club.

Ohio State traveled back into Texas territory on consecutive possessions to open the second half, but came away with a total of just three points. One decision that will certainly be second-guessed came on the Buckeyes' opening possession of the second half. Faced with a fourth-and-4 from the Texas 39-yard line, Ohio State coach Ryan Day chose to punt.

With a 20-3 lead and a defense that was dominating the game, why risk giving the Longhorns good field position? That must have been Day's thought process. But in hindsight, it was a missed opportunity to put critical points on the board, and it will haunt Ohio State. Even a field goal there would have drastically changed the way the rest of the game played out.

Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith showed why he's a projected top-5 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft while torching the Longhorns for 164 receiving yards on eight grabs. But Smith made six catches before another Ohio State wide receiver finally caught a pass late in the first half. 

Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin targeted Smith 15 times. Of Sayin's completions, eight went to Smith, four went to running back Bo Jackson and three went to tight ends Mason Williams and Nate Roberts. As for wide receivers not named Smith, they combined for just two catches for 24 yards.

We've become accustomed to Ohio State fielding the nation's best receiver room, and the Buckeyes certainly have the nation's best wide receiver in Smith. But the depth that we've been accustomed to from Ohio State's receivers was nowhere to be found against Texas as the Buckeyes became predictable and unimaginative over the course of a stunning loss.

FINAL: No. 4 Texas 24, No. 1 Ohio State 23

No. 4 Texas roared back from a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to stun No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in a thriller on Saturday night. The Longhorns trailed 23-3 before an unending stream of offensive miscues gave way to a late surge that knocked the visiting Buckeyes on their heels.

Hollywood Smothers scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left, and Gianni Septic hit the PAT to cap the largest comeback win over the AP No. 1 ranked team since at least 2000. It also marked Texas' first comeback victory of 20+ points since it railed from 21 down to beat Oklahoma State in 2007.

Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins hooked a 45-yard attempt with 4:21 remaining. Had the kick gone through, it would have given the Buckeyes a 26-17 lead, making it a two-possession game. Instead, the miss returned the ball to a suddenly hot Texas offense with plenty of time to mount a go-ahead touchdown drive.

Arch Manning led a 12-play, 73-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a 19-yard strike Emmett Mosley V over the middle for a gain of 19 that put the Longhorns in position for the go-ahead score. It capped an improbable rally for a Texas unit that looked disjointed for nearly three full quarters.

Late 4Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 17

Ohio State finally drove down the field, but stalled and Connor Hawkins missed a 45-yard field goal wide left. 

Texas still has a chance to win despite two turnovers and falling behind 23-3 in the second half. There's 4 minutes remaining.

Early 4Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 17

Hollywood Smothers has Texas back in the game after a 1-yard touchdown run over the left side.

He capped a 13-play, 72-yard drive that included a fantastic 12-yard throw by Arch Manning on fourth-and-6 from his own 32-yard line. Manning has completed seven of his last 10 passes for 80 yards and one touchdown.

We have 7:14 remaining in the game, and Ohio State needs to find a way to milk the clock and/or get a field goal or touchdown to salt this game away.

The Buckeyes have punted on three of four possessions in the second half. Ohio State's Julian Sayin has completed only two of his last eight passes for 46 yards.

Early 4Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 10

Arch Manning connected with Emmett Mosley V for a 12-yard gain on fourth-and-6 from Texas' own 32-yar line. 

The Longhorns are still very much alive and now driving with 10 minutes remaining.

Early 4Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 10

Jeremiah Smith's first drop of the night leads to an Ohio State punt. The Buckeyes have punted on three of the first four drives of the second half.

Texas has some momentum and 12:46 to work. 

Early 4Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 10

Arch Manning found Ryan Wingo in the left corner of the end zone to pull Texas within two scores. The drive covered 91 yards in 15 plays.

Remember, Manning surged in the fourth quarter last season against Ohio State, pulling the Longhorns within 14-7 before falling short on the final possession. 

End 3Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 3

Texas is putting together its best possession of the night thanks to Arch Manning's scrambling and a critical fourth-down throw.

The Longhorns will begin the fourth quarter on the 13th play of their current drive, which started at the 9-yard line after a muffed punt backed them up near their own goal line.

Manning has scrambled for a 10-yard gain, rushed for eight more on a designed run, and converted a fourth-and-8 with a 9-yard throw as he was brought to the turf.

Texas badly needs a touchdown here as it begins the fourth quarter.

Arch Manning is coming to life here and DKR is as loud as it has been since the first quarter. 

The Texas quarterback has the offense at Ohio State's 27-yard line after scrambling and connecting with Emaree Winston for a 9-yard gain on fourth-and-8 late in the third quarter.

Manning completed two straight passes, but then Winston dropped a screen.

Mid 3Q: Ohio State 23, Texas 3

Ohio State capped a seven-play drive with another field goal on Connor Hawkins' 48-yard kick with 8:09 remaining. 

The highlight of the drive was yet another Jeremiah Smith catch. He went up for a long ball on third-and-10, and out-muscled Texas cornerback Warren Roberson for the ball before falling to the turf for a 43-yard gain. He's up to 164 yards on eight catches.

Early 3Q: Ohio State 20, Texas 3

Texas' defense forced Ohio State to punt for the first time tonight following a six-play drive to open the second half. Jeremiah Smith caught one pass for 11 yards on the drive.

The Longhorns take over at the 13-yard line. Arch Manning has to do something here to get into a rhythm.

Halftime: Ohio State 20, Texas 3

Steve Sarkisian gambled and lost big in the first half against Ohio State.

His decision to run a trick-play reverse on fourth-and-2 near midfield resulted in a 10-yard loss, and Ohio State scored 35 seconds later to extend the lead to 20-3 at halftime.

It seemed like we were destined for a 10-point game heading into halftime, which could have been chalked up as a mini-win for the Longhorns after the disastrous first quarter (two turnovers in five plays).

The Longhorns rebounded in the second quarter, both offensively and defensively, before the final possession. The 16-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard field goal wasn't perfect, but at least the Longhorns found some explosiveness and consistency in the running game.

The story for Texas' offense has been the high throws from Arch Manning, who has missed on three such passes, including one that could have been a touchdown to Cam Coleman in the end zone.

Manning had minus-14 rushing yards total in the first quarter on a minus-4-yard pass and fumble (Raleek Brown) and a 10-yard sack. Ohio State outgained Texas 119-5 in the first quarter. The Longhorns finished with only 97 yards compared to Ohio State's 240 in the first half. Ohio State's story is Jeremiah Smith, who struggled in his first two showdowns against the Longhorns. He has six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, the beautiful strike from Julian Sayin with 14 seconds remaining in the half.

If you're Texas, you probably want to establish the running backs again in the third quarter. If you're Ohio State, you probably want to do the same to chew clock and lull the defense again for a few more throws to Smith.

Late 2Q: Ohio State 20, Texas 3

Talk about a statement. After Steve Sarkisian gambled on fourth-and-2 near midfield, Ohio State took over and stretched the lead to three scores.

Julian Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith, leaping in the end zone, on a cross to put Ohio State ahead 20-3 with 10 seconds remaining in the first half. 

It sure seems like Smith has gotten over his slump in the previous two games against Texas. He has six catches for 110 yards and the aforementioned touchdown on eight targets.

Steve Sarkisian tried a reverse, but it failed on fourth-and-2 for a 10-yard loss. Ohio State now has the ball with 49 seconds remaining on Texas' 49-yard line.

Late 2Q: Ohio State 13, Texas 3

Texas' defense stepped up again in the red zone, holding Ohio State to a 30-yard field goal. Jeremiah Smith had to slow down and adjust to catch a 43-yard pass, and then the offense stalled as Texas sacked Julian Sayin twice on the ensuing plays.

The scoring drive went 63 yards over 4 minutes, 1 second. 

Texas' training staff appeared to massage Arch Manning's throwing hand during the television broadcast. Something to monitor here with 2 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Ohio State has the ball.

Mid 2Q: Ohio State 10, Texas 3

Texas capitalized on its defense stopping Ohio State on fourth down, kicking a 37-yard field goal. 

Arch Manning wasn't impressive on the final two plays of the drive. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. sacked him on second-and-9, and then he overthrew Cam Coleman, who was streaking across the middle of the end zone.

Manning is 4 of 9 passing for 31 yards. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown were the highlights on the drive. They have combined for 59 yards on 12 carries tonight.

Ohio State defensive end Zion Grady had to be helped off the field with a limp with 9:58 remaining in the second quarter. He was taken directly to the Buckeyes' injury tent.

Update: Grady has exited the injury tent and is riding a stationary bike on the sideline.

Ohio State kept its offense on the field on fourth down, and Texas' defensive line stepped up to stop another promising Buckeyes drive with 13:21 remaining in the first half.

Ja'Kobi Jackson picked up only one yard on fourth-and-2 at Texas' 13-yard line. It's clear that Ohio State is trying to send a message as the more physical team. The Buckeyes have run the ball 15 times, including three straight before that fourth-down stop.

End 1Q: Ohio State 10, Texas 0

The Buckeyes are threatening to score again after Bo Jackson picked up six yards on a third-and-3 run up the middle at the end of the first quarter. Ohio State will begin the second quarter at Texas' 21-yard line.

Ohio State outgained Texas 119-5 in the first, and Arch Manning's only completed pass was for a 4-yard loss and fumble on the first play of the game. Texas has managed only one first down to go along with two turnovers, including the wild interception off Cam Coleman's body deep down the field.

Manning is 1 of 3 passing for minus-4 yards and one interception. Julian Sayin has been his usual efficient self, completing 6 of 9 balls for 77 yards.

If the Buckeyes go up 17-0 here, it almost feels like that could be the game.

Late 1Q: Ohio State 10, Texas 0

Julian Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith a few times and JaKobi Jackson finished it off with an 8-yard touchdown run up the gut on third-and-4 to extend Ohio State's lead to 10-0.

The 10-play, 81-yard drive followed the wild interception by the Buckeyes when a would-be catch wobbled out of the hands of Cam Coleman and ricocheted into the air as he rolled toward the turf.

The Buckeyes have 92 yards compared to the Longhorns' nine yards (and two turnovers) ... on only five plays.

Cam Coleman got wide open across the middle, seemingly caught a pass over his shoulder, but he didn't seem to get control of the ball as he hit the ground. The impact forced the ball out of his hands, jettisoning it into the air and into the hands of Ohio State's Jaylen McClain.

It's about as freaky a play you'll see today, and suddenly, Ohio State has the ball again at its own 19-yard line following Texas' second turnover in five plays.

Early 1Q: Ohio State 3, Texas 0

Texas' defense stood tall inside the 20, holding Ohio State to a 26-yard field goal off the foot of Dalton Riggs. The Buckeyes had six plays to get into the end zone but stalled.

There are no moral victories, but that could have been a lot worse after the game-opening fumble. It'll be interesting to see what Texas runs on offense after the upcoming kickoff. Is the script already thrown out the window?

Texas' first play is a quick screen to Raleek Brown, who is belted by Ohio State's Jay Timmons. The hit led to a fumble and Timmons recovered the ball at Texas' 16-yard line.

The worst start you could imagine for the Longhorns at home.

We were treated to a flyover during the National Anthem here at Darrell K Royal Stadium. Kickoff is moments away.

Jeremiah Smith is the best wide receiver in the country, and there's a very good chance he will be a top-five NFL Draft pick next spring.

However, in his two career games against Texas, Smith has been held in check. In those games, Smith has a combined seven receptions for 46 yards and zero touchdowns. If Ohio State is going to win on the road tonight, Smith will probably have to break through against the Longhorns secondary.

So, who will be lined up across from Smith most often this time around? Well, the most intriguing option would be sophomore Kade Phillips, a five-star recruit in the 2025 signing class who has enormous potential.

The last time Texas beat the top-ranked team in the country, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" was No. 1 at the box office, and "Whatever You Like" by T.I. topped the billboard charts.

That was when the Longhorns took down No. 1 Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. Fullback Cody Johnson had one fewer rushing touchdown (three) than rushing yards (four), and Jordan Shipley went off for 112 receiving yards and a score.

Can Texas end its drought without a win over No. 1 tonight? The Horns are 5-12 all-time against top-ranked teams, but they are the slightest of favorites at home against the Buckeyes. If Texas does pull out a win, it may very well take Ohio State's spot atop the rankings.