Arch Manning Stuns No. 1 Ohio State
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No. 4 Texas staged an extraordinary fourth-quarter rally to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin, Texas. Trailing 23-3 entering the final period, the Longhorns scored 21 unanswered points to secure the victory. Quarterback Arch Manning led the comeback, throwing a touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo before running back Hollywood Smothers scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:14 remaining. Following a missed 45-yard field goal by Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins, Texas executed a final drive capped by Smothers' second 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left. Manning completed 11 of his final 15 passes, finishing with 196 passing yards. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards, while receiver Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. According to Sportradar, the game represents the largest fourth-quarter comeback against an Associated Press No. 1 team in college football history.
More context
Timeline
- On September 12 2026 (12:00 PM EST) Ohio State jumped to early lead against Texas team.
- On September 12 2026 (02:00 PM EST) Buckeyes built commanding 23-3 lead through three quarters.
- On September 12 2026 (03:10 PM EST) Arch Manning threw touchdown pass to Wingo starting rally.
- On September 12 2026 (03:25 PM EST) Hollywood Smothers scored touchdown cutting deficit to six points.
- On September 12 2026 (03:35 PM EST) Connor Hawkins missed key 45-yard field goal attempt.
- On September 12 2026 (03:42 PM EST) Smothers scored winning touchdown with 25 seconds remaining.
- On September 13 2026 (01:18 AM PKT) Associated Press published official report detailing historic comeback victory.
- On September 13 2026 (02:35 PM PKT) No newer material development was located during freshness search.
- Expect Texas to challenge for top spot in upcoming polls.
- Expect Ohio State to drop outside top three national rankings.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: Reshapes national championship race and AP top 25 rankings. Possible long-term US impact: Determines playoff seeding potential for both powerhouse college programs. Most affected groups: Impacts Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes players and fans. Reader priority: Prioritise official team injury updates and upcoming poll releases.
Coverage notes
Left: Highlighted historical significance and Manning leadership during fourth quarter rally. Center: Focused on game statistics, scoring timeline, and official Sportradar records. Right: Emphasized momentum change and Ohio State operational breakdown during final drive.
Primary report
Associated Press report detailing Texas comeback victory against Ohio State.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.














