Arch Manning Leads Texas Comeback Over Ohio State
Down 20 points in the fourth quarter, Manning threw a go-ahead touchdown and ran for key gains as No 4 Texas stunned No 1 Ohio State 24-23.
Arch Manning threw a touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo to open the rally, then used his legs to keep the fourth quarter alive, and No 4 Texas turned a 20-point deficit into a 24-23 win over No 1 Ohio State on Saturday night.
Texas trailed 23-3 in the third quarter, backed up near their own end zone, when Manning took a big hit on the sideline on a scramble. From there he completed 11 of his final 15 passes and directed three scoring drives.
The 20-point fourth-quarter comeback is the largest against an AP No 1 team on record, according to Sportradar.
The night started badly for Manning. His first pass was completed, then fumbled away. Four plays later a long throw turned into an interception that set up an Ohio State touchdown and put the Buckeyes up 10-0.
Coach Steve Sarkisian traced the turnaround back to last season, when Texas started No 1, lost at Ohio State and fell out of the rankings after a 3-2 start. Manning, in his first year as full-time starter, drew much of the criticism for erratic play.
"His grit started it," Sarkisian said.
"Last September was a hard month for him," Sarkisian said. "I think him getting through the adversity of last year helped him get through the adversity of tonight. When he comes back, everybody else comes back. That's a guy who has some grit, some resilience."
The win keeps Texas's national championship hopes alive and gives Manning the kind of PrimeTime Performance that could reshape how his first full season as starter is remembered.
Our preview of the game is available at /en/american_football/prediction/longhorns-buckeyes-2026-09-12-5586/.
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