Story perspectives

Texas rallies from 20 down to beat No. 1 Ohio State

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 5:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Texas Rally

Texas rallied from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23.
Hollywood Smothers scored the winning 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left.
Arch Manning threw for 196 yards, completing 11 of his final 15 passes, including a TD to Ryan Wingo.
The comeback was Texas’ fifth 20-point rally in program history and the first since 2007.
The game took place in Austin on Sept. 12, 2026.

Summary

Day Analyzes Defeat

Coach Ryan Day said the loss gives critical feedback on Texas’s current standing.
Day noted the Austin atmosphere was unbelievable and will be watched nationwide.
Day emphasized contingency plans are needed to stop Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
This was the fourth No. 1 team to play Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Coach Jim Sarkisian said playing catch-up against Ohio State feels uncomfortable and pushes risk-taking.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 4 2006 the Texas Longhorns defeated the USC Trojans 41-38 in the Rose Bowl, securing Texas’s 800th program win and ending USC’s 34-game streak. Quarterback Vince Young’s 467 yards earned MVP honors, while the matchup marked the first BCS title featuring the nation’s top two teams, reinforcing Texas’s emerging reputation for late-game comebacks.

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Texas Rally

Texas rallied from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23.
Hollywood Smothers scored the winning 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left.
Arch Manning threw for 196 yards, completing 11 of his final 15 passes, including a TD to Ryan Wingo.
The comeback was Texas’ fifth 20-point rally in program history and the first since 2007.
The game took place in Austin on Sept. 12, 2026.

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