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.
The Longhorns fell behind 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 in 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 the Longhorns were even in a place to make the comeback 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 the offense was able to take advantage with some clutch plays. Arch Manning kept drives going with two different 4th-down conversions in his own half and the running game wore down the Ohio State front.
Even with Texas' second touchdown of the fourth, the Longhorns needed some luck to have a final chance. The Buckeyes faced a 45-yard field goal attempt with 4:16 to play that would have made the deficit 9 and effectively end 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 cap the incredible 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 now reads 223-1 thanks to the Longhorns' heroics.
