Texas rallies in fourth to defeat Ohio State 24-23 in Austin

A Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Texas Longhorns 24, Ohio State Buckeyes 23. The Longhorns secured a decisive victory at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, before an attendance of 105,044. The game featured a stunning late surge by the home team, which overcame a significant deficit in the final quarter to claim the win.

This result improves Texas to a 2-0 record, while Ohio State falls to 1-1.

Early Buckeyes Dominance

Ohio State established a commanding lead in the first half. Connor Hawkins kicked a 26-yard field goal to open the scoring, giving the visitors a 3-0 advantage. Ja’Kobi Jackson then extended the lead with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful extra point kick by Hawkins to make it 10-0.

In the second quarter, Gianni Spetic reduced the gap with a 37-yard field goal for Texas. However, Ohio State responded quickly. Hawkins added a 30-yard field goal, and Julian Sayin found Jeremiah Smith for a 19-yard passing touchdown.

The Buckeyes led 20-3 at the start of the third quarter. Hawkins extended the margin further in the third period with a 48-yard field goal, putting Ohio State up 23-3 entering the final stretch.

The Longhorn Surge

The fourth quarter saw a complete shift in momentum. Arch Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a 3-yard passing touchdown, with Gianni Spetic adding the extra point to cut the deficit to 23-10. The Longhorns continued their offensive drive, culminating in a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Hollywood Smothers, followed by a Spetic kick to make the score 23-17.

With the game on the line, Smothers provided the decisive blow. He rushed for another 1-yard touchdown, and Spetic’s successful kick put Texas ahead 24-23, sealing the upset.

Key Statistical Performances

Arch Manning finished the game with 195 passing yards on 23 of 37 attempts, recording one touchdown and one interception. Hollywood Smothers was the engine of the Texas rushing attack, carrying the ball 21 times for 74 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Emmett Mosley V contributed 65 receiving yards on five catches.

For Ohio State, Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards on 17 of 32 attempts, with one touchdown and one interception. Bo Jackson rushed for 74 yards on 19 carries, while Jeremiah Smith led the Buckeyes in receiving with 164 yards on eight catches and one touchdown.

Sources

ESPN