Manning Leads Texas to Comeback Win Over Top-Ranked Ohio State
Arch Manning threw for 196 yards and a touchdown and led Texas to 21 fourth-quarter points, erasing a 17-point deficit to beat No. 1 Ohio State. Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a score. The Longhorns' win positions them for a potential No. 1 ranking in the AP poll.
Texas trailed by 17 points entering the fourth quarter before Manning orchestrated three consecutive scoring drives. He found Ryan Wingo for a touchdown to spark the rally, and Hollywood Smothers punched in two rushing scores, the final one with 25 seconds remaining. The Longhorns leaned on a 140-yard ground game to complement Manning's 196 passing yards.
Ohio State built its lead largely through Jeremiah Smith, who collected 164 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first half. His production vanished after halftime, coinciding with the Buckeyes' offensive stall. Sayin finished with 278 passing yards and an interception, but his effort was overshadowed by Manning's late heroics. Texas now faces UTSA in Week 3, while Ohio State hosts Kent State.
This comeback could reshape the early College Football Playoff picture, with Texas potentially claiming the No. 1 ranking in Monday's AP poll. The result may elevate Manning's Heisman profile and energize Longhorns recruiting momentum, while Ohio State's late collapse could raise questions about their composure in high-pressure games. Fans of both programs may feel the ripple effects through ticket demand and national media attention, and the outcome could influence how pollsters and playoff committees weigh early-season performances.