Manning Relieved After Longhorns Erase 20-Point Deficit vs. Buckeyes
Texas quarterback Arch Manning credited all three phases for the No. 5 Longhorns' 24-23 comeback win over No. 1 Ohio State, overcoming a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit. Manning admitted he had nightmares about last season's 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes and was glad to get revenge. The win marked the first meeting between the teams since August 2025.
Texas erased a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun top-ranked Ohio State, 24-23, marking the Longhorns' first win over the Buckeyes since the teams renewed their rivalry. The victory avenged a narrow 14-7 loss in August 2025, the only prior meeting between the programs in recent years. Manning, speaking to ESPN after the game, emphasized the team-wide effort across offense, defense, and special teams, acknowledging the performance was far from clean but praising his teammates' resilience. The quarterback's relief was palpable, as he admitted the previous defeat had lingered with him throughout the offseason, fueling his determination to avoid a repeat outcome.
This comeback win could resonate beyond the field, reinforcing Texas as a legitimate national title contender while shaking up early College Football Playoff projections. For fans, such a dramatic reversal may strengthen emotional investment in the rivalry, potentially boosting viewership for future matchups. Manning's public acknowledgment of the psychological weight of last year's loss also humanizes high-profile athletes, reminding audiences that even elite players carry the burden of past failures into new seasons.