Arch Manning let the fear of losing fuel him Saturday into leading an improbable Texas comeback over Ohio State.
The Longhorns trailed the Buckeyes 23-3 entering the fourth quarter at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Manning started the rally with a touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo in the opening minute, cutting the deficit down to 13.
arch manning and ryan wingo connect for 6 pic.twitter.com/ILqw7vdg1M
— wok (@wokdior) September 13, 2026
Manning went 13/19 for 124 yards across Texas’ three scoring drives in the final period, including several do-or-die completions that kept possessions alive. Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers finished the job with two rushing TDs late to seal a 24-23 win for the home team.
Texas’ 20-point comeback represented the largest in program history in nearly 20 years. Manning told reporters what was running through his head as the resurgence was happening.
“I did not want to come in here after a loss at home to Ohio State again and have [the media] telling me we’re not good,” Manning said during his postgame press conference.
“I could not let that happen. So that was going through the back of my mind. Let’s not let that happen.”
Arch Manning:
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 13, 2026
“I could not come in here after a loss at home to Ohio State again, and having (the media) tell me we’re not good.”@ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/qVAoyXeuD4
Manning redeemed himself from his shaky performance in last year’s season-opening loss to Ohio State, when the Texas offense mustered just seven points. They tripled that total in Saturday’s fourth quarter alone.
Manning could have finished with an even better stat line if not for a few untimely drops from his Longhorns receivers.
