AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns completed a comeback few expected and many will remember: down 23-3 in the second half to No. 1 Ohio State, the Longhorns rallied to a 24-23 victory Saturday at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
Turnaround on the field
Texas’ resurgence began when the offense flipped momentum with a successful fourth-down gamble and a sustained drive that resulted in a touchdown. The Longhorns converted another critical fourth down later in the sequence and used those high-risk, high-reward plays to close the gap and ultimately take the lead in the final minutes.
The comeback hinged on improved play at the line of scrimmage and sharper execution from the quarterback position. Arch Manning, the Longhorns’ quarterback, pushed drives downfield during the rally as play calling from coach Steve Sarkisian began to pay off. One drive ended in a touchdown by Hollywood Smothers, a score that gave Texas the lead with just under four minutes off the clock and left Ohio State with limited time to respond.
Key moments
- Deficit: Texas trailed 23-3 in the second half.
- Fourth-down conversions: Two successful fourth-down plays on Texas’ comeback drives were pivotal.
- Missed opportunity: Ohio State missed a 45-yard field goal late in the game that would have iced the outcome.
- Decisive touchdown: A late scoring play by Hollywood Smothers put Texas ahead and consumed 3 minutes, 51 seconds of game clock.
| Stat / Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Texas 24, Ohio State 23 |
| Largest deficit | 20 points (23-3) |
| Critical special teams moment | Missed 45-yard field goal by Ohio State |
Coach's sideline decisions spark attention
The victory was notable not only for the play on the field but for coach Steve Sarkisian’s handling of broadcast interviews. Network reporters sought to interview Sarkisian during the game and immediately afterward, but he twice declined to speak on camera.
"I'm going to sing 'Texas Fight'"
According to broadcast coverage, Sarkisian told ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe he planned to sing "Texas Fight" with his team and flashed the Hook 'em gesture at the camera before leaving the set. Earlier in the game, ABC cameras found Laura Rutledge waiting for a halftime interview; technical difficulties reportedly interrupted that planned segment, and Rutledge later apologized for holding up the coach.
It was unclear whether the absence of postgame remarks reflected lingering technical issues, the momentum of celebration inside the stadium or a deliberate choice by Sarkisian to focus on his players. Either way, the coach’s decision to step away from national television briefly left reporters without the expected postgame access.
What this means for Texas
The result snaps a recent run of losses to the Buckeyes and gives the Longhorns a major early-season signature win. For a program with heightened expectations, defeating a top-ranked opponent at home — and doing so after falling behind by 20 points — is a statement for the coaching staff and the roster.
For fans, the comeback offered both relief and validation: risky decisions paid off, clutch conversions turned the tide, and the defense held in the final stretch. For critics, the game underscored questions about in-game adjustments that allowed a large early deficit; for supporters, it highlighted resilience and execution when it mattered most.
Local impact and next steps
The game drew major national attention to Austin and to the university’s football program. Attention will now shift to how the Longhorns sustain the momentum and whether the program can build on this win in conference play and beyond.
Texas faces a quickly turning schedule and will look to maintain consistency from the line and the quarterback position that sparked Saturday’s comeback. Meanwhile, the decision by the coach to avoid on-air interviews may draw further media scrutiny as the season progresses.
City: Austin
Author: Sofia Herrera, State Correspondent
