The Texas Longhorns completed a 21-0 fourth-quarter surge to defeat the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-23 in a nationally televised Week 2 matchup. Quarterback Arch Manning orchestrated the comeback, completing 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards and 1 touchdown, while Texas scored three unanswered touchdowns in the final quarter to erase a 20-point deficit.
Texas’ victory, achieved in front of a raucous crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, marked the program’s first win over Ohio State since 2023 and sent shockwaves through the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection conversation. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 entering the game, fell to No. 6 in the latest poll, while Texas jumped to the top spot for the first time in the 2026 season.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas’ head coach, publicly defended Ohio State’s playoff prospects in postgame remarks, arguing the Buckeyes should not be penalized for the narrow loss. “I hope that if they end up being a 9-3 team, the committee can appreciate the fact that they came to Austin, Texas, in September when it was 100 degrees and played us in that environment,” Sarkisian told reporters. “They should not be punished. Quite frankly, Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us.”
The Comeback: Manning’s Leadership Shines in Second Half
Arch Manning, the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, entered the game as Texas’ starting quarterback but struggled in the first half. He completed just 7 of 14 passes for 60 yards and 1 interception, while Texas trailed 23-3 heading into the fourth quarter. Manning’s poise under pressure was noted by analysts, including ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who declared on First Take: “He proved everything. What you saw Saturday night is what people have been telling anyone who will listen for about a year and a half: he is the personification of a great college quarterback.”
In the second half, Manning shifted gears, completing 16 of 23 passes for 135 yards and 1 touchdown, while Texas’ offense executed Sarkisian’s aggressive fourth-down calls. The Longhorns converted two fourth-down attempts, including a fourth-and-9 from the Texas 42-yard line late in the third quarter, which set up the eventual game-winning drive.
Eli Manning, Arch’s uncle and a two-time Super Bowl champion, echoed Finebaum’s praise in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “Kind of a weird first half,” Eli Manning said. “Proud of how he stayed patient. He didn’t force things… and made the comeback.”
CFP Implications: Sarkisian Advocates for Ohio State’s Resume
Sarkisian’s postgame comments underscored a broader debate about CFP selection criteria, particularly regarding strength of schedule and quality wins. The Buckeyes, despite the loss, boast a tough early-season schedule, including road games against Texas, Michigan, and Penn State. Sarkisian argued that Ohio State’s effort in the sweltering Austin heat should factor into the committee’s evaluation.
“This isn’t crying over spilled milk,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think we got rewarded for going to Columbus last year in Week 1. Hopefully this year they reward Ohio State for coming and playing in this game with us.”
The CFP selection committee has historically prioritized margin of victory and head-to-head results, but Sarkisian’s remarks suggest a potential shift in how perceived effort and schedule difficulty could be weighed. Ohio State’s remaining slate includes three ranked opponents, while Texas faces a potentially easier path to the playoff with a game against Oklahoma State next week.
Week 2’s Other Shocks: Oregon, Oklahoma Fall Early
The Texas-Ohio State game was not the only Week 2 upset. The Oregon Ducks, a preseason top-10 team, suffered a shocking 38-24 loss to Oklahoma State, a team that had lost 12 consecutive games before the victory. Oregon’s defense allowed 554 total yards, including 237 rushing yards, in a game that exposed vulnerabilities in their front seven.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners lost 24-21 to Michigan, a team that entered the season with minimal preseason hype after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Wolverines’ win, combined with Texas’ rise, has reshuffled the early playoff landscape, with Georgia, Florida State, and Alabama now viewed as the primary contenders for the four spots.
What’s Next?
Texas (2-0) will face Oklahoma State next Saturday in a game that could further solidify their playoff resume. Ohio State (1-1) hosts Michigan State in a critical early-season test, while Oregon (0-2) looks to regroup after back-to-back losses. The AP Top 25 and CFP rankings will be released Tuesday, with the Longhorns now firmly in the conversation for a playoff berth.