Texas defeats No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 after fourth-quarter comeback

Texas produced one of the biggest comebacks of the early college football season Saturday night, rallying from a 20-point deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State, 24-23, in Austin. The Longhorns scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, completing the comeback with a game-winning touchdown run by Hollywood Smothers with 25 seconds remaining.

Ohio State entered the game ranked No. 1, while Texas was ranked No. 4. The result gives the Longhorns a signature victory and leaves the Buckeyes facing immediate questions about their second-half offense and national ranking.

Ohio State controlled the first half

The Buckeyes led 20-3 at halftime and appeared to have control of the game. Texas struggled to generate enough offense during the opening half, while Ohio State built a lead that seemed likely to withstand a late push.

According to the official Ohio State report, the Buckeyes eventually fell to 1-1, while Texas improved to 2-0.

The early advantage created a difficult situation for Texas: the Longhorns had to score consistently while also preventing Ohio State from extending the lead with a short field or explosive play.

Texas changed the game in the fourth quarter

Ohio State Texas scoring by quarter shows 21 point fourth quarter comeback
Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

Texas outscored Ohio State 21-3 in the final quarter. The comeback was not the product of one isolated play; it required a series of successful drives and defensive stops that kept the Longhorns within reach.

The decisive touchdown came with 25 seconds remaining, turning a 23-17 deficit into a 24-23 Texas lead.

The result immediately became one of the most discussed games of the weekend because of the size of the deficit and the ranking of the opponent.

Why the collapse matters for Ohio State

Ohio State’s second-half struggles raise several questions:

  • Why did the offense produce only a field goal after halftime?
  • Could the Buckeyes sustain drives when Texas increased the pressure?
  • Did the coaching staff become too conservative with the lead?
  • How will the loss affect the team’s ranking?
  • Can Ohio State recover before the conference schedule becomes more difficult?

The loss does not eliminate Ohio State from the national picture, but it removes the margin for error that comes with being the top-ranked team.

What the win means for Texas

For Texas, the victory provides immediate credibility. Beating the No. 1 team after trailing by 20 points gives the Longhorns a result that will influence rankings, playoff discussions and recruiting narratives.

It also gives coach Steve Sarkisian what coverage described as a landmark comeback.

The challenge now is consistency. A signature win matters most when a team follows it with strong performances against the rest of its schedule.

Ranking and playoff implications

Projected college football ranking impact after Texas beats Ohio State
The result is expected to reshape the national rankings, although official positions depend on the full weekend slate.

Rankings will be updated after the weekend, and Ohio State is likely to fall from the top position. Texas should move higher, although the exact placement will depend on results elsewhere.

College football selection committees evaluate more than one result. They consider strength of schedule, conference performance, road wins, losses and overall consistency.

Bottom line

Texas erased a 20-point deficit and defeated No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 after scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

It is a defining win for Texas and an early warning for Ohio State, which now has to respond after losing control of a game it led comfortably.

FAQ

1. Who won Ohio State vs. Texas?

Texas defeated Ohio State 24-23.

2. How large was Texas’ comeback?

Texas erased a 20-point deficit after Ohio State led 20-3 at halftime.

3. How many points did Texas score in the fourth quarter?

Texas scored 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points.

4. When did Texas take the lead?

Texas took the lead with a game-winning touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining.

5. What was Ohio State’s record after the loss?

Ohio State fell to 1-1.

6. What was Texas’ record after the win?

Texas improved to 2-0.

7. Will Ohio State fall in the rankings?

It is likely to fall, but the official ranking depends on the results of other games.

8. Does the loss eliminate Ohio State from the playoff race?

No. One early loss does not automatically eliminate a team, but it reduces its margin for error.

9. What does the victory mean for Texas?

It gives Texas a major résumé win and increases national attention around the program.

10. Who scored Texas’ winning touchdown?

Hollywood Smothers scored the game-winning touchdown run.

11. Why was the game significant?

It matched No. 1 Ohio State against No. 4 Texas and featured a dramatic 20-point comeback.

12. Where can readers verify the result?

The Ohio State official report and NCAA recap provide game details.