It couldn’t have gone any better for the Longhorns. It was an absolutely stunning weekend here in Austin, Texas, because of the built-up Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes game. If you are new to college football, this was the game. Since I’ve been a Longhorn, we’ve faced Ohio State in our opening week in 2025, with Arch Manning as the new No.1 quarterback. With so much pressure on this game, Texas lost 14–7. We saw Ohio State again in the College Football Playoff semifinal, where Texas lost again, 28–14.
This marks Manning’s second year as the Longhorn quarterback. He already faced pressure to prove himself in his first season as QB, with many comparing him to his Super Bowl-winning uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning. Having experienced significant adversity, he learned to focus on playing football regardless. While it wasn’t our time before, this year felt different, especially with the addition of wide receiver Cam Coleman and running back Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers, giving the Longhorns renewed hope. It was time to show everyone what the Longhorns had against the Buckeyes.
However, the Longhorns didn’t have an easy time against the Buckeyes. On the very first offensive play, running back Raleek Brown was tackled at the line of scrimmage, causing the ball to come out of his hands. An Ohio State defender, Jay Timmons, recovered the fumble, giving Ohio State possession. That’s when I knew it was going to be a long game. The Longhorns clearly struggled in the first half. Ohio State jumped to an early lead of 20–3, making it seem unlikely for the Longhorns to make a comeback. Many, including myself, were concerned we were going to lose this game.
In the second half, the Longhorns finally began gaining consistent yardage and moving the ball effectively. The defense held Ohio State scoreless in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Texas was still down by 20 points, but early on, Manning led an offensive drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ryan Wingo, cutting the deficit to 23–10. The Texas defense then forced a quick stop, allowing the offense to regain possession and score another touchdown on Hollywood Smothers’ 1-yard run, closing the gap to 23–17. This was Texas’s last chance to take the lead. Ohio State moved deep into Texas territory, but on a fourth down with 4:16 remaining on the clock, the Buckeyes decided to kick a 45-yard field goal, which would have secured the win. Kicker Connor Hawkins missed, giving the ball back to Texas with time. Then with just 25 seconds remaining, Hollywood Smothers surged over the line of scrimmage for his second 1-yard touchdown, putting Texas ahead 24–23. The stadium erupted in roars; we had just witnessed something unimaginable.
This game broke several college football records. It was the largest fourth-quarter deficit overcome, 20 points, to defeat an AP. No. 1-ranked team in college football history. The Longhorns also ended the streak of AP No. 1 teams without a loss since 2004, when they led by 20 or more points at some point in the fourth quarter, a streak that had reached 197 games. Now, Texas holds the top spot in the AP ranking, while Ohio State drops to No. 6.
I couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed live. Whether you were watching on TV or at the stadium, this game was truly incredible to watch. Is this the moment they finally win a championship? It’s too soon to be sure, as the team still has much to improve. However, this marks a new direction for the Longhorns, and as a student and lifelong Texas fan, I am genuinely excited to witness it.
I will talk about this game for the rest of my life. It was truly spectacular to witness with my own eyes as a student in the student section. So, goodbye, No. 1 Ohio State, and let’s welcome the current No. 1 Longhorns!