Arch Manning led the University of Texas to a stunning 24-23 victory over previously top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday night, engineering the largest fourth-quarter comeback ever against an Associated Press No. 1 team. Trailing by 20 points entering the final quarter, Manning rallied the Longhorns in a dramatic finish at Austin’s Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
Manning’s performance marked a significant milestone in his collegiate career. The quarterback, nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning, overcame a sluggish start and early misfortunes, including drops and an interception, to deliver a clutch display under pressure. Despite Texas’ struggles in recent seasons and doubts cast on his readiness early in his starting tenure, Manning demonstrated resilience and poise throughout the game and the season.
After throwing only 95 passes before becoming a starter, Manning faced criticism during his initial year leading the Longhorns. However, he showed steady improvement during the 2025 campaign, completing the final seven games with 1,846 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. This growth was evident Saturday as he completed 11 of 15 passes in the fourth quarter, including four completions for 48 yards during the game-winning drive. He also converted two critical fourth-down attempts to sustain drives and avoided costly mistakes in pivotal moments.
The team’s defense played a crucial role in the comeback, limiting Ohio State to just 132 yards and three points in the second half. Texas’ running game complemented the effort by gaining 141 yards on the ground, helping control the clock and momentum. Conversely, Ohio State adopted a more conservative approach in the second half, focusing on clock management rather than aggressive offensive plays.
Manning’s leadership was central to overcoming early challenges against a strong Buckeyes squad. Despite drops by receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo in the first half—one of which was a touchdown pass—Manning remained composed and delivered when it mattered most. His ability to elevate his play late in the game drew comparisons to his uncle Eli Manning’s knack for rallying under pressure.
The comeback victory not only underscored Manning’s potential but also sparked renewed optimism for Texas’ season and Manning’s future prospects. The young quarterback, who arrived at Texas amid high expectations, appeared to firmly establish himself as a frontrunner in college football with this performance, reinforcing the belief that he could develop into a top NFL prospect.