Texas football’s 2026 season delivered a dramatic moment of resilience on Saturday night when the Longhorns rallied from a 23-3 deficit late in their game against No. 1 Ohio State to secure a stunning 24-23 victory in Austin. Quarterback Arch Manning, who arrived at Texas in 2023 with considerable expectations stemming from his family’s Pro Football Hall of Fame legacy, had faced ongoing scrutiny throughout his collegiate career. After redshirting his first year and serving as a backup in 2024, Manning’s first season as a starter in 2025 yielded mixed results and tempered assessments.

During the pivotal game against Ohio State, Manning struggled through much of the first half and third quarter, completing just 60 yards passing with limited offensive success. However, in the fourth quarter, Texas’s offense awakened, scoring three touchdowns to complete the comeback. Manning posted an efficient 8-for-11 passing for 83 yards and a touchdown during this closing stretch, orchestrating key fourth-down conversions. Running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown also played critical roles, generating significant rushing yards that challenged an Ohio State defense fatigued by the Austin heat.

Despite skepticism about Manning’s Heisman prospects, this victory marked his fourth against top-10 opponents, including wins over No. 6 Oklahoma, No. 9 Vanderbilt, and No. 3 Texas A&M in the previous season. While questions remain about his long-term legacy, the win underscored Texas’s potential under his leadership.

Conversely, Ohio State coach Ryan Day faced his first September defeat since 2021. His team’s offensive production diminished notably in the second half, echoing similar postseason struggles against Indiana and Miami last year, with their star-driven offense appearing tentative and conservative when protecting a lead.

Elsewhere in college football, the transfer portal continued to reshape team dynamics, exemplified by Oklahoma State’s upset over sixth-ranked Oregon. Oklahoma State, a program that had struggled with a 4-20 record over the last two years, benefited from the addition of quarterback Drew Mestemaker and nearly 90 other transfers under Coach Eric Morris. Mestemaker accumulated 426 yards of offense despite two interceptions and led the Cowboys to a 39-31 victory. The Oklahoma State defense also impressed, holding Oregon to 281 yards and limiting their potent offense.

Oregon’s struggles were attributed in part to significant coaching changes on both sides of the ball. Fifth-year head coach Dan Lanning’s replacements for key coordinators appeared to be impacting their effectiveness. The defense, led previously by Tosh Lupoi, experienced a downturn under new coordinator Chris Hampton despite an experienced senior lineup. Offensively, quarterback Dante Moore, projected as a top NFL draft pick, posted his lowest passer rating since late last season.

Other notable developments included Michigan’s 17-10 upset of No. 11 Oklahoma, a contest marked by dominant defensive play but underwhelming quarterback performances from Bryce Underwood and John Mateo. In the Southeastern Conference, Alabama rebounded from early offensive struggles to defeat Kentucky 45-17 behind strong second-half defense and a career-best rushing performance from running back Daniel Hill.

The Atlantic Coast Conference also demonstrated strength as Duke stunned Illinois 31-27 with a balanced offensive effort led by San Jose State transfer quarterback Walker Eget. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s defense secured a 48-20 win over Arizona State despite concerns about its rushing game and newly installed offensive line comprising four SEC transfers.

Mississippi State emerged as a surprise in the Big Ten with a 38-13 road victory against Minnesota, fueled by quarterback Kamario Taylor’s dual-threat capabilities. This challenge to perceptions of Big Ten depth contrasts with Alabama coach Nick Saban’s recent comments regarding conference strength.

As the season progresses, significant matchups loom, including Louisiana State’s upcoming visit to Oxford, Mississippi, where coach Lane Kiffin, who left the University of Mississippi under tense circumstances, will face his former team. The game promises an intense atmosphere fueled by a complex history and high stakes early in the season.