Texas Ascends to No. 1 After Toppling Ohio State
Texas defeated No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on September 12 by rallying from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit, per ESPN.
Texas overcame a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on September 12, per ESPN. The comeback elevated the Longhorns to college football's top ranking.
Arch Manning guided the rally, directing three scoring drives that narrowed Ohio State's advantage, per ESPN. Hollywood Smothers scored the game-winning touchdown with 25 seconds remaining, per ESPN, sealing the upset.
The victory reshuffled college football's elite rankings. Texas jumped to No. 1 in the AP Top 25, per ESPN, with Georgia at No. 2, Notre Dame at No. 3, Indiana at No. 4 and Miami at No. 5, per ESPN. Ohio State dropped from No. 1 to No. 6, per ESPN.
The loss is a rare mark against Ohio State's record. The Buckeyes became the first No. 1 team since 1988 to surrender a 20-point fourth-quarter lead, per ESPN.