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Arch Manning put together one of the biggest performances of his Texas career Saturday night, leading the No. 4 Longhorns back from a 20-point deficit to stun No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in Austin.
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After the comeback, Manning shared the celebration with one of Texas’ most famous alumni, NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who was on the field and embraced the Longhorns quarterback following the win.
The brief exchange connected Durant, a Texas basketball legend and an All-American during his lone season at Texas in 2006-07, with the highest-profile quarterback to lead the football program since Vince Young in the early aughts.
Arch Manning celebrates with Kevin Durant after Texas’ massive comeback🤝
(via ABC) pic.twitter.com/XiU7WbuL7o
— On3 (@On3) September 13, 2026
Manning finished 23-of-37 passing for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception as Texas erased a 23-3 deficit with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
The comeback included three consecutive touchdown drives and a game-winning rush by Hollywood Smothers, who found the end zone on a one-yard run with 25 seconds remaining before Ohio State’s final possession ended with an interception.
Manning made clear afterward how much the win meant after Texas had lost to Ohio State in each of the previous two seasons.
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“We couldn’t lose to them again,” Manning said. “I had nightmares about that game last year. So, we’re glad to get a win tonight. We’ll have a good night in Austin.”
The win improved Texas to 2-0 and gave the Longhorns a major early-season statement, as well as a likely bump up the AP Top 25 football poll heading into Week 3.
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Texas also moved to 3-3 all-time against Ohio State, with each of its three victories decided by three points or fewer.
Manning and Texas will host UTSA next week at 8 p.m. ET in the Longhorns’ last non-conference game of the season.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 5:00 AM.