Texas quarterback Arch Manning identified the moment he believed the Longhorns would complete their stunning comeback vs. the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. No. 4 Texas erased a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit Saturday night in Austin to defeat the top-ranked Buckeyes 24-23, with Manning directing the decisive drive. Orangebloods.com took to its official X account, formerly Twitter, on Monday and shared a clip of the senior quarterback revealing when he became convinced Texas would complete the comeback.

“Once they missed the FG, I knew it was wraps.”

“Once they missed the FG, I knew it was wraps.” – Arch Manning 🔥 pic.twitter.com/n3NwN52foQ

— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) September 14, 2026

Manning was referring to Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins’ missed 45-yard field goal with 4:16 remaining. The Buckeyes had led 23-3 entering the fourth quarter. Texas had already cut the deficit to 23-17, and the miss kept the game within one score.

Manning responded by completing 4 of 5 passes on a 12-play, 73-yard possession. His 19-yard completion to Emmett Mosley moved Texas to the 1-yard line before Hollywood Smothers scored the go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds remaining.

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The senior finished 23-of-37 for 196 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He completed 11 of his final 15 passes and converted two fourth downs during three scoring drives that each lasted at least 12 plays.

The victory carried additional significance after Manning's first start as Texas‘ full-time quarterback ended with a 14-7 road loss to the Buckeyes in the 2025 season opener. This time, the Longhorns produced the largest fourth-quarter comeback victory against an AP No. 1 team on record.

Manning’s late-game efficiency helped Texas capitalize on its final opportunities, as the Longhorns completed the comeback after entering the fourth quarter facing their largest deficit of the night.

Texas also earned its first home victory over a top-ranked opponent since 1950. The comeback moved the Longhorns to No. 1 in the polls Monday, two days after Manning and Texas turned a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit into a one-point win.