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First-half defensive stops by Texas set up second-half comeback

In a dramatic college football showdown on September 12, 2026, the fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns secured an improbable 24-23 victory over the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. After trailing by 20 points, Steve Sarkisian's squad reversed their fortunes behind crucial defensive stops established early in the contest.

A late surge powered the turnaround, as Texas crossed the goal line for three consecutive touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put up 21 unanswered points.

The stunning rally served as an early statement for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, whose offseason hiring proved critical in holding off the Buckeyes during key stretches of the contest. Notable supporter Matthew McConaughey joined the postgame celebrations on the turf after the Longhorns pulled off one of their biggest upsets and silenced lingering doubts.