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No. 1 Ohio State blows fourth quarter lead in loss at No. 4 Texas

Ohio St Texas Football Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP Photo/Eric Gay)

AUSTIN, TEXAS — No. 1 Ohio State blew a fourth-quarter lead against No. 4 Texas on Saturday.

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The Buckeyes led, 23-3, but the Longhorns scored 21 fourth-quarter points to win, 24-23, at Donald K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Hollywood Smothers scored the go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds left.

Graceson Littleton’s interception sealed the win as time expired.

Ohio State falls to 1-1 overall.

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The Buckeyes forced and recovered a fumble on the first play of the game at the Longhorns’ 18-yard line. But OSU settled for a field goal and led, 3-0.

Jaylen McClain intercepted Arch Manning’s pass on Texas’ next possession. Ja’Kobi Jackson’s eight-yard touchdown extended the lead to 10-0 after one quarter.

After both teams exchanged field goals, Julian Sayin threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith to put Ohio State ahead, 20-3.

Connor Hawkins made a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter to increase it to 23-3 after three quarters.

Texas came back as Manning threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo to cut the deficit to 23-10.

The Buckeyes went three-and-out on their next series. Smothers scored to get the Longhorns closer, 23-17, with 7:14 to play.

Hawkins missed a 45-yard field goal with 4:16 remaining.

Texas drove 73 yards on 12 plays as Smothers’ second touchdown gave the Longhorns their only lead, 24-23.

Ohio State will host Kent State on Sept. 19. Kickoff is at noon from Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

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