Ohio State Falls in AP Poll After Loss to Texas Longhorns

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered their contest against the Texas Longhorns as the top-ranked team in the country. Through most of the game, it seemed Ohio State would remain in that spot, but the Longhorns had 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 24-23.

The Buckeyes' offense managed only three points in the second half, leading to their loss.

Quarterback Julian Sayin finished the game by completing 17 of 32 passes for 278 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. It wasn't the best game for the Heisman Trophy contender, and he will need to bounce back for the rest of the season.

Ohio State's other Heisman contender, Jeremiah Smith, had strong numbers with eight receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, but he had some uncharacteristic drops.

In the run game, Bo Jackson had 74 yards on 19 carries while Ja'Kobi Jackson had 20 yards and a touchdown on five carries. The Buckeyes will need more out of the run game for the rest of the 2026 season to make a run at the National Championship.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State held Arch Manning to completing 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while rushing for 24 yards on eight carries. However, he heated up in the second half, leading the Longhorns to victory.

In the run game, Daylan Smothers had 74 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, while Raleek Brown had 54 yards on 10 carries.

The offense and defense could've been played at a high level for Ohio State, but on special teams, kicker Connor Hawkins missed a field goal, which loomed large in their loss.

With this disappointing loss, the Buckeyes have now dropped from the top-ranked team to sixth in the country.

While it was a disappointing fourth-quarter collapse for Ohio State, they are still one of the best teams in the nation and could make a run in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes will look to get back on track in Week 3 against Kent State.