NCAAF Top 25: Texas Stuns No. 1 Ohio State in Major Ranking Shakeup

The NCAAF Top 25 picture has changed dramatically after No. 4 Texas stunned No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Saturday, September 12. The Longhorns erased a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit in one of the biggest comebacks in college football history, putting Texas in position to challenge for the No. 1 ranking.

Quick Answer

The latest NCAAF Top 25 race is headed for a major shakeup after Texas defeated top-ranked Ohio State 24-23. Ohio State entered Week 2 as the AP No. 1 team, while Texas was No. 4. The official next AP Top 25 will determine the new order, but Texas has immediately become the leading candidate for No. 1.

What Happened to the NCAAF Top 25?

Texas trailed Ohio State 23-3 entering the fourth quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns. Arch Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, while Hollywood Smothers scored the winning 1-yard touchdown with 25 seconds remaining.

The victory was the largest fourth-quarter comeback against an AP No. 1 team and immediately transformed the national rankings conversation.

5 Key Developments

1. Texas beats No. 1 Ohio State: The Longhorns won 24-23 after trailing by 20 points.
2. Texas enters No. 1 conversation: The Longhorns are now the strongest contender to replace Ohio State at the top.
3. Ohio State faces a major drop: The defending powerhouse could fall several positions after losing its first game.
4. Arch Manning gets a signature win: His comeback performance significantly strengthens Texas’ College Football Playoff résumé.
5. More ranking changes are coming: Oregon also lost to Oklahoma State, while Michigan defeated No. 11 Oklahoma, creating additional pressure on voters.

For more free AI tools, visit now: https://freeaitools4u.com/

Will Texas Be No. 1 in the NCAAF Top 25?

Texas has a strong case to become No. 1, but the official AP Top 25 ranking must be released before that position is confirmed. The Longhorns entered the weekend No. 4 and now own a marquee win over the previous No. 1 team.

What Does the Loss Mean for Ohio State?

Ohio State will likely fall from No. 1 after surrendering a 20-point fourth-quarter lead. The Buckeyes had previously received 46 first-place votes in the AP poll, making the defeat particularly significant for the national championship race.

What Happens Next?

The next AP Top 25 will provide the clearest answer. Texas, Georgia and Notre Dame are among the teams positioned to benefit from Ohio State’s loss, while Oregon’s defeat could also cause a substantial ranking decline.

Final Take

The NCAAF Top 25 has its first major shakeup of the 2026 season. Texas’ stunning comeback against Ohio State has changed the No. 1 conversation and strengthened the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff credentials.

 

Read More:- Brian Duckworth: Country Music Singer Dies at 56 as Taylor Made Mourns

 

FAQs

1. What is the NCAAF Top 25?

The NCAAF Top 25 refers to the national rankings of the top college football teams, most commonly represented by the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll.

2. Did Texas beat Ohio State?

Yes. No. 4 Texas defeated No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on September 12, 2026.

3. Will Texas become No. 1?

Texas is a leading candidate for No. 1 after defeating Ohio State, but the official AP ranking must confirm the change.

4. How much did Texas trail Ohio State?

Texas trailed 23-3 entering the fourth quarter before completing the comeback.

5. Why are NCAAF Top 25 rankings important?

The rankings influence national championship discussions, College Football Playoff positioning and the perception of teams throughout the season.