Steve Sarkisian sends defiant message after leading Texas past Ohio State in historic stunner

Steve Sarkisian sends defiant message after leading Texas past Ohio State in historic stunner

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Steve Sarkisian sends defiant message after leading Texas past Ohio State in historic stunner

Steve Sarkisian is not letting the doubters cloud his judgment upon leading the No. 4 Texas Longhorns past the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in a historic 24-23 upset on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Sarkisian has been coaching the Longhorns since 2021, starting his sixth year at the helm. He and the program sought payback against Ohio State, whom they lost to in the College Football Playoffs in 2024 and the 2025 season opener.

Texas avenged those losses in the second game of the 2026 campaign. The Longhorns pulled it off in remarkable fashion, scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to escape with the win at home.

MORE: Ryan Day’s decision to not let Texas score was final nail in Ohio State’s coffin

Sarkisian reflected on the win after the game, per On3 reporter Tyler Horka. When someone asked the coach about his adjustments and trying not to flip the script in an abrupt manner, Sarkisian fired back with a firm answer on his coaching mentality.

“No. That’s how losers think. Winners win, baby. They didn’t hire me to keep it close. They hired me to win,” Sarkisian said.

How Steve Sarkisian, Texas performed against Ohio State

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Steve Sarkisian and the No. 4 Longhorns are over the moon after stunning No. 1 Ohio State. They have a serious case to make as potential contenders for the national championship.

Ohio State controlled the game for most of the night, leading 23-3 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Buckeyes let their foot off the gas and stopped creating big offensive plays, paving the way for the Longhorns to rally back in historic fashion.

Arch Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Hollywood Smothers enjoyed a strong night in the run game, racking up 21 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Emmett Mosley V led the receiving attack with five catches for 65 yards, while Ryan Wingo caught four passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.

The No. 4 Longhorns will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the UTSA Roadrunners in Week 3 as kickoff commences on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

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