Texas’ Arch Manning links up with Kevin Durant after comeback win over Ohio State

Arch Manning had plenty of reasons to celebrate after Texas completed one of the wildest victories in program history Saturday night. The Longhorns quarterback also got to share the moment with a fellow Texas icon, as NBA superstar Kevin Durant joined the postgame celebration following the 24-23 win over No. 1 Ohio State.

Arch Manning X Kevin Durant

KD was HYPED after Texas pulled off a HUGE comeback against Ohio State

(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/0f1JEri6iE

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 13, 2026

Durant was on hand at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium as No. 4 Texas looked finished for most of the night. Ohio State controlled the first three quarters and carried a 23-3 lead into the fourth. But with the game slipping away, Manning and the Longhorns flipped the script in a hurry.

Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the final period, completing a historic 20-point comeback against the nation’s top-ranked team. Manning steadied the offense and led three scoring drives of 15, 13 and 12 plays, turning a frustrating evening into the defining performance of his young career.

When the final whistle sounded, Durant was among those caught up in the chaos of Texas’ celebration. The former Longhorns basketball star embraced and hyped up Manning on the field, connecting one of the biggest names in Texas athletics with the quarterback now trying to write his own chapter in Austin. Durant played one season for Texas in 2006-07 before becoming an NBA superstar, but his ties to the university remain strong.

Manning finished 23-of-37 passing for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His best work came when Texas needed it most, particularly on the final 73-yard drive. He completed four of five passes before Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers scored from one yard out with 25 seconds remaining.

HOLLYWOOD SMOTHERS GOES AIRBORNE FOR GAME-WINNING TD

TEXAS WAS DOWN 20 IN THE 4TH

(via @TexasFootball) pic.twitter.com/Wa6X1Mf2hr

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2026

The win also carried personal significance for Manning after Texas’ previous losses to Ohio State. “We couldn’t lose to them again,” he said after the game, admitting he had “nightmares” about last season’s defeat.

For one electric night, Manning went from quarterback under pressure to the face of a comeback Durant, and all of Austin, could celebrate.