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College Football Week 2 Recap: Texas Stuns Ohio State, Oklahoma State Shocks Oregon

AUSTIN, Texas — The second full Saturday of the 2026 college football season produced two monumental upsets, a historic Texas comeback and several performances that could reshape the AP Top 25.

No. 4 Texas erased a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State, 24-23, while Oklahoma State stunned No. 6 Oregon, 39-31. Michigan supplied another notable upset by shutting down No. 11 Oklahoma, 17-10.

Elsewhere, Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana, LSU and Alabama handled their assignments convincingly, while Washington and Iowa survived close games. Rankings below reflect the AP Top 25 entering Saturday’s games. Scores were checked against the national ESPN college football scoreboard and additional game reports.

No. 4 Texas 24, No. 1 Ohio State 23

Texas authored the biggest comeback of the young season, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to erase a 23-3 deficit and stun top-ranked Ohio State.

Arch Manning recovered from a difficult start and guided the Longhorns on three long touchdown drives. Hollywood Smothers completed the comeback with a 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining.

Manning finished with 196 passing yards, while Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards. Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, but the Buckeyes missed a potentially important 45-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Sayin’s final pass was intercepted.

According to the Associated Press game report, it was the largest fourth-quarter comeback ever recorded against an AP No. 1 team. Texas improved to 2-0 and made a powerful case to take over the top spot in the rankings.

No. 2 Georgia 70, Western Kentucky 20

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton threw five touchdown passes as the Bulldogs overwhelmed Western Kentucky in Athens.

The Bulldogs reached 70 points and demonstrated the offensive depth expected from a national championship contender. Georgia avoided any letdown following its season-opening victory and improved to 2-0 with one of Saturday’s most dominant performances.

No. 3 Notre Dame 52, Rice 0

Notre Dame scored a defensive touchdown just 14 seconds into its home opener and never allowed Rice to recover.

Boubacar Traore returned a forced fumble for the opening score, and quarterback CJ Carr completed 16 of 20 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns. The Fighting Irish built a 42-0 halftime advantage before turning the game over to their reserves.

Notre Dame’s defense preserved the shutout and limited Rice to almost no productive offense during the first half. The Irish improved to 2-0 with the 52-point victory.

No. 5 Indiana 55, Howard 0

Indiana controlled its game against Howard from beginning to end, recording a 55-0 shutout.

The Hoosiers dominated the line of scrimmage, prevented Howard from developing any offensive rhythm and used the comfortable advantage to give valuable playing time to their reserves. Indiana moved to 2-0 without encountering a serious threat.

Oklahoma State 39, No. 6 Oregon 31

Oklahoma State delivered the largest upset of the afternoon, defeating Oregon despite entering the game as a 23½-point underdog.

Quarterback Drew Mestemaker passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns while adding 109 rushing yards. His 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped secure the Cowboys’ first win over an FBS opponent in 21 games.

Oklahoma State outgained Oregon 554-281, an especially surprising margin considering the Ducks scored two defensive touchdowns. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore finished with 191 passing yards and two scores, but the Ducks could not match Oklahoma State’s offensive production.

The victory was Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris’ first with the program and prompted fans to tear down a goalpost after the historic upset.

No. 8 LSU 45, Louisiana Tech 14

LSU overcame several turnovers and eventually pulled away from Louisiana Tech for a 31-point victory.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt and the Tigers’ offense did enough to complement a defense that repeatedly prevented the Bulldogs from taking full advantage of LSU’s mistakes. The eighth-ranked Tigers improved to 2-0, although ball security will remain a concern entering the more difficult portion of their schedule.

No. 9 Ole Miss 41, Charlotte 9

Ole Miss controlled Charlotte on both sides of the ball and moved to 2-0 with a comfortable home victory.

The Rebels held Charlotte out of the end zone and steadily expanded their lead behind a balanced offense. Ole Miss avoided the turnovers and defensive lapses that often complicate early-season games against heavy underdogs.

No. 10 Texas A&M 48, Arizona State 20

Texas A&M turned an intriguing nonconference matchup into a decisive victory, defeating Arizona State by four touchdowns at Kyle Field.

The Aggies established control early and continued to separate in the second half. Arizona State produced some offensive success but could not keep pace with Texas A&M’s physical attack and scoring efficiency.

Michigan 17, No. 11 Oklahoma 10

Michigan’s defense carried the Wolverines to an important home upset of Oklahoma.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood rushed for 87 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown, and completed 9 of 17 passes for 111 yards. The Wolverines held Oklahoma to 289 total yards and limited the Sooners to three conversions on 13 third-down attempts.

Jyaire Hill intercepted John Mateer and returned the ball to the Oklahoma 6-yard line, setting up Jordan Marshall’s go-ahead 1-yard touchdown with 7:53 remaining. Michigan committed 11 penalties but did not turn the ball over.

The victory was Underwood’s first against a ranked opponent and should return the Wolverines to the Top 25. NBC Sports’ recap highlighted Michigan’s defensive improvement after its uneven season opener.

No. 12 Alabama 45, Kentucky 17

Alabama opened its SEC schedule with an authoritative road victory over Kentucky.

The Crimson Tide created separation after Kentucky remained competitive early, using its superior depth and team speed to take control. Alabama improved to 2-0 and avoided the type of early conference upset that can damage a College Football Playoff résumé.

No. 13 Texas Tech 35, Oregon State 24

Texas Tech passed an early road test by defeating Oregon State in Corvallis.

The Beavers remained within striking distance, but the Red Raiders consistently found answers on offense and protected their lead during the closing stages. Texas Tech moved to 2-0 while earning a useful nonconference road victory.

No. 14 USC 49, Louisiana 30

USC’s offense remained productive in a 49-30 victory over Louisiana.

Trent Mosley supplied one of the game’s biggest plays with an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown. Louisiana generated 30 points but could not produce enough defensive stops to threaten the Trojans late.

No. 15 BYU 28, Arizona 17

BYU defeated Arizona behind a steady performance from quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a defense that limited the Wildcats to 17 points.

Bachmeier threw touchdown passes to Kyler Kasper and Reggie Frischknecht as the Cougars gradually took control. BYU protected its home field and remained unbeaten.

No. 16 Penn State 27, Temple 9

Penn State earned a workmanlike road victory over in-state opponent Temple.

The Nittany Lions did not produce the most explosive offensive performance of the day, but their defense kept Temple out of the end zone. Penn State improved to 2-0 while holding the Owls to three field goals.

No. 17 SMU 56, UC Davis 10

SMU overwhelmed UC Davis with an efficient offense and a defense that allowed only 10 points.

The Mustangs established a large first-half lead and comfortably finished the assignment. SMU remained undefeated while scoring more than 50 points for the first time this season.

No. 18 Tennessee 45, Georgia Tech 24

Tennessee collected an impressive road victory by pulling away from Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

The Yellow Jackets made the game competitive early, but Tennessee’s pace and offensive depth eventually created a clear separation. The Volunteers scored 45 points and strengthened their early-season résumé with a win over a Power Four opponent.

No. 19 Washington 16, Utah State 14

Washington narrowly avoided one of Saturday’s biggest upsets.

Utah State remained within one score throughout the game and had opportunities to take control, but the Huskies’ defense protected the lead. Washington escaped with a two-point victory, although its offensive inconsistency will be a major concern going forward.

No. 20 Utah 43, Arkansas 10

Utah delivered one of Saturday night’s most complete performances, routing Arkansas by 33 points.

The Utes controlled the game physically, contained the Razorbacks’ offense and steadily expanded their advantage. The result should strengthen Utah’s position in the rankings while raising serious questions about Arkansas.

No. 21 Iowa 16, Iowa State 13

Iowa reclaimed control of the Cy-Hawk rivalry with another low-scoring victory built around defense and field position.

Iowa State had won the previous two meetings, but the Hawkeyes limited the Cyclones to 13 points and protected a narrow lead in the closing minutes. The win kept No. 21 Iowa undefeated.

No. 22 Houston 77, Southern 6

Houston produced Saturday’s largest scoring total among ranked teams, demolishing Southern 77-6.

The Cougars dominated every phase and used their reserves extensively after establishing an insurmountable lead. Houston improved to 2-0 while outscoring its first two opponents by a massive combined margin.

Remaining FBS Game Recaps

Wake Forest 38, Purdue 36 in double overtime

Wake Forest survived one of the day’s most competitive games, outlasting Purdue in two overtimes. The Demon Deacons held on after the Boilermakers repeatedly answered during the second half and extra periods.

Mississippi State 38, Minnesota 13

Mississippi State earned an impressive Big Ten road victory by controlling Minnesota on both lines of scrimmage. The Bulldogs’ defense limited the Golden Gophers to 13 points.

Duke 31, Illinois 27

Duke secured a valuable Power Four road win, holding off Illinois in a four-point finish. The Blue Devils made the decisive plays late after a back-and-forth second half.

California 21, Syracuse 18

California traveled across the country and escaped Syracuse with a three-point victory. The Golden Bears’ defense protected the lead against a late Orange push.

Pittsburgh 12, UCF 7

Pittsburgh won an old-fashioned defensive struggle over UCF. Neither offense found consistent space, but the Panthers prevented the Knights from producing a go-ahead score.

UTSA 31, Texas State 26

Brandon High scored on a 25-yard run with 14 seconds remaining to lift UTSA in the I-35 rivalry. Texas State outgained the Roadrunners but missed a field goal and two extra points in the dramatic defeat.

North Texas 44, UNLV 6

North Texas delivered a dominant defensive performance, holding UNLV to six points while its offense steadily pulled away.

Boise State 38, Memphis 20

Boise State earned an important nonconference victory over Memphis, using a strong second half to create an 18-point margin.

South Florida 28, Army 24

South Florida survived a difficult road test at Army. The Bulls handled the Black Knights’ option attack well enough to preserve a four-point victory.

Appalachian State 27, East Carolina 24

Appalachian State won a close regional rivalry game, holding off East Carolina by a field goal.

Florida Atlantic 38, Navy 30

Florida Atlantic scored 38 points against Navy and protected an eight-point lead in a high-scoring American Conference matchup.

Ohio 29, Jacksonville State 27 in four overtimes

Ohio and Jacksonville State played the longest game of the day, requiring four overtime periods before the Bobcats secured the two-point victory.

North Dakota State 38, Air Force 32

FCS power North Dakota State earned another victory over an FBS opponent, outscoring Air Force in a 70-point contest.

Montana State 20, Nevada 7

Montana State supplied another FCS-over-FBS result, holding Nevada to seven points in Reno.

Illinois State 28, Northern Illinois 24

Illinois State completed the day’s third notable FCS upset by defeating Northern Illinois on the road.

James Madison 87, Wagner 3

James Madison posted the largest margin of victory on the FBS slate, scoring 87 points and allowing only a field goal.

Virginia 59, Norfolk State 3

Cavs quarterback Beau Pribula threw six touchdown passes as the Cavaliers dominated Norfolk State. Virginia forced three interceptions and limited the Spartans to 223 total yards in the 56-point victory.

Maryland 38, UConn 14

Malik Washington threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns as Maryland defeated UConn. Washington completed 18 consecutive passes, reportedly Maryland’s longest such streak since 1953, during the Terrapins’ victory.

Other Saturday FBS Results

• Kansas State 34, Washington State 7
• North Carolina 35, East Tennessee State 3
• Virginia Tech 44, Old Dominion 21
• Kent State 36, Wofford 15
• Liberty 24, Gardner-Webb 23
• West Virginia 52, UT Martin 7
• Central Michigan 13, Colgate 10
• Miami (Ohio) 45, Holy Cross 7
• Ball State 41, Stony Brook 17
• Colorado 52, Weber State 21
• Michigan State 35, Eastern Michigan 7
• UAB 26, Louisiana-Monroe 20
• Akron 45, Robert Morris 10
• Toledo 63, Central Connecticut 10
• Massachusetts 37, Sacred Heart 10
• Wyoming 21, Northern Colorado 13
• New Mexico 70, Mercyhurst 7
• Troy 34, Alabama State 17
• Vanderbilt 35, Delaware 26
• Florida 52, Campbell 3
• Florida International 33, Buffalo 20
• Western Michigan 49, Monmouth 14
• South Carolina 45, Towson 9
• Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
• Nebraska 56, Bowling Green 7
• Colorado State 58, Southern Utah 24
• Tulsa 23, Sam Houston 17
• Tulane 28, South Alabama 24
• Arkansas State 52, West Georgia 7
• Georgia State 31, Kennesaw State 17
• Marshall 28, Middle Tennessee 26
• Missouri State 48, Lindenwood 14
• UCLA 28, San Diego State 10
• Wisconsin 36, Western Illinois 9
• Coastal Carolina 45, Fordham 7
• TCU 63, Grambling 7
• Baylor 44, Prairie View A&M 3
• Auburn 43, Southern Miss 8
• San José State 30, Cal Poly 20
• UTEP 51, Texas Southern 10
• Clemson 22, Georgia Southern 7
• Fresno State 49, Sacramento State 3
• Hawai‘i 29, New Mexico State 19

Saturday’s College Football Winners and Losers

Texas emerged as the weekend’s biggest winner. The Longhorns not only defeated the nation’s No. 1 team but did so with a historic fourth-quarter rally that could elevate them to the top of the AP poll.

Oklahoma State produced the most surprising result. A team that had gone 21 consecutive games without defeating an FBS opponent outgained Oregon by 273 yards and knocked off the sixth-ranked Ducks.

Michigan also restored confidence after an uncertain opening week. Its defense showed that the Wolverines can contend with highly ranked opponents even while their passing offense continues to develop.

Oregon and Oklahoma suffered the most damaging losses among the ranked teams. Ohio State’s defeat will hurt, but a one-point road loss to No. 4 Texas is unlikely to remove the Buckeyes from the national championship conversation.

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