ARLINGTON, Texas -- The 2025 Cotton Bowl delivered fierce competition as No. 5 Texas faced off against No. 8 Ohio State for the College Football Playoff semifinal at AT&T Stadium on Friday night. Texas was aiming for its first national championship appearance since 2010, and Ohio State was seeking to advance to the title game after two dominant playoff performances.
Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET, Ohio State entered as the favorite, having outscored their opponents 83-38 through the playoffs. The matchup evoked memories of the past, with both teams seeking their first title since the mid-2000s; Texas last won it all during Vincent Young’s legendary run back in 2005.
The Buckeyes displayed dominance throughout their playoff run, crushing Oregon 41-21 off the back of standout freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had garnered significant attention with his incredible performance, racking up 187 yards and two touchdowns against the Ducks. Coach Ryan Day's squad came equipped with momentum, having won their last two games decisively.
Conversely, Texas has faced adversity on their road to the Cotton Bowl. Coach Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns nearly faltered against Arizona State, blowing a 24-8 lead and relying on tenacity to secure victory. This semifinal represented another chance for Texas to get back to championship glory, but skepticism lingered as they prepared to challenge one of college football’s juggernauts.
After winning the coin toss and opting to defer the kickoff, Ohio State received the game's opening possessions. The Buckeyes struck first on their initial drive, with running back Quinshon Judkins crossing the end zone for the game’s first points after going 10 plays for 64 yards, setting the tone straight away.
Trailing 7-0, Texas struggled to find offensive rhythm initially, with their first series ending on a fumbled snap and forced to punt. Yet, the Longhorns responded, tying the score 7-7 just before halftime as Quinn Ewers found Jaydon Blue for an 18-yard touchdown with only 29 seconds remaining. The drive highlighted Texas’s offensive capabilities, showcasing Ewers’ passing prowess.
At halftime, the score stood at 14-7, following Ohio State's rapid response—a 75-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to TreVeyon Henderson. This display solidified Ohio State's ability to capitalize on defensive breaks and emphasized their offensive talent.
The second half showed Texas tightening their grip as Ewers connected with Blue for another score, tying the game at 14-14 early. Key third-down conversions and the Longhorns’ determination shone through, pushing Ohio State's defensive line to adapt.
With the game tied, both teams exchanged body blows, each relying on their defensive strengths. Ohio State had managed to achieve standout defensive stats throughout the season, ranking first nationally for total defense. Conversely, Texas held its own with aggressive defensive stands, evident as they forced three turnovers against Ohio State's potent offensive attack.
Despite facing numerous self-inflicted penalties, the Buckeyes kept recalibrated, with Howard completing important passes to keep drives alive and minimize yardage lost. Both teams traded stops, preventing any significant gains as the clock ran down toward the end of regulation.
Late-game adjustments became pivotal for both squads, with Texas’ decision-making coming under scrutiny, especially with Sarkisian's fourth-down attempts. Meanwhile, Ohio State sought to exploit their final minutes, calculating every yard carefully as the pressure mounted.
Throughout the matchup, star players emerged under the spotlight: Howard seeking revenge against the Longhorns after coming up short on previous encounters during his tenure at Kansas State, and Ewers, the former Ohio State QB, aiming for legitimacy as a seasoned starter.
After experiencing fleeting moments of brilliance, the game's pace continued to oscillate dramatically, reflecting the importance of every possession. Bold offensive schemes collided with fortified defensive strategies, creating palpable tension as the championship potential loomed over both sides.
Fans remained engaged, caught up in the historical aura surrounding this clash of titans. The matchup not only held playoff significance but nostalgic ties from past collegiate battles. Texas fans rallied behind their team, showcasing unwavering loyalty, and echoed sentiments from previous victories.
Reflecting critique of approaches, comments came forward during halftime adjustments as analysts noted, “It’s incredible how college football has evolved; Texas needs to establish its run game more effectively.”
Ohio State’s defensive line success played similarly significant roles, interrupting numerous plays and causing Texas formatted pass patterns to fail repeatedly. Yet, Ewers found ways to outpace his defenders, improvising stunning plays recreatively as he found opportunities where available.
The game lived up to its billing, igniting ambitions of securing victory. Both programs looked for opportunity within adversity, with one aiming to break through to national prominence and the other wishing to reclaim its historical glory. The stakes were undeniably high: who would claim victory and earn the right to face 7-seed Notre Dame for the coveted trophy?
Texas and Ohio State revitalized the storied history of college football, bridging generations of fans with engrossing displays filled with heart-pounding moments and remarkable talent as they battled for supremacy under the dazzling lights. The conclusion of this iconic event promises yet another thrilling chapter for college football fans everywhere.