PASADENA, Calif. — The 2025 Cotton Bowl Game, which will feature No. 8-seeded Ohio State against No. 5 Texas, is set for January 10 at AT&T Stadium, marking the latest chapter in the storied rivalry of these college football powerhouses. With both teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship, this matchup stands as more than just another bowl game; it’s a significant encounter with national title aspirations on the line.
Ohio State enters the contest with renewed vigor, showcasing their potent offensive capabilities and solid defense. Since their disappointing loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes (12-2) have outperformed expectations with dominating victories over No. 7 Tennessee (42-17) and top-ranked Oregon (41-21). Head Coach Ryan Day believes his team has peaked at the right time. “We’re focused on executing our game plan and I think we’ve learned how to play our best football late in the season,” Day stated during media day.
On the other side, Texas, boasting a record of 13-2, marches onto the field keeping their eyes on the prize as well. The Longhorns have gained momentum following key wins, including their Peach Bowl victory over Arizona State (39-31) after overcoming various hurdles. Coach Steve Sarkisian commented on his team’s resilience, noting, “When our backs are against the wall, our best shows up time and time again.”
Interestingly, this Cotton Bowl will occur seven months earlier than previously scheduled, as these two teams are set to meet again to kick off the 2025 season. Therefore, for the losing team, this game may present the first opportunity for revenge later on. For now, the focus remains squarely on the Cotton Bowl, which is anticipated to draw significant attention and fanfare.
The game is expected to showcase two quarterbacks with compelling stories. Ohio State’s Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, has made waves during the CFP, throwing five touchdowns and accumulating 630 yards. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers, the former Buckeye now starring for Texas, will aim to lead his Longhorns to victory. Ewers, who has compiled over 3,189 passing yards this season, faces high expectations. His matchup against Ohio State’s stingy defense will be pivotal.
According to analytics, Ohio State is favored to win by 5.5 points. With both teams armed with elite talent and premier coaching staff, the stakes couldn’t be higher. OSU receiver Emeka Egbuka discussed the chemistry within the team, expressing, “It’s been some of my best friends here, and we just don’t want it to end.”
This matchup has historical significance, being only the fourth meeting between the schools. The Buckeyes and Longhorns previously faced off during the 2005-2006 home-and-home series, each claiming victory at the other’s home field, and they squared off again during the Fiesta Bowl, resulting in another nail-biter won by Texas. This history adds another layer of intensity to the upcoming showdowns.
With fans not just attending to watch their teams, but also to be part of the larger narrative and great atmosphere of the Cotton Bowl, the expectation is nothing short of electric. “It’s going to be loud,” Day added, “and I know we have great fans; we expect to rise to the occasion.”
The matchup promises to showcase some extraordinary talents, such as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who shined with two long touchdowns against Oregon, and Texas’ standout running back Quintrevion Wisner, who adds another dynamic to the Longhorns’ attack.
This game presents ample opportunities for players to leave legacies and etch their names alongside the legends of their respective universities. Both teams are focused, driven, and ready to write the next chapter of their storied rivalry.
So, as the countdown to January 10 continues, both Ohio State and Texas are gearing up for battle—each team fueled by the desire not only to win, but to advance to Atlanta for the national championship game. The Cotton Bowl may just be where champions are forged, turning potential dreams of glory and prestige immediately real.