Ohio State vs. Texas: Cotton Bowl 2025 Schedule and Preview
The 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated college football games of the season.
On January 1, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorns in what promises to be a thrilling matchup of two of college football’s most storied programs. The Cotton Bowl, played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will serve as a neutral-site venue for this clash of elite teams, as both programs look to add another prestigious bowl victory to their histories.
With Ohio State coming off a strong regular season in the Big Ten and Texas showcasing impressive performances in the Big 12, this matchup has all the makings of a high-stakes game.
The Cotton Bowl is often a showcase for the nation’s top college football talent, and with players like Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord and Texas running back Bijan Robinson leading their respective teams, fans are in for a memorable contest. Let’s take a closer look at the Cotton Bowl 2025, including the game’s schedule, teams, and key players to watch.
Cotton Bowl 2025 Schedule
The 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic is scheduled to take place on January 1, 2025, with a kick-off time of 12:00 PM CT.
The game will be held at AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. The stadium, known for its massive seating capacity and cutting-edge facilities, is the perfect venue for a high-profile bowl game like this one. The location will allow both Ohio State and Texas fans to travel easily, as the state of Texas is a central hub for college football.
As part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) New Year’s Day bowl games, the Cotton Bowl is one of the premier matchups of the post-season, typically attracting significant attention from fans and media alike.
The 2025 edition promises to be no different, with the winner of the game earning more than just a trophy—it’s also an opportunity to build momentum heading into the next season, with both teams vying for national recognition.
Team Overview: Ohio State
Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, is one of the most successful programs in college football history. The Buckeyes have consistently been among the top contenders for the College Football Playoff, and their impressive track record in bowl games adds to their legacy.
Coming into the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State is expected to field a team with a strong offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and running back Miyan Williams. McCord, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, will look to continue his development as a leader on the field, especially in high-pressure situations like the Cotton Bowl.
In addition to McCord and Williams, Ohio State’s receiving corps is one of the most talented in the nation, with players like Marvin Harrison Jr.
and Emeka Egbuka providing dynamic playmaking ability. The Buckeyes are known for their high-powered offense, and with a defense that has shown promise throughout the season, they’ll be looking to put together a well-rounded performance against a talented Texas team.
Ohio State’s defense, led by standout players such as linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end Jack Sawyer, will be critical in slowing down Texas’ potent offensive attack.
The Buckeyes’ defense has had moments of dominance throughout the season, but they’ll need to bring their best effort to contain the Longhorns, especially in the trenches.
Team Overview: Texas
Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years.
After several seasons of rebuilding, the Longhorns are once again a force in the Big 12, and they’ll look to prove themselves on a national stage at the Cotton Bowl.
Texas boasts a talented roster, headlined by running back Bijan Robinson, who has been one of the most dynamic players in college football over the past few seasons. Robinson has the ability to take over a game with his combination of speed, vision, and power, and Ohio State’s defense will need to focus on containing him in order to limit the Longhorns’ offensive output.
Alongside Robinson, quarterback Quinn Ewers has been another key figure for Texas.
Ewers, a highly touted prospect, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, leading the Longhorns to several key victories. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a dual-threat quarterback, and his performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Texas’ defense, led by standout players such as linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Jerrin Thompson, will also play a significant role in the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns have shown the ability to stifle opposing offenses, and they’ll need to maintain that level of performance against an explosive Ohio State attack.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Ohio State’s Passing Game vs. Texas’ Secondary
Ohio State’s high-flying passing attack, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, will face off against a Texas secondary that has been solid throughout the season. The ability of Texas’ defensive backs, including Jerrin Thompson and other key contributors, to limit big plays will be crucial.
McCord’s ability to find his top targets downfield will be a key storyline heading into the game.
2. Bijan Robinson vs. Ohio State’s Run Defense
Texas running back Bijan Robinson has been one of the most explosive players in the nation, and Ohio State’s defense will need to bring their best to slow him down.
The Buckeyes have a solid defensive front, but Robinson has the ability to break off long runs and change the game with a single play.
This battle in the trenches will be critical in determining the outcome of the game.
3. Quinn Ewers vs. Ohio State’s Pass Rush
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced pressure throughout the season.
Ohio State’s defensive line, featuring stars like Jack Sawyer, will be looking to disrupt Ewers and force him into mistakes.
The Buckeyes will need to contain Ewers’ mobility and prevent him from getting into a rhythm in the passing game.
4. Coaching Experience
Both teams are led by talented and experienced head coaches.
Ryan Day has a track record of success at Ohio State and has consistently had his teams in the hunt for national championships. Steve Sarkisian, while still building the Texas program, has shown the ability to lead the Longhorns back to prominence.
The strategic decisions made by both coaches, including how they handle key situations and adjustments, will be critical in deciding the winner of the Cotton Bowl.
Impact of the Game
The outcome of the Cotton Bowl will have significant implications for both Ohio State and Texas. For Ohio State, a victory would continue to solidify their status as one of the premier programs in college football, and would provide momentum heading into the offseason as they look to make another run at the College Football Playoff next season.
A loss, however, could raise questions about their ability to perform in high-stakes games.
For Texas, a win would be a major statement to the college football world, showcasing that the Longhorns are back among the elite teams in the country. With several young and talented players, including Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson, Texas’ success in the Cotton Bowl could set the tone for future seasons and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas promises to be one of the most exciting and closely watched bowl games of the season. With both teams fielding talented rosters and strong coaching staffs, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high-level play on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s Ohio State’s potent offense or Texas’ dynamic playmakers, the Cotton Bowl will showcase some of the best talent in college football. As the game approaches, anticipation will only continue to build, and fans of both programs will be eagerly awaiting what is sure to be an unforgettable matchup.
