Ohio State vs. Texas: Predictions, Odds, How to Watch Cotton Bowl CFP Semifinal Game
The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) is gearing up for one of its most anticipated matchups in recent history. The Cotton Bowl will serve as one of the CFP semifinal games, featuring two of the most storied programs in college football: Ohio State and Texas. This game has all the makings of a classic, with high-powered offenses, dynamic defenses, and two passionate fanbases eager to see their teams take another step toward national glory.
As these two powerhouses prepare to clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A spot in the 2025 CFP National Championship Game is on the line, and both teams will leave it all on the field. Ohio State, with its consistently elite performance under Ryan Day, and Texas, led by the innovative Steve Sarkisian, will battle it out for a chance to claim college football supremacy.
Ohio State: A Program Built for Success
Ohio State enters this semifinal with a rich tradition of excellence, consistently being one of the top contenders in the CFP. The Buckeyes, from the Big Ten Conference, have been a perennial powerhouse under head coach Ryan Day, with a program that is known for its blend of talent, physicality, and strategic game planning.
Led by a strong recruiting class and a well-rounded team, Ohio State has been one of the most complete teams in college football this season. On offense, the Buckeyes feature a high-octane attack that is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Quarterback Kyle McCord has grown into a dynamic leader, managing the offense with poise and showing off a big arm. He will need to be sharp against Texas’ defensive front, which has the ability to disrupt even the most powerful offenses.
The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) is gearing up for one of its most anticipated matchups in recent history. The Cotton Bowl
The Buckeyes’ offense is complemented by a talented receiving corps, headlined by Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football. His ability to stretch the field and create separation will be a key factor in Ohio State’s success. The running game, led by Travon Henderson, is another important facet of their offense. Henderson’s ability to break tackles and gain big yards will help balance the offensive attack and keep Texas’ defense on its toes.
Defensively, Ohio State has been formidable all season. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by standout players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Mickael Bosa, has the ability to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Ohio State’s defense is known for its speed and physicality, and it will be critical in trying to contain Texas’ potent offense.
In this semifinal matchup, Ohio State will need to be balanced on both sides of the ball. Their offense must execute efficiently, while the defense must hold Texas to manageable yardage and make timely stops.
Texas: A Resurgent Powerhouse
Texas, a program with a rich history but a recent period of underperformance, has come roaring back under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns have been one of the most electrifying teams in the country this season, with an offense that has caught the attention of college football fans everywhere.
Led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, Texas has a dynamic passing attack that poses a serious threat to any defense. Ewers has had an exceptional season, making deep throws and exhibiting poise under pressure. With a talented receiving corps that includes Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Texas’ air game can strike quickly and from any part of the field. Their ability to stretch the field vertically will be a challenge for Ohio State’s secondary, which will need to be disciplined in coverage.
The Longhorns’ running game is also a strength, led by one of the nation’s best running backs in Bijan Robinson. Robinson is a complete back, capable of picking up yards between the tackles and bouncing it to the outside when needed. The Buckeyes’ defensive line will need to play fundamentally sound football to contain Robinson and limit his big-play ability.
On the defensive side of the ball, Texas has made significant strides this season. While their defense has had moments of vulnerability, the Longhorns have shown they can be opportunistic, creating turnovers and making key stops when it matters most. The Texas secondary, led by Jerrin Thompson and Ryan Watts, will need to hold up against Ohio State’s potent passing game and make sure not to allow easy deep passes. The defensive line, with Keondre Coburn and Byron Murphy, will also have to get pressure on McCord and disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm.
As for the overall team identity, Texas has developed a mentality of toughness, discipline, and execution under Sarkisian. The Longhorns’ ability to mix up their offensive schemes and adjust to different defensive looks will be a key factor in this semifinal matchup.
Predictions and Key Matchups
This game has all the ingredients of an exciting and unpredictable semifinal. Both Ohio State and Texas have explosive offenses and strong defenses, and it will likely come down to which team can execute better on the big stage.
Key Matchup 1: Ohio State’s Secondary vs. Texas’ Passing Attack
The Ohio State secondary, which has shown flashes of brilliance this season, will be tasked with containing Texas’ explosive receiving group. With Ewers’ arm strength and playmakers like Worthy and Whittington on the outside, the Buckeyes’ secondary will have to play disciplined, stay on top of deep routes, and tackle effectively in space.
Key Matchup 2: Ohio State’s Offensive Line vs. Texas’ Defensive Line
Texas’ ability to get consistent pressure on the quarterback will be critical in disrupting Ohio State’s offensive rhythm. The Longhorns’ defensive front must get pressure on McCord without compromising their pass coverage. Ohio State’s offensive line has been solid, but they will be facing one of the better defensive lines in the country in Texas. This battle in the trenches will be vital to the outcome of the game.
Key Matchup 3: Running Game
While both teams are known for their explosive passing games, the running game will still play an important role in this game. Ohio State’s Henderson and Texas’ Robinson are two of the best running backs in college football. The team that can establish the run and control the clock will have a significant advantage, especially late in the game when fatigue sets in.
Odds and Predictions
As of now, Ohio State enters this game as a slight favorite, with the odds reflecting their strength on both sides of the ball. However, Texas has proven to be more than capable of pulling off an upset, especially with their high-powered offense and dynamic playmakers. The odds are likely to shift leading up to the game as both teams finalize their preparations.
- Spread: Ohio State -2.5
- Over/Under: 63.5 points
- Moneyline: Ohio State -150, Texas +130
While Ohio State has the edge in terms of overall balance and experience, Texas has the ability to keep up with their scoring pace. With a strong quarterback, a dynamic receiving group, and an All-American running back, the Longhorns will pose a serious threat to the Buckeyes. Expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of big plays and back-and-forth action.
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Texas 35. While both teams are evenly matched and capable of winning, Ohio State’s defense and balanced offense give them a slight edge in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
How to Watch
The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be broadcast nationally, allowing college football fans to tune in from all over the country to see this exciting CFP semifinal. Here are the details for how to watch the game:
- Date: December 31, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV Network: ESPN (National Coverage)
- Streaming: ESPN+ and the ESPN app will stream the game live
- Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining matchup that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re rooting for Ohio State or Texas, the excitement of the Cotton Bowl is sure to deliver.
The Ohio State vs. Texas Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal game is set to be one of the most exciting matchups of the 2025 college football season. Both teams bring elite talent to the field, and their dynamic offenses and tough defenses will make for an action-packed game. With a national championship berth on the line, expect an intense battle that will go down to the wire. This game has the potential to be an all-time classic, and college football fans should mark their calendars for what is sure to be a thrilling contest.
