As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) approaches its final stages, the spotlight is shining on the defenses of the four teams still competing for the national title. The expanded playoff has brought with it a sense of throwback football, where dominant, suffocating defenses are making the biggest impact. As the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl semifinal matchups approach, it’s clear that these defenses, with All-Americans spread across the lineups, are the key to determining which team will advance to the national championship game.
This weekend’s matchups feature two defensive powerhouses: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl. These four teams all rank among the top eight in total defense this season, and it is expected that smothering defense will be the story of the playoffs.
Ohio State vs. Texas: A Clash of Defensive Titans
The matchup between Ohio State (12-2) and Texas (13-2) in the Cotton Bowl promises to be a defensive showdown of epic proportions. Both teams boast some of the most dominant defenses in the country, with Ohio State leading the nation in both total defense and scoring defense. Texas follows closely behind, ranking third in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. This sets the stage for what is expected to be a gritty, hard-hitting game where offenses will struggle to move the ball downfield.
Ohio State’s defense has been a hallmark of its success all season. The Buckeyes are led by a ferocious pass-rush duo in J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. These bookend rushers are known for disrupting quarterbacks and causing havoc in opposing backfields. Tuimoloau and Sawyer have combined for numerous sacks throughout the season, including an impressive eight sacks in Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory over Oregon. In that game, they sacked Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times, showing just how much pressure they can generate on a quarterback.
On the back end, the Buckeyes are anchored by All-American safety Caleb Downs, who is a force against both the run and pass. Ohio State’s defense has allowed just 12.1 points per game this season, a testament to their dominance across the board. The Buckeyes have only allowed one quarterback to throw for over 300 yards and two running backs to rush for over 100 yards all season. They are a well-oiled machine that excels at limiting big plays and forcing offenses to work for every yard.
For Texas, the defense is led by a secondary that has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season. Senior cornerback Jahae Barron was named the nation’s top defensive back after a stellar season, which included numerous pass breakups and interceptions. Barron, alongside his talented secondary teammates, has been key in Texas’s defensive dominance. In fact, the Longhorns’ defense has produced turnovers in 23 consecutive games, the longest streak in the country. This turnover-producing ability has been one of the main reasons Texas has been so successful defensively.
Texas also boasts a dynamic edge rusher in Colin Simmons, who has been a terror in the backfield with 9.0 sacks this season. Simmons was awarded the Shaun Alexander Award as the nation’s top freshman for his impressive play. Texas’s defensive front has been suffocating all season, and the team will rely on this unit to put pressure on Ohio State’s quarterback, who will need to be on point to avoid costly mistakes.
Texas’s defense also made big plays in their quarterfinal win over Arizona State. With the game tied in the final moments of regulation, safety Michael Taaffe delivered a clean but hard hit on an Arizona State receiver, leading to a review for targeting. After being ruled legal, Texas’s defense sealed the win in double overtime with an interception from Andrew Mukuba. The Longhorns’ defense has allowed just 31 points in its last four games, demonstrating how effective it is when it matters most.
When Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard, spoke about the Texas defense, he didn’t mince words. “They got some dudes, man,” Howard said, recognizing the talent Texas brings to the table. The Longhorns have earned a reputation for being physical, and they will certainly need to bring that physicality to this matchup against a high-powered Buckeyes offense.
Penn State vs. Notre Dame: More Defense in the Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl features another defensive battle between Penn State (13-2) and Notre Dame (13-1), both of which have shown the ability to dominate opposing offenses. Penn State’s defense has been one of the best in the nation this year, ranking among the top 10 in both total defense and scoring defense. The Nittany Lions were especially impressive in their quarterfinal win over Boise State, where they held the high-powered offense to just 14 points and shut down standout running back Ashton Jeanty.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s defense has been just as impressive. In their quarterfinal victory over Georgia, the Fighting Irish held the Bulldogs to just 62 yards rushing and 10 points. Despite being without standout defensive tackle Rylie Mills, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the playoffs, Notre Dame’s defense shut down a potent Georgia offense, forcing two turnovers and stopping the Bulldogs on all three of their fourth-down attempts.
Notre Dame’s defense has been especially effective at stopping the run, which will be key when they face Penn State’s rushing attack. Penn State has relied heavily on its ground game this season, and stopping running back Nicholas Singleton will be critical for the Irish. If Notre Dame’s defensive front can dominate the line of scrimmage, they will put themselves in a position to advance to the national championship.
The Physicality of These Defenses
Across both semifinals, the physicality of these defenses is undeniable. From the punishing secondary play of Texas’s Jahae Barron to the relentless pass rush from Ohio State’s Tuimoloau and Sawyer, each defense has the ability to dictate the game. These units excel in making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run, and they have proven to be among the nation’s best throughout the season.
The importance of defense in these matchups cannot be overstated. With offenses struggling to find consistency, it is likely that whichever defense can impose its will first will have the upper hand in these games. In each matchup, one team’s defense is sure to rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the national championship game.
Conclusion: A Throwback to Defensive Dominance
The 2025 College Football Playoff has turned into a showcase of defensive prowess. As teams like Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Notre Dame prepare to face off in the semifinals, fans can expect hard-hitting, defensive football that harkens back to an earlier era. With All-American talent spread across the defenses, the next few days of football promise to feature brutal physicality and intense battles on the line of scrimmage. These teams have all built their success on stifling opposing offenses, and it will be a true test of which defense can outshine the other in the pursuit of a national title.
