Texas Longhorns Cotton Bowl Top 5 Player Props | CFP Semifinals Best Bets
The Texas Longhorns are one of the most exciting teams in college football this season, and their upcoming showdown in the Cotton Bowl, where they face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, has football fans buzzing with anticipation. Both teams come into this matchup with impressive résumés, loaded rosters, and aspirations of making it to the national championship game. As we await the highly anticipated game, one way to add an extra layer of excitement is by placing some player prop bets. These bets allow fans to focus on individual performances and key moments throughout the game.
Here, we’ll break down five of the most enticing player prop bets for the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, providing insight into the players who are expected to make significant impacts and why these props are worth considering.
1. Quinn Ewers – Over/Under Passing Yards
Player Prop: Over/Under 280.5 passing yards
Why it matters: Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been one of the key players for Texas all season long, showcasing his arm strength, accuracy, and poise. Heading into the Cotton Bowl, Ewers will be tasked with navigating a formidable Ohio State defense that has given up some yardage this season, especially in high-stakes games. Ewers has consistently thrown for over 250 yards in most of Texas’ key games, and his ability to make big throws in the passing game will be essential for Texas’ offensive success.
The Buckeyes’ defense, while strong, has shown vulnerability against elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses. Given that Ohio State ranks in the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game (around 230 yards), this prop is intriguing. With his receiving corps, including players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Ewers has the tools to go over the 280-yard mark, especially with Texas likely needing to air it out in a competitive game.
Bet Recommendation: Over 280.5 passing yards – Ewers’ ability to stretch the field will be crucial in this game, and he has the weapons around him to surpass this mark.
2. Bijan Robinson – Over/Under Rushing Yards
Player Prop: Over/Under 120.5 rushing yards
Why it matters: Bijan Robinson is one of the top running backs in the nation and is a huge part of Texas’ offensive identity. Robinson has been the engine for Texas all season, consistently racking up rushing yards with his vision, power, and elusive running style. In the Cotton Bowl, he will go head-to-head against a Buckeyes defense that has shown significant improvement this season but can still be vulnerable to powerful running backs.
Ohio State’s defensive line has been stout, but it has given up significant chunks of yardage to quality running backs, especially in games where teams have committed to the run. Robinson has rushed for over 120 yards multiple times this season and has proven he can take over games. Given that Texas may lean on Robinson to control the clock and wear down Ohio State’s defense, this player prop is intriguing.
Bet Recommendation: Over 120.5 rushing yards – Texas’ commitment to the run game, coupled with Robinson’s talent, makes this a solid bet for him to hit the 120-yard mark.
3. Xavier Worthy – Over/Under Receptions
Player Prop: Over/Under 5.5 receptions
Why it matters: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the most electrifying players in the country this season. His speed and ability to stretch the field make him a prime target for Quinn Ewers, especially in big games like the Cotton Bowl. Worthy has consistently been a high-volume receiver for the Longhorns, and in this matchup against Ohio State, he will likely be one of the focal points of the Texas offense.
Ohio State’s defense will certainly be focused on stopping Robinson in the run game, which could open up more opportunities for Worthy in the passing game. With Ewers likely targeting Worthy on a variety of routes — including deep balls and quick slants — this prop bet becomes enticing, especially since Worthy has the ability to dominate in the passing game. Worthy has had multiple games this season where he has recorded 6 or more receptions, and the dynamic nature of Texas’ offense will likely keep him involved.
Bet Recommendation: Over 5.5 receptions – Worthy’s role as Texas’ primary playmaker in the receiving game makes this an attractive prop.
4. Jordan Whittington – Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Player Prop: Jordan Whittington to score a touchdown anytime
Why it matters: Jordan Whittington has been a reliable target for Quinn Ewers all season, serving as a solid possession receiver and key contributor in critical situations. In a high-pressure game like the Cotton Bowl, players like Whittington, who are capable of making tough catches in key moments, often emerge as unsung heroes.
Whittington has had his fair share of touchdown receptions this season, and with Ohio State likely to focus its efforts on Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy, Whittington could find himself in favorable one-on-one matchups in the red zone. This prop bet takes advantage of the idea that Texas’ offense will spread the ball around, and Whittington’s ability to find space in critical moments will make him a prime candidate to score.
Bet Recommendation: Jordan Whittington to score a touchdown anytime – With Ohio State focusing on other weapons, Whittington has a great chance to find the end zone.
5. Texas Defense – Total Sacks (Over/Under)
Player Prop: Over/Under 3.5 sacks
Why it matters: The Texas defense has been aggressive all season long, particularly with their ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ohio State’s quarterback, Quinn Ewers, will certainly face a tough challenge in the pocket, with Texas’ front seven, including defensive ends like Alfred Collins and T’Vondre Sweat, looking to disrupt Ewers’ rhythm and force mistakes.
The Buckeyes have a solid offensive line, but they’ve been susceptible to pressure in some of their tougher games this season. The Texas defense thrives when they can disrupt the quarterback, and if they are able to bring pressure consistently, it could be a game-changing factor. Texas has had multiple games this season where they’ve recorded 4 or more sacks, and against an offense like Ohio State’s, it’s likely they will need to find a way to pressure Ewers and force him into mistakes.
Bet Recommendation: Over 3.5 sacks – Texas’ defensive line is one of their strongest units, and they will need to bring pressure to contain Ohio State’s potent offense.
Final Thoughts
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their Cotton Bowl showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes, there are plenty of exciting player prop bets that could make the game even more thrilling. Whether it’s Quinn Ewers passing for big yardage, Bijan Robinson running over defenders, or the Texas defense getting after the Ohio State quarterback, these props offer fans an opportunity to get in on the action and follow key players as they look to lead their team to victory. With so many playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Cotton Bowl promises to be a thrilling game, and these prop bets provide an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated matchup.
