As Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian stood side by side at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, discussing their upcoming Cotton Bowl showdown, the rare snowfall outside only added to the excitement of the moment. The Buckeyes and Longhorns are set to square off on Friday in one of the biggest games of the season, with a berth in the National Championship Game on the line. This semifinal game will mark the fourth meeting in history between the two programs, and a rematch is already scheduled for later in 2025, when Ohio State will host Texas in the season opener. While some teams in college football have moved away from scheduling marquee nonconference matchups, Day and Sarkisian are taking the opposite approach, believing that these high-profile games are beneficial for their programs, players, and the sport as a whole.
A Rare Meeting: Ohio State vs. Texas
The matchup between Ohio State and Texas is a special one, not just because of the magnitude of the game but also due to the rarity of the meeting itself. Historically, the Buckeyes and Longhorns have only played three times, with each program winning once and the third contest being a tie. This game, the first in the College Football Playoff, will break the tie and determine who moves on to the National Championship.
Both teams come into the Cotton Bowl with a rich history of success, but also with something to prove. For Ohio State, this is another opportunity to secure a national title under Ryan Day’s leadership. The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff for the past several years, and after a strong performance in the 2024 season, they are positioned as one of the favorites to claim the championship. For Texas, it represents a chance to prove they are back among college football’s elite programs after years of mediocrity. With Steve Sarkisian leading the charge, the Longhorns have made significant strides, and they are now on the cusp of what would be their first national title appearance since the 2009 season.
Ryan Day’s View on Nonconference Challenges
In a world where some college football programs are opting to schedule softer nonconference opponents in order to pad their records, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is firmly in favor of playing challenging opponents. Day, who has consistently scheduled tough nonconference games since taking over the Buckeyes, sees these types of matchups as not only important for the team’s development but also essential for the sport.
“I think it’s healthy,” Day said during his Thursday press conference. “It’s great for our players, it’s great for the coaches, and it’s great for the game. These are the kind of games that everyone wants to see. You want to see the best teams face off and prove who’s the best. That’s why we play these games.”
Ohio State’s schedule for the upcoming seasons is a perfect example of this philosophy. After facing Texas in the Cotton Bowl, the Buckeyes will open the 2025 season against the Longhorns again, this time in Columbus. The Buckeyes also have other high-profile games scheduled in the coming years, including matchups with teams like Washington, Alabama, and Georgia, proving that Ohio State has no intentions of backing away from tough competition.
Day’s perspective is one shared by many of the top programs in college football. The idea of playing high-stakes games early in the season is seen as a way to sharpen the team, build momentum, and show fans what the sport is truly about. These nonconference games serve as a statement to the college football world that these programs are willing to put it all on the line, and that the true champions are determined by games like these.
Steve Sarkisian’s Confidence in His Team
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, while agreeing with Day’s sentiment about tough nonconference games, also has a confident outlook on his Longhorns. Sarkisian is no stranger to big games, having led Washington and USC before taking the helm at Texas, and he knows the importance of these types of showdowns.
“Look, we’re here to compete,” Sarkisian said during his press conference. “When you play in the College Football Playoff, you know that you’re going up against the best, and we’ve prepared for this moment. Our team is ready for the challenge, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. It’s a great opportunity for us to show the world that we’re back.”
Sarkisian has certainly turned the Longhorns into a formidable opponent during his time in Austin. Texas has one of the most talented rosters in the country, with a strong mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been a standout for Texas this season, and he will be key to their success against Ohio State. But it’s not just the offense that has Sarkisian excited about his team. Texas boasts a tough, physical defense led by cornerback Jahdae Barron, who will have the monumental task of going up against one of the best wide receiver corps in the nation, including Ohio State’s explosive Jeremiah Smith.
Sarkisian’s ability to get the most out of his players, especially in big-game situations, will be crucial in this semifinal game. He has experience coaching in high-stakes games, including during his time at USC, and he will need to tap into that knowledge to guide the Longhorns to a victory over Ohio State.
A Game of Talent and Strategy
When it comes to this matchup, the battle will undoubtedly come down to talent and strategy. Ohio State has one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, with elite players on both sides of the ball. Led by quarterback Kyle McCord, who has had a strong season, and a receiving corps that includes Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes’ offense is a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to move the ball downfield and stretch defenses will be a challenge for Texas, especially when facing their stingy defense.
On the other side, Texas’ offense will look to exploit Ohio State’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in stopping mobile quarterbacks. Ewers has shown that he can make plays with his arm and his legs, and he will need to be at his best against a tough Ohio State defense. Texas’ offensive line will also need to hold up against the Buckeyes’ pass rush, which has been one of the best in the nation this season.
For both teams, coaching will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Day and Sarkisian are two of the brightest offensive minds in college football, and their ability to adjust in-game and execute their respective game plans will be key.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ohio State and Texas
Regardless of the outcome on Friday, one thing is clear: this rivalry is only going to get more exciting in the years to come. After the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State and Texas will meet again in the 2025 season opener in Columbus, and future matchups between these two powerhouse programs will undoubtedly be filled with anticipation and excitement. The long-term benefits of these nonconference games extend beyond just this season—they help build momentum for future seasons and add to the rich history of college football.
In the meantime, both Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian are focused on the immediate task at hand: winning the Cotton Bowl and securing a spot in the National Championship Game. For Ohio State, this is another chance to prove themselves as one of the top programs in the country, while for Texas, it’s a statement opportunity to show that they are back among the college football elite.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and fans are in for a thrilling showdown when Ohio State takes on Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
