Texas Longhorns Injury and Opt-Out Report

The Texas Longhorns have had an eventful season, marked by impressive victories and some notable injuries. Heading into the Cotton Bowl, the team has a few key players listed as doubtful or out due to injury or personal decisions. These absences could certainly impact the team’s performance against a talented Ohio State squad.

Key Injuries:

1. Quarterback Quinn Ewers
   Status: Doubtful
   Ewers, who was the starting quarterback for most of the season, has been dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during the Big 12 Championship game. The injury raised concerns about his ability to perform at full strength for the Cotton Bowl. While Ewers has been working hard in rehab, it remains uncertain whether he will be available for the game. Texas has a strong backup option in Hudson Card, but Ewers’ leadership and ability to stretch the field are crucial to the Longhorns’ offensive success.
2. Running Back Bijan Robinson
   Status: Out
   Bijan Robinson, one of the top running backs in college football, announced earlier in the season that he would opt out of the Cotton Bowl to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. His absence leaves a significant hole in the Longhorns’ backfield. Robinson had a dominant season, rushing for over 1,500 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. His departure means that Roshon Johnson and Keilan Robinson will likely take on increased roles in the running game. Both are talented backs, but they have big shoes to fill in Robinson’s absence.
3. Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy
   Status: Probable
   Worthy has been one of the most explosive playmakers for the Longhorns this season, and he’s dealing with a minor ankle injury that has caused some concern heading into the Cotton Bowl. Worthy’s speed and ability to create separation are key elements of the Texas passing attack. The team is hopeful that he will be ready to go, though there remains a slight chance that he could be limited in some capacity. His presence on the field would be vital for Texas to open up the offense.
4. Defensive End T’Vondre Sweat
   Status: Questionable
   Sweat has been a disruptive force on the defensive line, known for his ability to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. He has been recovering from a knee issue that forced him to miss parts of the regular season. While the injury isn’t expected to be severe, his status for the Cotton Bowl is up in the air. If he’s unable to play, Texas will have to rely more heavily on their depth on the defensive line to contain Ohio State’s potent offense.
5. Cornerback Jerrin Thompson
   Status: Out
   Thompson, a key contributor in the Texas secondary, has been ruled out for the Cotton Bowl due to a shoulder injury sustained late in the regular season. His absence will be felt in the secondary, as Thompson has been a reliable presence in both coverage and run support. The Longhorns will need younger players like Kitan Crawford and Jaylon Guilbeau to step up in his absence, especially against a talented group of wide receivers on the Ohio State roster.
6. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown
   Status: Probable
   Overshown, one of the Longhorns’ most important defensive players, has been nursing a minor hamstring injury. However, Texas expects him to be available for the Cotton Bowl. Overshown is a versatile linebacker who excels in both coverage and rushing the passer. His presence in the game will be essential for Texas to neutralize Ohio State’s high-powered offense.

Opt-Outs:

1. Linebacker Jaylan Ford
   Status: Opting Out
   Ford, a key linebacker who was instrumental in the Longhorns’ defensive success this season, announced he would opt out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. While Texas will certainly miss Ford’s leadership and playmaking ability, this opens an opportunity for younger players to step into larger roles and gain valuable experience.
2. Offensive Tackle Christian Jones
   Status: Opting Out
   Offensive tackle Christian Jones, who had an up-and-down season but still contributed significantly to the offensive line, has decided to opt out of the Cotton Bowl. His decision leaves the offensive line with some reshuffling, which could impact the protection of whichever quarterback is under center for the Longhorns.

Ohio State Buckeyes Injury and Opt-Out Report

The Ohio State Buckeyes are a perennial powerhouse in college football, and they come into the Cotton Bowl as one of the favorites to win. However, like Texas, Ohio State has also had its fair share of injuries and opt-outs to manage heading into this crucial game.

Key Injuries:

1. Quarterback C.J. Stroud
   Status: Probable
   Stroud, one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a projected high NFL draft pick, has been dealing with a slight knee issue but is expected to play in the Cotton Bowl. Stroud is the engine that drives the Buckeyes’ offense, and his ability to make precise throws and read defenses will be vital against the Texas defense. If he is limited in any way, backup Kyle McCord is capable of stepping in, but Ohio State would prefer to have Stroud at full strength.
2. Running Back TreVeyon Henderson
   Status: Out
   Henderson, who has been one of Ohio State’s most explosive offensive weapons, has been ruled out for the Cotton Bowl after suffering a foot injury during the regular season. The injury required surgery, and he has been unable to recover in time for the game. In his absence, Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden will take on the bulk of the carries. Both are capable backs, but Henderson’s breakaway speed and vision will be missed.
3. Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
   Status: Probable
   Harrison, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, has been dealing with a nagging hip flexor injury. Despite the injury, he is expected to play in the Cotton Bowl. Harrison is one of the best wide receivers in college football and has the ability to take over a game with his route running and ability to make spectacular catches. If his injury limits him, Ohio State’s offense could struggle to generate the same big-play potential.
4. Defensive End J.T. Tuimoloau
   Status: Doubtful
   Tuimoloau is a standout defensive end for the Buckeyes, known for his pass-rushing ability and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. However, he has been battling a shoulder injury, and his status for the Cotton Bowl remains uncertain. If Tuimoloau is unavailable, Ohio State will need players like Jack Sawyer and Zach Harrison to step up and pressure Texas’ quarterback, whether that’s Ewers or Card.
5. Cornerback Denzel Burke
   Status: Questionable
   Burke, a key starter in the Buckeyes’ secondary, is nursing a hamstring injury. While Ohio State hopes he will be able to play, the injury could limit his mobility, which would be a significant disadvantage against a talented Texas receiving corps. If Burke is unable to play, Ohio State will need Jahsen Wint and Jordan Hancock to pick up the slack in the secondary.

Opt-Outs:

1. Defensive Tackle Tyleik Williams
   Status: Opting Out
   Williams, a stalwart on the interior defensive line, has decided to opt out of the Cotton Bowl to focus on preparing for the NFL Draft. Ohio State will need to fill the void left by Williams’ absence, especially when it comes to stopping the run and applying pressure up the middle against Texas’ offensive line.
2. Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka
   Status: Opting Out
   Egbuka, a key part of Ohio State’s high-flying passing attack, has also opted out of the game in preparation for the NFL Draft. His departure leaves a void in the receiving corps, although Julian Fleming and Cade Stover are capable of stepping up and making plays.