The Cotton Bowl is one of college football’s most iconic bowl games, and the 2025 edition promises to be a thrilling matchup between two of the sport’s premier programs: Ohio State and Texas. The contest is set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is expected to be an exciting battle between the Big Ten and the Big 12.
1. Cotton Bowl Overview
The Cotton Bowl Classic, formally known as the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for sponsorship reasons, is one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football. First played in 1937, the Cotton Bowl has featured many legendary teams and players over the years, and its place in college football lore is indisputable. Held annually, the Cotton Bowl typically invites two highly ranked teams to compete for postseason glory, often showcasing programs from different conferences and regions.
As part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, the Cotton Bowl Classic occasionally serves as one of the major New Year’s Six bowl games, though for the 2025 season, it will be a key contest between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns.
2. Date and Kickoff
The 2025 Cotton Bowl is scheduled to take place on January 1, 2025, with the official kickoff set for 12:00 PM Central Time. This will provide college football fans with a thrilling way to start their New Year, with two of the biggest programs in the sport taking the field in Arlington. The timing also allows fans in both Ohio and Texas to watch the game at an afternoon hour, making it an ideal slot for national TV broadcasts.
3. Venue: AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas, is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and serves as one of the premier sports venues in the country. Known for its massive retractable roof, state-of-the-art facilities, and awe-inspiring design, the stadium is often referred to as “Jerry World” after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who played a significant role in the stadium’s construction.
The stadium boasts a seating capacity of over 80,000, which can be expanded for larger events. It is also renowned for its high-definition video board, the largest of its kind in any stadium, which will give fans an unparalleled view of the game. AT&T Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowls, NCAA basketball games, and major concerts, making it an ideal venue for the 2025 Cotton Bowl.
4. Teams: Ohio State vs Texas
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most successful programs in college football history, enter the 2025 Cotton Bowl with a proud tradition of excellence. The Buckeyes have won multiple national championships and have consistently been one of the top teams in the country. Led by head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has been a dominant force in the Big Ten, regularly contending for conference titles and making playoff appearances.
Ohio State boasts a rich roster of talent, with standout players often making their mark in the NFL. Known for their high-powered offense and tough defense, the Buckeyes are always a formidable opponent. In the 2025 season, Ohio State’s offense has been potent, thanks to standout quarterback play and a deep roster of skill players, while the defense remains aggressive and disciplined. The Buckeyes’ ability to recruit top-tier talent and consistently challenge for the national championship has made them a powerhouse in college football.
Ohio State’s passionate fan base is one of the most dedicated in the sport, and they will undoubtedly make their presence known in Arlington, bringing a sea of scarlet and gray to the Cotton Bowl.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns are another powerhouse program in college football, with a rich history of success. Texas is one of the most storied programs in the history of the sport, having won multiple national championships and produced numerous NFL stars. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has been steadily improving and aiming to return to its former glory as one of the elite programs in college football.
Texas is known for its strong recruiting base, especially in the state of Texas, and has always had the resources to compete at the highest level. The Longhorns’ offense is known for its balance, with explosive running backs and a talented quarterback corps. Defensively, Texas has the ability to dominate up front and disrupt opposing offenses. The team has a fierce rivalry with other top programs, and a win in the Cotton Bowl would be a significant step forward in its rebuild under Sarkisian.
Texas fans are known for their passionate support of the Longhorns, and they will certainly turn out in full force for this exciting matchup against Ohio State. Expect a vibrant atmosphere at AT&T Stadium as these two proud programs clash in one of college football’s premier bowl games.
5. How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the 2025 Cotton Bowl can be purchased through multiple outlets, including the official Cotton Bowl Classic website, as well as various ticket platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and Vivid Seats. Since this is a marquee matchup between two high-profile programs, tickets are expected to be in high demand, so fans are advised to purchase their tickets well in advance.
AT&T Stadium has a seating capacity of more than 80,000, and tickets will be sold in various price ranges based on seating sections and proximity to the field. Prices can vary, with premium seats and club-level seating commanding higher prices. For those looking to attend the game on a budget, there are also more affordable options available, particularly in the upper sections of the stadium.
For fans who cannot attend in person but still want to experience the game, many of the ticket platforms will offer access to exclusive fan experiences and packages, including VIP passes, hospitality suites, and on-field access during pre-game warmups.
6. Television Broadcast and Streaming
For those who cannot make it to the stadium, the 2025 Cotton Bowl will be broadcast live on national television. ESPN will have exclusive broadcast rights for the game, as they do for many of the major bowl games, including the College Football Playoff.
Fans can tune in to watch the game live on ESPN or ESPN2, depending on the network’s scheduling. Coverage will include pre-game and post-game analysis, player interviews, and in-depth commentary from some of the best broadcasters in college football. ESPN’s broadcast team will provide detailed play-by-play coverage, ensuring that fans get every moment of the action from start to finish.
In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, the 2025 Cotton Bowl will also be available for streaming on various platforms. Fans can use the ESPN app or stream the game through ESPN+ if they have a subscription. For cord-cutters or those who prefer to stream the game, other options include platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, which offer ESPN channels as part of their packages.
7. Fan Experience and Events
In addition to the excitement of the game itself, the Cotton Bowl offers fans a wide range of events and activities to enhance the experience. In the lead-up to the game, there will be fan festivals, pep rallies, and tailgating events, particularly around AT&T Stadium. Fans can enjoy live music, interactive games, and other activities that celebrate the spirit of college football and create a festive atmosphere around the event.
AT&T Stadium is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and fan zones, making it a great location for pre-game festivities. Fans can enjoy a meal, grab a drink, and soak in the atmosphere before heading into the stadium for the game. For those coming from out of town, Arlington offers a wide range of hotel accommodations, from luxury options to more budget-friendly choices.
The game itself will feature a top-notch fan experience, with entertainment during breaks in the action, a halftime show, and a wide array of on-field presentations. Expect to see the high-energy atmosphere that makes college football so special, with both teams’ fan bases making their presence known throughout the stadium.
