Ohio State vs. Texas: A History of CFP Showdowns and College Football Rivalry
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has provided fans with some of the most exciting matchups in recent college football history. While many programs have made multiple appearances in the CFP, few can match the prestige and storied legacies of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. These two football powerhouses have long been associated with high-level competition, intense fanbases, and rich histories, and while their CFP meeting history is limited, their rivalry and interactions within the realm of college football are anything but small.
In this article, we will explore the intersection of these two storied programs, their college football rivalry, and the potential for future CFP meetings between the two. We will take a deeper dive into their previous encounters, how the programs have evolved, and what makes them such iconic brands in the sport.
The History of Ohio State and Texas Football
Ohio State Buckeyes:
Ohio State University is one of the most successful programs in college football history. With multiple national championships and a reputation for producing elite talent, the Buckeyes are considered one of the top teams in the country year in and year out. The team’s identity has been built around a punishing defense and powerful offense, often driven by elite running backs and quarterback play. Ohio State’s dominance is reflected in their numerous Big Ten championships, as well as their continued success in both the regular season and the postseason.
The Buckeyes’ most recent CFP appearances have only enhanced their status as one of college football’s bluebloods. Ohio State’s 2014 national championship under coach Urban Meyer solidified their place among the elite, while their consistently strong recruiting classes have kept them in the conversation for college football’s most prestigious prizes.
Texas Longhorns:
Texas, meanwhile, has a rich and storied tradition of its own. The Longhorns have been consistently strong in college football since the 1940s and have produced some of the greatest players to ever take the field, such as Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, and Vince Young. Texas’ most recent national championship came in 2005 when Vince Young led the Longhorns to victory in the Rose Bowl over USC, one of the most memorable games in college football history.
However, since their 2009 appearance in the BCS National Championship Game, the Longhorns have struggled to regain their previous level of dominance. Despite flashes of brilliance under coaches such as Mack Brown and Charlie Strong, Texas has experienced periods of underachievement, leading to shifts in coaching staff and the program’s overall direction. Still, Texas remains one of the most recognized and followed programs in college football, and the potential for them to return to national prominence is ever-present.
The College Football Playoff: A New Era of Postseason Glory
The College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014 as a way to determine a clear and definitive national champion in college football. Prior to the CFP, the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) system was used, which had its own set of controversies regarding how the top two teams were determined. The CFP has addressed these issues by expanding the postseason format, allowing four teams to battle it out for the championship, and more recently, providing even greater access for teams from all Power 5 conferences, as well as the potential inclusion of a Group of Five school.
The CFP has seen its share of legendary moments and highly anticipated matchups, with teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia consistently making deep runs. Ohio State has made a significant impact in this new playoff format, with multiple appearances and an unforgettable victory in 2014. Texas, on the other hand, has not had the same level of success in the CFP era but has been on the radar due to its potential for greatness.
The Ohio State and Texas Intersection in the CFP Era
As of 2024, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns have not met in the College Football Playoff itself. This is surprising considering the level of talent on both teams, their rich traditions, and the number of seasons in which both programs have been competitive. However, that does not mean the two teams have not crossed paths in other major games or in the broader landscape of college football.
Key Matchups in the Postseason (Non-CFP):
While there have been no direct CFP meetings, Ohio State and Texas have met in bowl games that have had high stakes and similar postseason significance. The most notable of these matchups occurred in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.
- 2009 Fiesta Bowl (Ohio State 24, Texas 21): Ohio State’s victory in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl over Texas was a pivotal moment in the history of both programs. This matchup was highly anticipated because it was seen as a clash of two heavyweights: Texas, led by quarterback Colt McCoy, and Ohio State, with its dynamic defense and offense led by quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Texas had just missed out on playing in the national championship game that season, and this Fiesta Bowl matchup against Ohio State became a de facto playoff game.
The game was tightly contested, with Ohio State coming out victorious in a thrilling 24-21 upset. While the game wasn’t part of the official CFP system, it showcased how significant matchups between these two programs could be on the national stage, and both teams showed their strengths, even in defeat.
The Potential for Future CFP Matchups
While the Ohio State vs. Texas rivalry has not materialized into a direct College Football Playoff meeting as of 2024, the possibility of this happening in the future is certainly exciting for fans of college football. Both programs have established themselves as perennial powerhouses, and there is a growing sense that both teams could soon find themselves in the hunt for a CFP berth again.
Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has continued to be a major contender in the Big Ten, regularly finishing in the top four of the rankings and consistently being a contender for a national championship. Texas, on the other hand, has shown signs of revival under Steve Sarkisian, with a strong recruiting class and a renewed focus on returning to national prominence. Texas’ membership in the SEC, starting in 2024, will only make their road to the CFP more challenging but could also give the Longhorns more opportunities to prove themselves against the best teams in the country.
The 2024-2025 Season and Beyond
The 2024 season will see both Ohio State and Texas entering a new era. Texas, now a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), will face a more difficult path to reach the CFP. The competition in the SEC is fierce, but the challenge could bring out the best in Texas, making them a more dangerous contender in the long run.
Ohio State, meanwhile, will look to continue its dominance of the Big Ten and position itself as a top contender in the CFP rankings. With an impressive roster and a well-established coaching staff, the Buckeyes are expected to remain a top-tier program for the foreseeable future.
A potential Ohio State vs. Texas College Football Playoff meeting would not only be a high-profile game but would also have significant implications for the future of both programs. A matchup of this magnitude would bring immense national attention, as both teams have loyal fanbases and are located in two of the largest college football markets in the country. Such a game would bring together two teams that are familiar with success but are also searching for another national championship.
