The Buckeyes and Longhorns will meet with a spot in the national championship game on the line

The inaugural College Football Playoff semifinal is confirmed, with (8) Ohio State facing (5) Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, January 10, for a chance to compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This matchup marks only the fourth encounter in history between these two prestigious programs, and the first since 2009. Texas maintained its pursuit of the College Football Playoff with a dramatic 39-31 double overtime victory over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The Longhorns held a significant lead of 24-8 in the fourth quarter, but a late surge from the Sun Devils, led by standout running back Cam Skattebo, forced the game into overtime. The teams exchanged scores in the initial overtime period, with Texas securing a crucial touchdown on a fourth-and-13 play. In the second overtime, the Longhorns scored again and subsequently forced a turnover on Arizona State's next possession, clinching the win. Meanwhile, Ohio State decisively overcame Oregon in the Rose Bowl, avenging a narrow 32-31 loss from the regular season with a commanding 41-21 victory. The Buckeyes maintained control throughout the game, establishing a 34-0 lead before opting for a more conservative approach in the latter stages. Notably, both Ohio State and Texas triumphed over opponents that had received first-round byes, contributing to a perfect 3-0 record for College Football Playoff teams that participated in first-round games. 

Regarding Ohio State, the team has showcased its prowess with one of the most formidable rosters in college football during this playoff campaign. The Buckeyes have achieved victories in their initial two postseason contests by a combined score of 83-38, consistently establishing substantial first-half leads of over 21 points and maintaining their dominance throughout, thereby making a strong statement following a less impressive conclusion to the regular season.

A significant factor contributing to Ohio State's success this season has been the revitalization of its offense, particularly through a renewed emphasis on standout freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. In the quarterfinal matchup against Oregon, the Buckeyes targeted Smith frequently, resulting in five receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns within the first half, marking his 13th and 14th touchdowns of the season, thus setting a new Big Ten record for a freshman. Throughout Ohio State's College Football Playoff campaign, Smith has accumulated 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, running back TreVeyon Henderson has elevated his performance. In games against Tennessee and Oregon, both of which feature some of the nation's premier defenses, Henderson has amassed 174 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 9.8 yards per carry, including four runs exceeding 20 yards, three of which resulted in touchdowns. The defense has also met expectations, as Oregon's offense had allowed only 13 sacks in their previous 13 games, yet Ohio State managed to sack Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times. Defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, who recorded two sacks and three pass breakups against Oregon, is currently delivering some of the finest performances of his career while spearheading a formidable defensive line.

Regarding Texas, its three-week postseason journey has highlighted the team's inconsistency. The Longhorns had an opportunity to secure victory in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, particularly after starting quarterback Carson Beck sustained an injury, but ultimately faltered in the closing moments. They nearly squandered a significant lead against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff and did indeed relinquish a substantial lead against Arizona State in the quarterfinals before managing to regroup and preserve their aspirations for a national title.

Should the Cotton Bowl hinge on a game-winning kick, the Longhorns may find themselves in a precarious situation. Bert Auburn, typically reliable, faced significant challenges during the Peach Bowl against Arizona State, where he missed two crucial field goal attempts in the final 1:40, including his first miss of the season from under 40 yards. Offensively, the Longhorns are spearheaded by Quinn Ewers, a former Ohio State recruit and the top overall prospect, who has been the starting quarterback since transferring to Texas in 2022. However, similar to Ohio State, Texas can rely on its defense. Although the Longhorns displayed uncharacteristic sloppiness against the Sun Devils, their defensive front is robust against the run and adept at pressuring the quarterback. True freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier defenders in college football, while linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is known for his speed and tenacity at all levels of play. Additionally, Texas boasts significant talent in the secondary, with Thorpe Award-winning defensive back Jahdae Barron excelling in coverage and safety Andrew Mukuba, who secured the game-winning interception against Arizona State, capable of neutralizing plays on the back end. 

The 2025 Cotton Bowl presents two teams on markedly different paths. Texas was fortunate to advance past Arizona State, aided by questionable late-game decisions and a remarkable fourth-down touchdown in overtime. In contrast, Ohio State has navigated what is arguably the most challenging College Football Playoff bracket with relative ease. The Buckeyes are performing at a level that surpasses all other teams in the competition, leading to a strong belief that they will manage the Longhorns without significant difficulty.