Texas Longhorns Set to Face Ohio State in Cotton Bowl CFP Semifinal

The stage is set for a monumental clash in the College Football Playoff semifinal as the Texas Longhorns prepare to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, January 10. This matchup, to be held at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, promises to be a showcase of elite talent, strategic brilliance, and high-stakes drama.

The Longhorns, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, enter the semifinal with a renewed sense of purpose. After clinching the Big 12 Championship with an emphatic performance, Texas proved they belong among college football’s elite. Anchored by a dynamic offense and a disciplined defense, the Longhorns boast a balanced roster capable of contending with the nation’s best. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been the catalyst for the team’s resurgence, combining precision passing with poise under pressure.

Wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell have been critical to the Longhorns’ offensive success, consistently delivering game-changing plays. The running game, spearheaded by Jonathon Brooks, adds another dimension to the attack, keeping opposing defenses on their heels. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Jaylan Ford and defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat have anchored a defense that thrives on physicality and timely stops.

Ohio State arrives in Arlington with a storied history and a chip on their shoulder. The Buckeyes, guided by head coach Ryan Day, earned their playoff spot with a strong finish in the Big Ten. Known for their high-powered offense, Ohio State relies on quarterback Kyle McCord and a stellar supporting cast that includes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., widely regarded as the best in the nation.

Defensively, the Buckeyes have been stout, led by standout performances from defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. The unit has consistently limited opposing offenses, a trend they’ll need to continue against Texas’ multifaceted attack.

The Cotton Bowl matchup is particularly significant for Texas fans, as it represents a chance to return to the pinnacle of college football. The Longhorns last made the College Football Playoff in 2009, and their path back to national prominence has been a long and winding road. A win over Ohio State would not only secure a spot in the national championship but also cement Texas’ place among the sport’s elite programs.

For Ohio State, this game is an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance and continue their pursuit of a ninth national championship. The Buckeyes have been a consistent force in the playoff era, and a win over Texas would further solidify their status as a perennial contender.

Fans from both programs are expected to flood AT&T Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere befitting a playoff showdown. With two of college football’s most passionate fan bases in attendance, the Cotton Bowl will be more than a game—it will be a spectacle.

As the countdown begins, the anticipation for Texas vs. Ohio State is palpable. With stars on both sides of the field and championship dreams on the line, this semifinal is shaping up to be one for the ages.