A spot in the 2025 College Football National Championship is on the line Friday night as No. 3 Texas takes on No. 6 Ohio State in the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic. Fans are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Texas and Ohio State’s Journey to the Semifinals
The Longhorns’ path to the penultimate round has been anything but easy. They secured two nail-biting victories: one against Clemson in the first round, followed by a thrilling overtime win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. On the other hand, Ohio State has showcased a dominant performance throughout the playoffs, defeating Tennessee 42-17 in the first round and top-seeded Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl. This contrast in their playoff journeys adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming matchup.
Historical Context
This meeting marks the first time these two powerhouse programs will clash on the gridiron since the 2008-09 season, with Texas holding a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head history. Will the Longhorns extend their lead, or will the Buckeyes level the score? As fans gear up for this exciting encounter, the anticipation is palpable.
Kickoff Details
Mark your calendars! Texas vs. Ohio State will kick off from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 10. This state-of-the-art venue, which boasts a seating capacity of 80,000, is not only home to the Dallas Cowboys but also hosts the Big 12 Championship game and the Southwest Classic rivalry game between Arkansas and Texas A&M.
How to Watch the Game
For those wondering about the broadcast details, the main telecast of Texas vs. Ohio State will air nationally on ESPN. Viewers can expect to hear the familiar voices of Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), and sideline reporters Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge. If you prefer a different viewing experience, ESPN2 will feature another edition of Field Pass with Pat McAfee, who will be joined by his usual crew from “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Regardless of which telecast you choose, all can be streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial for first-time users. This is a fantastic opportunity to catch the action without any cable commitments!
Radio Broadcast Information
For fans who prefer to listen to the game, Texas vs. Ohio State will be available live on SiriusXM. Tune in to channel 81 for the Buckeyes’ broadcast or channel 84 for the Longhorns’ coverage. Additionally, new users can enjoy a free month of SiriusXM, which includes access to live NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL games, as well as college sports and more.
College Football Playoff Schedule 2024-25
The road to the championship has been thrilling, and here’s a quick recap of the key games leading up to this semifinal matchup:
Friday, Dec. 20
| Game | Result |
| CFP First Round | No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17 |
Saturday, Dec. 21
| Game | Result |
| CFP First Round | No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10 |
| CFP First Round | No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24 |
| CFP First Round | No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17 |
Tuesday, Dec. 31
| Game | Result |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl) | No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14 |
Wednesday, Jan. 1
| Game | Result |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Peach Bowl) | No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT) |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) | No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21 |
Thursday, Jan. 2
| Game | Result |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl) | No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10 |
Thursday, Jan. 9
| Game | Result |
| CFP Semifinal (Orange Bowl) | No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 6 Penn State 24 |
Friday, Jan. 10
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
| CFP Semifinal (Cotton Bowl) | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Monday, Jan. 20
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
| CFP National Championship (Atlanta) | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
What to Expect on Game Day
With both teams bringing their A-game, fans can expect a thrilling matchup filled with intensity and passion. Will Texas continue their comeback story, or will Ohio State’s dominance shine through? The excitement is building, and the countdown to kickoff has begun!
