If you told a football fan at the beginning of the season that Texas and Ohio State would play for a spot in the CFP Championship, they’d probably believe it. But not like this. In a thrilling twist of fate, both teams have emerged as technically underdogs, securing their places in the 2025 Cotton Bowl after surviving their quarterfinal matchups in dramatically different fashions.
The Longhorns faced a nail-biting double-overtime showdown against (4) Arizona State, pulling off a jaw-dropping comeback to win 39-38. Meanwhile, (8) Ohio State avenged a regular-season loss by dominating the title favorite (1) Oregon with a decisive 41-21 victory. Now, one of these powerhouse programs will have the chance to compete for a national title, and the excitement is palpable among fans.
Texas vs. Ohio State 2025 Cotton Bowl start time
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated matchup between Texas and Ohio State is set for Friday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities. Fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable night of college football.
Tickets for the Cotton Bowl
For those eager to witness this epic clash, tickets for the Texas vs. Ohio State game are available now on StubHub. However, fans should act quickly, as prices are not expected to drop as the game day approaches. The cost to get into the game starts at $290, while lower bowl seating begins at $550 for those looking to splurge on a premium experience. With the stakes this high, it’s no surprise that demand is soaring.
AT&T Stadium seat map
(StubHub)
Defensive Showdown Ahead
The last time Texas and Ohio State faced off was in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, where the Longhorns emerged victorious. This time, however, the matchup promises to be a different story. Both teams boast some of the best defenses in the nation, making it a battle of wills and strategy. The question on everyone’s mind is: which team can put it all together at the right time to secure a spot in the championship game?
College Football Playoffs 2025 schedule, results
As we look back on the road to the Cotton Bowl, the playoffs have been nothing short of exhilarating. Here’s a quick recap of the key results leading up to this moment:
First round
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Fri., Dec. 20 | No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17 | South Bend, Ind. | 8 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10 | State College, Pa. | 12 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24 | Austin, Texas | 4 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17 | Columbus, Ohio | 8 p.m. | – |
Quarterfinals
In the quarterfinals, both Texas and Ohio State showcased their resilience and determination:
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Tues., Dec. 31 | No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14 | Fiesta Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State (2OT) | Peach Bowl | 1 p.m. | – |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21 | Rose Bowl | 5 p.m. | – |
Semifinals
Looking ahead, the semifinals are set to be just as thrilling:
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Thurs., Jan. 9 | No. 6 Penn State vs. Georgia/Notre Dame | Orange Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
| Fri., Jan. 10 | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State | Cotton Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
Championship
The road to the championship is heating up, with the final game scheduled for Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Who will emerge victorious from the Cotton Bowl to claim their spot in this prestigious matchup? The anticipation is building, and fans can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds.
As we gear up for this monumental clash, the excitement surrounding college football continues to grow. With both teams bringing their A-game, the Cotton Bowl promises to be a thrilling spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.
