In the 2025 Cotton Bowl, two of college football’s most storied programs, Texas and Ohio State, will face off with a spot in the National Championship on the line. Despite losing two games during the regular season, Ohio State has looked unbeatable in its first two College Football Playoff (CFP) matchups. The Buckeyes delivered a stunning 41-21 victory over top-seeded, previously undefeated Oregon in the semifinals and overwhelmed the Tennessee Volunteers by 25 points in the opening round.
Texas, on the other hand, had a challenging path to the semifinals. The Longhorns began their playoff run by defeating 12th-seeded Clemson in the first round and then battled past fourth-seeded Arizona State in a dramatic double-overtime victory to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Historically, these two programs have met just three times, with all encounters involving teams that went on to play in the national championship game the same year. Their most recent clash was in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, where Texas emerged victorious, 24-21. As the teams prepare for their fourth meeting, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with both programs desperate for a win to secure their place in the national title game.
Adding to the excitement, ESPN’s experienced broadcast duo Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will call the Cotton Bowl. Fowler, a seasoned sportscaster who joined ESPN in the 1980s, became widely recognized as the host of College GameDay starting in 1990. Known for his calm storytelling style and attention to detail, Fowler has become a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
Herbstreit, who has been with ESPN since 1996, is a former Ohio State quarterback and an award-winning analyst with five Sports Emmy Awards to his name. His deep understanding of the game and engaging personality promise to bring vitality and insight to the broadcast. Together, Fowler and Herbstreit’s unmatched chemistry will add an extra layer of excitement to the game.
Analysts have largely favored Ohio State in this matchup. The Buckeyes’ dominant performances against Oregon and Tennessee have positioned them as one of the hottest teams in the nation. With a money line of -220 and a 5.5-point spread, Ohio State is the favorite, while Texas is listed at +190. The over/under for total points is set at 53.5. Joel Klatt of FOX Sports praised Ohio State’s recent performances, noting that they are playing some of their best football of the season.
In contrast, Texas has faced questions about its ability to match up with Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Although the Longhorns have had an impressive season, their narrow double-overtime win over Arizona State highlighted potential vulnerabilities.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest. Whether Ohio State’s powerful offense will prove too much for Texas or if the Longhorns will defy the odds and deliver a surprise remains to be seen. Either way, this showdown promises to be a must-watch event.