Ohio State holds off Texas in electric Cotton Bowl semifinal seeking first national championship in a decade

Jack Sawyer's dramatic scoop and score sealed the Buckeyes' victory over the Longhorns

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Ohio State outlasted Texas 28-14 to win the Cotton Bowl and clinch their first trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship since 2014. The Buckeyes will face 7-seed Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20 in search of their first national championship in a decade. 

Texas got the ball to the edge of the goal line with only minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and had five plays to get it into the end zone. On a pivotal fourth down Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers dropped back to pass, but Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer strip-sacked Ewers and returned it more than 80 yards for a touchdown. 

The Longhorns had one more drive, but Ewers threw an interception to safety Caleb Downs to end the game and send Ohio State to the national title game. Despite the offensive talent between these two programs, the defenses dominated the matchup. Texas forced an interception off quarterback Will Howard and sacked him twice. Ohio State posted nine tackles for loss and four sacks in the big win, including three tackles for loss from linebacker Sonny Styles. 

Texas blanketed wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and held him to only three yards on three targets. In his place, Carnell Tate stepped up with seven catches for 87 yards. Three first half drives were derailed by penalties, but the Buckeyes made just enough plays to step up and win. 

Ewers threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns in what is expected to be his final career game at Texas. Ultimately, the Longhorns leave for the second year in a row wondering what could have been. 

CBS Sports was here throughout with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from Ohio State's dramatic win over Texas. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 11:30 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Unmatched depth

Texas managed to take away Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes are down two starting linemen for the season. At one point, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau went out with an injury. 

None of it mattered. Ohio State's championship depth shone through. 

With Smith blanketed, the Buckeyes simply looked to No. 2 receiver Emeka Egbuka, who finished with five catches for 51 yards. When he faced pressure, No. 3 receiver Carnell Tate stepped up and had one of the biggest games of his young career with seven catches for 87 yards. Even when Ohio State gave up the first touchdown of the game, running back TreVeyon Henderson took a screen pass 75 yards for a touchdown. 

Ultimately, that's the challenge that comes with playing Ohio State. It has a roster filled with players who can change the game in an instant. Even in the semifinal round of the College Football Playoff, no one can seriously match the Buckeyes depth.

[Jan 10, 2025 at 11:14 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Sawyer's emergence

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer was a top-five national recruit, but never quite lived up to national-caliber ability -- until the College Football Playoff. With a game-deciding strip-sack, Sawyer's legendary CFP added yet another chapter. 

Sawyer finished with three tackles, a sack, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and the strip-sack for a touchdown in the win. In the playoff alone, Sawyer is up to 4.5 sacks. He has emerged as the physical and emotional leader of the defense as the Buckeyes prepare to play for a national championship. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 11:11 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Defensive masterclass

FINAL: Ohio State 28, Texas 14

Texas was rated among the best defenses in college football all season, but the Longhorns flexed their muscles against Ohio State's highly-ranked offense. The Longhorns blanketed wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from the start and held him to only three targets and one catch. From an aerial view, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski passed off coverages and used pass rushers to block passing lanes and make the quick passing game ineffective. 

The Longhorns' defensive line also had real success against a high-powered Ohio State offense, holding the Buckeyes to only 3.4 yards per carry and 78 yards from the running backs. The performance will get lost to history, but the Texas unit was one of the best in the sport. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 11:07 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State outlasts Texas

FINAL: Ohio State 28, Texas 14

Ohio State outlasted Texas 28-14 to win the Cotton Bowl and clinch their first trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship since 2014. The Buckeyes will face 7-seed Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20 in search of their first national championship in a decade. 

Texas got the ball to the edge of the goal line with only minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and had five plays to get the ball into the end zone. On a pivotal fourth down, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers dropped back to pass, but Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer strip-sacked Ewers and returned it more than 80 yards for a touchdown. 

The Longhorns had one more drive, but Ewers threw an interception to safety Caleb Downs to end the game and send Ohio State to a victory. Despite the offensive coaching talent between these two programs, the defenses dominated the matchup. Texas forced an interception off quarterback Will Howard and sacked him twice. Ohio State posted nine tackles for loss and four sacks in the big win, including three tackles for loss from linebacker Sonny Styles. 

Texas blanketed wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and held him to only three yards on three targets. In his place, Carnell Tate stepped up with seven catches for 87 yards. Three first half drives were derailed by penalties, but the Buckeyes made just enough plays to step up and win. 

Ewers threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns in what is expected to be his final career game at Texas. Ultimately, the Longhorns leave for the second year in a row wondering what could have been. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 11:04 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Sawyer breaks record

Jack Sawyer's fumble recovery and fumble recovery for a touchdown are the longest in College Football Playoff history, eclipsing the 58-yard fumble return touchdown by Oregon's Tony Washington against Florida State in the Rose Bowl in 2014-15. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 10:59 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

An all-time defensive stop and score! 

4Q: Ohio State 28, Texas 14 

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer got the pressure on Quinn Ewers on 4th and Goal, and when the Texas quarterback dropped the ball he picked it up and ran it 83 yards the other way for a lead-extending touchdown for the Buckeyes. The Longhorns had moved the ball effectively thanks to a long Gunner Helm reception and a big throw from Ewers to Golden, but with the season on the line and the ball at the 2-yard line the Buckeyes not only get a stop but extend their lead with 2:13 remaining. We have seen some epic endings in this first year of the expanded College Football Playoff, but Sawyer's pressure, scoop and score will be one that's remembered for a long time. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 10:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Fourth down keys score

4Q: Ohio State 21, Texas 14

Ohio State coach Ryan Day made one of his first risky calls of the game by going for it on a lengthy fourth-and-two against a Texas defensive line that was dominating. Chip Kelly dialed up a quarterback draw that went for 18 yards and helped set up a two-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins. Ohio State recommitted to the run on the drive and traveled 87 yards in 12 plays. 

The Buckeyes have been bogged down by penalties, but the unit was able to withstand a false start by Josh Fryar. Now, they're seven minutes away from heading to the national championship game. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 10:27 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Longhorns knot things up

End 3Q: Texas 14, Ohio State 14

Texas has tied the game entering the fourth quarter after a legendary drive from quarterback Quinn Ewers got the Longhorns into the end zone for the second time. Ewers led four third-down conversions, including a toss to Quintrevion Wisner on third down for a miraculous third-and-10 conversion. 

Ohio State continued to shoot itself in the foot with penalties and mistakes. On the most recent drive, an offensive lineman committed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a run to push the Buckeyes back. Four drives have been stifled by penalties, erasing the Buckeyes' yards and yards per play advantage. 

The defenses have owned the game with 10 combined tackles for loss and five sacks. The winner of the Cotton Bowl will face off against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 20. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 10:15 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Running backs key tying drive

3Q: Texas 14, Ohio State 14

Texas hasn't run the ball consistently all night, but the running backs took a starring role thanks to a mix of check downs and downhill rushes to get back into the end zone for the second time. Quinn Ewers' third down toss to Quintrevion Wisner for a first down was a game-changing play. Fourteen yards rushing from Wisner didn't change the game, but it made the Buckeyes think. The rushing success helped set up a 26-yard pass to Jaydon Blue, his second score of the game. 

The Buckeyes have dominated third quarters this season. The Longhorns have struggled. In this moment, Texas flipped the script and tied the game. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 10:06 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ewers magic trick

Facing a key third-and-10, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers pulled off a silly conversion to keep the drive alive. Ewers was pressured immediately and while being dragged down, tossed the ball to running back Quintrevion Wisner, who rumbled forward for a first down. The play was reviewed to see if Ewers' knee was down, but he got it off just in time. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 9:49 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas D steps up again

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard tried to force the ball to Jeremiah Smith in triple-coverage and the Texas defense made them pay. Linebacker David Gbenda stepped up and pulled down a pivotal interception to give Texas the ball in great position. In an instant, Texas stole momentum back. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 9:23 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Late score swings half

HALF: Ohio State 14, Texas 7

Ohio State took a 14-7 lead against Texas into the half after running back TreVeyon Henderson took a well-placed screen pass 75 yards for a game-changing touchdown. The score was the first for Ohio State since the opening drive of the game and is a dagger for the Longhorns as the Buckeyes get the ball to start the second half. 

Texas cut the Ohio State lead after a pair of key plays late in the first half helped set up points. Backup quarterback Arch Manning entered the game on fourth-and-1 and delivered an 8-yard speed option, and receiver Silas Bolden broke a tackle to key off a 24-yard reception to set up a field goal before the end of the half. The plays helped set up an 18-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to Jaydon Blue. 

The Buckeyes dominated much of the first half, but offensive penalties loomed large. Three Ohio State drives were extinguished by them, including two holding calls and an unsportsmanlike conduct by Henderson. Texas looked to have captured momentum right before the break, but Henderson's big play wrestled control back to the Buckeyes. 

Texas running back Quintreveon Wisner posted 33 yards rushing on 4.1 yards per carry in the half, but Ewers was sacked three times. The Texas defense forced the first sack of Ohio State in the College Football Playoff and held the Buckeyes to only 36 yards on the ground. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 9:15 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Auburn benched

After missing two field goals in the final minutes of regulation against Arizona State to force overtime in the Peach Bowl, longtime Texas kicker Bert Auburn appears to be benched. Instead, backup Will Stone came into the game to kick the extra point on the Texas touchdown. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 9:14 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas strikes back

Late 2Q: Texas 7, Ohio State 7

After a much maligned first half, the Texas offense delivered in the biggest spot near the end of the first half. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a perfectly-placed 18-yard touchdown pass over the top to Jaydon Blue to put up the first points of the game, a much-needed swing as Ohio State gets the ball to start the second half. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 9:08 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Major conversion for Arch

Texas quarterback Arch Manning entered the game for the first time on first-and-one. Manning ran a speed option and broke through for a key first down with less than a minute remaining in the half. The Longhorns have only 31 yards rushing in the first half, making Manning's eight-yard scamper even more vital. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:56 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Mistakes dooming OSU

Frankly, Ohio State has dominated Texas. They've nearly doubled them in yardage and are averaging 6.5 yards per play to Texas's 4.2. And yet, the score remains only 7-0 because Ohio State penalties are killing them offensively. There was the unsportsmanlike conduct by TreVeyon Henderson. Gee Scott was called for holding. Josh Fryar held. Each killed a drive and put the Buckeyes behind the chains. 

In total, Ohio State has been called for four penalties for 40 yards. Texas has only committed two for 17. The penalties hang large. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:43 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Tuimoloau into the tent

Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau went out with an apparent injury in the second quarter. Tuimoloau was shaken up on the field and had to go to the injury tent. Early in the game, Tuimoloau has already been dominant with 1.5 sacks and several other quarterback pressures against an overmatched Texas front. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:42 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Golden's status looks doubtful

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden returned to the sideline without his helmet and does not appear likely to return to the game. Golden went to the injury tent and came back with his ankles retaped. After returning briefly, he went to the locker room with trainers. With Golden out, expect Texas to try and target freshman Ryan Wingo more. He's one of the only healthy pass-catchers remaining. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:28 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Another disastrous sequence

Texas's offensive line is getting whipped and Ohio State is bringing pressure from everywhere. The Longhorns have given up four tackles for loss and there sacks in the early going, including two tackles for loss from linebacker Sonny Styles. Texas has coughed up three fumbles and is lucky that all were recovered by the offense. 

After the most recent drive, top receiver Matthew Golden went to the locker room. Golden previously needed to get his ankles retaped. If Golden is hurt, a banged up Isaiah Bond is the only receiver on the roster with more than 500 yards receiving. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Buckeyes in control early

End 1Q: (8) Ohio State 7, (5) Texas 0

Ohio State leads Texas 7-0 at the end of the first quarter as the Longhorns have missed opportunities. The Buckeyes have moved down the field at will, posting 117 yards and averaging 6.9 yards per play against the top defense in college football. With Jeremiah Smith blanketed, second and third receivers Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate have combined for 57 yards on five catches. 

Texas had chances to push its way into the game, including a 22-yard reception from receiver Ryan Wingo that was only stopped with a shoestring tackle. However, the Longhorns allowed two early sacks as Ohio State dominated the trenches on both sides. 

Ohio State outscored opponents by a combined 35-0 in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff. A 7-0 advantage is manageable, especially after the Longhorns got a third down stop to end the period. Still, Texas has work to do. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:12 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Wasted opportunities

Texas will look back on a 22-yard reception to Ryan Wingo as a moment that the game could have gone differently. Wingo caught the ball with plenty of space and seemed to be able to take off for a potential touchdown. Instead, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs came down and narrowly caught him by the shoelaces for a tackle. Texas ultimately had a false start and allowed a sack to kill what was a promising drive in plus territory. That's two drives for Texas. Quinn Ewers has 65 yards. Neither ended with points. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 8:02 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State makes it look easy

Mid 1Q: (8) Ohio State 7, (5) Texas 0

The Buckeyes are using motion to force adjustments by the Texas secondary to cover Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State used to to open up the complementary receivers and running game and march down the field with ease for a 64-yard touchdown drive in 10 plays. Receiver Emeka Egbuka had 30 yards on the play and running back Quinshon Judkins broke through for a nine-yard touchdown run. 

Ohio State had two serious receiving touchdown opportunities -- a missed throw by Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith and a drop by Carnell Tate. It didn't matter. Texas is arguably the best defense in college football, and the Buckeyes put them in the blender. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 7:54 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

First missed chance

Texas had some solid plays on their opening script, including a nasty play action that freed up a 4-yard pass to Juan Davis. However, facing third-and-4, Texas ran once and passed once before turning it over on downs. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers tried to force a tight pass to DeAndre Moore, but it fell incomplete. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 7:48 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Start fast

Texas will get first crack at the game on offense and the Longhorns need to start fast. Ohio State jumped out to a 34-0 lead against Oregon and 21-0 lead against Tennessee, both of which proved fatal in games that were decided by a combined 45 points. The Longhorns scored 14 points after one drive against Arizona State; they similarly need to throw the first punch. 

[Jan 10, 2025 at 7:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Cotton Bowl prediction

Texas has put together a solid season and is surely one of the best teams in the country. But if Ohio State's transformation over the last two weeks is permanent, the Buckeyes are the best team in the country. The Longhorns will be able to cause problems for Ohio State's passing game, but their offense simply won't be able to put up points in a battle of two elite defenses. The Buckeyes will outlast the 'Horns and move on to the CFP National Championship. Pick: Ohio State -5.5

Texas vs. Ohio State, Cotton Bowl where to watch: TV channel, odds, spread, game prediction, pick

Shehan Jeyarajah

Texas vs. Ohio State game prediction, picks, 2025 Cotton Bowl odds, spread, where to watch, TV channel

[Jan 10, 2025 at 7:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

Who has the edge at each position?

There's always a lot on the line when Ohio State and Texas take the field, and Friday evening is no exception. The (8) Buckeyes and (5) Longhorns are set to face off in the Cotton Bowl, with a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line. 

There's no denying that Texas and Ohio State boast two of the top rosters in college football, but which one actually has the edge when analyzing specific positions? 

2025 Cotton Bowl, Ohio State vs. Texas: Who has the edge in College Football Playoff semifinal game?

Will Backus

2025 Cotton Bowl, Ohio State vs. Texas: Who has the edge in College Football Playoff semifinal game?

[Jan 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET · Chris Hummer]

Ewers' short trip to Columbus

Four months isn't a long time. But that won't stop Quinn Ewers' four months in Columbus from being an overarching storyline of the 2025 Cotton Bowl, which will pit No. 8-seed Ohio State against (5) Texas in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs.

Ewers, if you aren't aware by now, reclassified from the 2022 class to the 2021 class in August of 2021 to enroll at Ohio State.

He had an uneventful few months on the field, but, in many ways, became a transformational trendsetter in the NIL space with the move. Ahead of the Cotton Bowl, let's revisit Ewers' time in Columbus and what led to that brief marriage in the first place.

A million-dollar spread of NIL deals spurred Quinn Ewers to Ohio State early, but staying never made sense

Chris Hummer

A million-dollar spread of NIL deals spurred Quinn Ewers to Ohio State early, but staying never made sense

[Jan 10, 2025 at 6:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ohio State, Texas share limited, meaningful history

The Cotton Bowl pits two of college football's most iconic brands against each other as Ohio State and Texas will tangle Friday night for a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Texas claims four national championships and Ohio State claims eight. But the historic powers have only met three times previously and never in a postseason game with such high stakes. The CFP semifinal showdown will mark the first meeting since the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. 

Ohio State vs. Texas history is limited, but College Football Playoff foes have played for high stakes before

David Cobb

Ohio State vs. Texas history is limited, but College Football Playoff foes have played for high stakes before

[Jan 10, 2025 at 6:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ohio State led by Robins

It's easy to be a Batman in college football, getting all the targets and attention. It's much more difficult to be Robin, to put aside your own production for the good of the team. Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka ranks among the best Robins ever, and has the Buckeyes on the precipice of a national title. 

"When culture is strong through the leaders, it permeates throughout the rest of the team," Egbuka said. "When you see it from the top down to the younger guys, it speaks volumes and reflects the character of the leaders." 

Not everyone can be Batman: Ohio State's crew of overqualified Robins, like Emeka Egbuka, embrace their role

Shehan Jeyarajah

Not everyone can be Batman: Ohio State's crew of overqualified Robins, like Emeka Egbuka, embrace their role

[Jan 10, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Rare underdog moment

Texas doesn't spend much time as an underdog in college football as one of the most historic blue bloods in the sport. But on Friday at the Cotton Bowl, the Longhorns are heavy underdogs against Ohio State. CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd spoke to the legendary Mack Brown about how to manage underdog status. 

"You latch onto anything you can to find an edge," Brown said. "I mean, the least bit you can get. At Texas, one of the keys to that job is trying to get your guys every week because it's hard to do, because everybody is telling you how great you are. You're usually the pick. You have to just motivate yourself."

In rare underdog role vs. Ohio State in Cotton Bowl, Texas embraces type of edge Mack Brown once perfected

Dennis Dodd

In rare underdog role vs. Ohio State in Cotton Bowl, Texas embraces type of edge Mack Brown once perfected