The spots in the College Football Playoff national championship have been finalized.

No. 5 Texas faced off against No. 8 Ohio State in the CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal on Friday to determine who will challenge No. 7 Notre Dame in the championship game at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After an intense four quarters, the Buckeyes claimed victory, putting them on track to secure their first national title in a decade.

Stream Ohio State vs. Texas in the CFP semifinal live with Fubo (free trial available)

Despite freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith not having a significant impact against the Longhorns, several other players rose to the occasion during the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Will Howard completed 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards, throwing one touchdown along with one interception, while running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 15 rushes for 78 yards, with Judkins scoring two touchdowns. Henderson also made a crucial 75-yard touchdown reception just before halftime.

However, it was Jack Sawyer who had the most significant impact, making a game-ending strip-sack and recovering the fumble for a touchdown when the Longhorns were threatening at the 1-yard line late in the game.

Stay tuned for scores, updates, and highlights from Friday’s CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal between Ohio State and Texas:

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Score Updates: Ohio State vs Texas

This section has received updates

Final: Ohio State 28, Texas 14

Ohio State Advances to CFP Championship

That’s the final whistle: The Buckeyes have claimed victory in the Cotton Bowl and will move on to face Notre Dame in the CFP championship game in Atlanta.

Caleb Downs’ Interception Seals the Game

While the game isn’t completely over, an interception by Caleb Downs off quarterback Quinn Ewers with less than two minutes remaining has virtually secured the win for Ohio State.

Jack Sawyer’s Score Expands Ohio State’s Lead

When Ohio State needed a big play, Jack Sawyer delivered. He strip-sacked quarterback Quinn Ewers during a crucial fourth-and-goal situation at the 8-yard line, then picked up the fumble and raced 83 yards to score, giving Ohio State what seems to be an unassailable lead with just over two minutes left in the game.

Ohio State Regains the Lead

The Buckeyes find the end zone for the first time in the second half! Quinshon Judkins runs through the goal line from the 1-yard line, giving Ohio State a 21-14 lead with 7:02 left in the fourth quarter.

A critical moment in the drive occurred during a fourth-and-2 at Texas’ 34-yard line, with Will Howard sprinting for an 18-yard gain.

This impressive drive consisted of 13 plays spanning 88 yards and consumed 7:45 off the clock.

Will Howard’s Key Play for Ohio State

What an incredible moment! On a pivotal fourth-and-2 at the Texas 34-yard line, Will Howard made the decision to keep the ball and charged up the middle for an impressive 18-yard gain. Ohio State is now in the red zone for the first time in the second half.

Will Howard Converts a Critical Third Down

Ohio State desperately needed a play on third-and-8, and Will Howard delivered by connecting with Carnell Tate for an 18-yard completion. The Buckeyes are now threatening on the Longhorns’ side of the field for the first time this half.

Texas Starts Fourth Quarter Strong

The Longhorns are now facing a third-and-5 as they begin the fourth quarter following a 2-yard loss on a run by Quintrevion Wisner during second down.

End of Third Quarter: Ohio State 14, Texas 14

Ohio State Punts Again

A surprising shift has occurred. Texas sends four rushers at Will Howard on a third-and-15, and linebacker Colin Simmons disrupts Howard’s pass aimed at TreVeyon Henderson. Ohio State must punt for the second time in a row.

Currently, the momentum is with Texas, while star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State has been largely absent, with Howard targeting him only three times.

Texas Ties the Game with Touchdown

If it works, why change it? That seems to be the strategy for Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian, who opted for the same play call as before to score a touchdown.

On a third-and-7, Quinn Ewers spotted Jaydon Blue left open along the sideline, successfully throwing a 26-yard touchdown pass.

This marks the second touchdown of the evening for the Longhorns’ running back.

Ewers had an impressive and well-rounded drive: completing 5 of 7 passes for 58 yards and achieving four conversions on third down. Texas levels the game at 14-14 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.

Quinn Ewers shows remarkable skill

How did he manage that? Just as pressure built and Ewers’ knee almost touched the turf, he managed to pass the ball to Quintrevion Wisner for a 14-yard reception and gain. A fantastic improvisation by Ewers, preventing his fourth sack of the evening.

Texas intercepts Will Howard, but fails to score

An ill-timed forced pass from Will Howard, while at the Texas 48-yard line, was intercepted by David Gbenda of Texas. Howard was attempting to involve Ohio State’s star rookie receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had managed only one reception from two throws in the first quarter.

Unfortunately, Texas could not take advantage of the turnover and had to punt the ball back to Ohio State after just four plays.

Halftime score: Ohio State 14, Texas 7

Ohio State holds a lead at halftime

Ohio State will begin the second half with possession of the ball.

Here are some first-half statistics:

• Total offense: Ohio State 236, Texas 177
• Total rushing yards: Texas 44, Ohio State 36
• Total passing yards: Ohio State 200, Texas 133
• First downs: Texas 10, Ohio State 9
• Third down conversions: Ohio State 2 of 6, Texas 1 of 7

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard successfully completed 14 of 19 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown during the first half. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers completed 10 of 20 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown.

Ohio State regains the lead

Ohio State swiftly retaliates with a 75-yard touchdown scored on a screen pass from Will Howard to TreVeyon Henderson.

This is an impressive move by the Buckeyes, who are now just 13 seconds from heading to halftime with a 14-7 advantage. They will also receive the ball at the start of the second half.

Texas levels the score with a touchdown

Texas is back in the game, tying the score!

On a first-and-10 play from the Ohio State 18-yard line, Quinn Ewers throws a perfect pass to running back Jaydon Blue, resulting in an open 18-yard touchdown. This was an excellent play call by Steve Sarkisian.

Arch Manning converts a crucial fourth down for Texas

After reviewing the play, it was determined that Quinn Ewers fell short of the first down, handing Texas a fourth-and-1 scenario at the Ohio State 49-yard line. Steve Sarkisian chose to bring in backup quarterback Arch Manning for the crucial play, who successfully gained the first down with an 8-yard run to the right.

Manning nearly lost the ball, but the officials ruled him down before it could happen — narrowly avoiding disaster for the Longhorns. Texas is now facing a first-and-10 at the Ohio State 42-yard line, trailing 7-0 with just 39 seconds left.

Texas at the two-minute mark

The Longhorns’ defense forced a three-and-out with Isaiah Bond, returning the ball to Quinn Ewers and the offense at the two-minute mark. A significant play for Texas occurred on third-and-10 when Barryn Sorrell and Anthony Hill Jr. teamed up for a sack on Ohio State QB Will Howard.

Texas’ Isaiah Bond misses an important catch

Quinn Ewers delivered a nearly perfect pass to wide receiver Isaiah Bond on third-and-5, but Bond let it slip through his fingers while leaping for the catch. Had Bond secured the ball, it would have extended Texas’ drive and propelled them into Ohio State territory. Instead, the Longhorns must punt the ball back to the Buckeyes.

Ohio State again forced to punt

Ohio State continues to struggle due to their own penalties, and as a result, they are punting for the third time in a row.

Facing a third-and-18, Will Howard completed a 15-yard pass to Carnell Tate near the left sideline, but Tate was short of the first down.

ESPN’s broadcast showcased Ryan Day displaying frustration from the sidelines during parts of the Buckeyes’ most recent drive. Ohio State’s mistakes kept the Longhorns in the game, still trailing 7-0 with under seven minutes left in the second quarter.

Ohio State’s Will Howard suffers left hand contusion

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has a noticeable swelling on his non-throwing hand, as displayed on ESPN’s broadcast. Holly Rowe from ESPN reported that the medical staff is unsure how he suffered the injury, but Howard has not complained about it or sought treatment.

Texas’ Matthew Golden goes to locker room

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden was seen heading to the locker room after a brief assessment in the medical tent.

Laura Rutledge from ESPN reported that the Texas training staff was checking on his ankle on the sidelines before he went to the locker room. Golden incurred a facemask penalty on second-and-11 during Texas’ last drive.

Quinn Ewers is sacked, leading to another Texas punt

Ohio State sent six defensive players against Quinn Ewers during a third-and-11, resulting in a 10-yard loss from the sack. The Buckeyes nearly created their first turnover of the night when Sonny Styles knocked the ball from Ewers’ grasp, but luckily for the Longhorns, they managed to recover the fumble.

Ohio State will take possession at their own 34-yard line, facing a first-and-10 after a 51-yard punt.

Texas secures a fumble on the punt return

Texas averts a calamity during a punt return when the ball bounces back into the possession of Silas Bolden after initially escaping his grasp. The Longhorns will start at their own 25-yard line, down to Ohio State 7-0 at As the second quarter commences.

First Quarter Conclusion: Ohio State 7, Texas 0

Ohio State Brings Down Quinn Ewers

The Longhorns continue to struggle, having to punt once again on their second drive of the evening.

With a third-and-12 situation, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opts for a blitz, keeping pressure on Texas’ offensive line. This strategy results in a 4-yard sack of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, marking his second sack of the night.

Starting from their own 8-yard line after a 40-yard punt, Ohio State maintains a 7-0 lead with 4:19 left in the first quarter.

Ohio State Extends Lead with Touchdown

Quinshon Judkins powers through the Texas defense, reaching the end zone for the night’s opening score. This touchdown marks the 11th rushing TD of the season for the Buckeyes’ running back.

The Buckeyes had an impressive start, executing 10 plays for 64 yards and successfully converting two third-down attempts. Ohio State leads 7-0 with 7:24 remaining in the first quarter.

Texas Cedes Possession on Downs

Steve Sarkisian’s choice to attempt a fourth-and-3 at the Ohio State 36-yard line backfires when Quinn Ewers throws incomplete to DeAndre Moore Jr.

This proves to be a crucial moment for Ohio State’s defense, allowing Will Howard and the Buckeyes’ offense their first possession of the evening.

Matthew Golden Secures Key Catch for Texas

Matthew Golden is on fire! The Longhorns’ wide receiver makes a spectacular one-handed catch on a slant route, earning a first down on third-and-2.

Pregame Activities

Ohio State Wins the Coin Toss

The Buckeyes win the toss and choose to defer their kick-off to the second half, meaning that Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense will take the field first in the 2025 Cotton Bowl!

Matthew McConaughey Supporting Texas at the Cotton Bowl

After missing the Peach Bowl, Texas’ cultural ambassador Matthew McConaughey is back on the sidelines cheering for the Longhorns during their CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal.

AT&T Stadium is Full for the Cotton Bowl

Kickoff time is just moments away for the Cotton Bowl matchup between Texas and Ohio State. AT&T Stadium appears packed, with a balanced mix of fans from both sides, despite its closeness to Texas’ campus and the winter storms that affected the Dallas-Forth Worth region this week.

Did Quinn Ewers Play for Ohio State?

Indeed! Texas’ starting quarterback Quinn Ewers began his college journey at Ohio State, playing the 2021 season there before transferring to the Longhorns. Ewers ranked as the top quarterback in the 2021 recruiting class according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings.

“I don’t regret any decision I’ve made on going,” Ewers stated to the media prior to the Cotton Bowl. ” One reason I returned to Texas was to be closer to my roots, and to the resources and relationships I’ve built over time in Texas.”

Future Opponents for Ohio State or Texas in CFP Championship

The winner of Friday’s Cotton Bowl, featuring No. 5 Texas and No. 8 Ohio State, will advance to face No. 7 Notre Dame in the CFP championship on Monday, January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Notre Dame achieved an upset against No. 6 Penn State with a score of 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, thanks to a crucial 41-yard field goal from kicker Mitch Jeter in the final seconds. The Irish scored 27 unanswered points after trailing 10-0 early in the game.

Ohio State Arrives at the Cotton Bowl

Will Howard and the Buckeyes have reached AT&T Stadium for their CFP semifinal clash against No. 5 Texas. Howard aims for his first career victory against Texas, having faced them three times at Kansas State without winning.

Ryan Wingo Named Starter Over Isaiah Bond in Texas’ Cotton Bowl Lineup

According to Inside Texas on X (formerly Twitter), Longhorns true freshman wide receiver Ryan Wingo is listed as the starter at the X position over Isaiah Bond in the lineup distributed in the AT&T Stadium press area.

Wingo made two catches for 33 yards in Texas’ Peach Bowl win against Arizona State.

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Team Make Their Entry at Cotton Bowl

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian takes a stroll onto the field at AT&T Stadium as part of his pregame routine.

Fans Gaining Access to the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium

According to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, the doors have opened for fans to enter AT&T Stadium ahead of Friday’s CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal. Kickoff between Texas and Ohio State is only a couple of hours away!

Texas’ Cotton Bowl History

This marks Texas’ 23rd appearance in the Cotton Bowl, making them the program with the most appearances in this event. They last played here in 2003. The Longhorns’ all-time record in the Cotton Bowl is 11-10-1.

Here’s a recap of the Longhorns’ last ten visits to the Cotton Bowl:

• 1972: Penn State 30, Texas 6
• 1973: Texas 17, Alabama 13
• 1974: Nebraska 19, Texas 3
• 1978: Notre Dame 38, Texas 10
• 1982: Texas 14, Alabama 12
• 1984: Georgia 10, Texas 9
• 1991: Miami 46, Texas 3
• 1999: Texas 38, Mississippi State 11
• 2000: Texas 27, Arkansas 7
• 2003: Texas 35, LSU 20

Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl Performance

Ohio State is making consecutive appearances in the Cotton Bowl, having played in the New Year’s Six bowl during the 2023 season against Missouri. The Buckeyes hold a 2-1 record in Cotton Bowl games leading up to this CFP semifinal.

Here’s a summary of how Ohio State has fared in previous Cotton Bowls:

• Jan. 1, 1987: Ohio State 28, Texas 12
• Dec. 29, 2017: Ohio State 24, USC
• Dec. 29, 2023: Missouri 14, Ohio State 3

Cotton Bowl Traffic During Winter Storm

The snowfall in the Dallas-Fort Worth region seems to have subsided. The Arlington Police Department posted on X (formerly Twitter) advising attendees of the Cotton Bowl to drive carefully and be cautious of icy conditions. The game is set to begin at 7:45 p.m. ET, hosted at AT&T Stadium.

Ohio State vs. Texas Schedule for Today

• Date: Friday, Jan. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

The Buckeyes will face the Longhorns, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal.

Ohio State vs. Texas – Which Channel Today?

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Streaming Options: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Friday’s College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal featuring Ohio State and Texas will be televised on ESPN. For streaming, you can use the ESPN app (access with a TV login) or Fubo, which includes ESPN channels and provides a free trial for new users.

Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will provide commentary from the AT&T Stadium booth, while Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge will report from the sideline.

Ohio State vs. Texas Historical Matchup

• Series Record: Texas leads 2-1
• Ohio State’s Last Victory: 2006 (24-7)
• Texas’ Last Victory: 2009 (24-21)

Friday’s clash between Ohio State and Texas marks the fourth encounter between these two teams, with the most recent being in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Texas holds the advantage in their all-time series with a score of 2-1.

Forecasts for Ohio State vs. Texas

Here are some predictions for the College Football Playoff semifinal game featuring Ohio State and Texas:

• Bill Rabinowitz, The Dispatch: Ohio State 35, Texas 28
• Joey Kaufman, The Dispatch: Ohio State 27, Texas 21
• Rob Oller, The Dispatch: Texas 27, Ohio State 21
• Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman: Texas wins
• David Eckert, Austin American-Statesman: Ohio State 31, Texas 24
• Caleb Yum, Austin American-Statesman: Ohio State 37, Texas 35

Betting Odds for Ohio State vs. Texas

Game lines and odds as per BetMGM as of Friday, Jan. 1

• Spread: Ohio State -6
• Over/Under: 53.5
• Moneyline: Ohio State (-250) | Texas (+195)

Weather Update for Ohio State vs. Texas

According to The Weather Channel forecasts, Arlington, Texas will experience temperatures around 36 degrees and cloudy skies at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, which is an improvement compared to recent weather in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Snow showers are expected to cease at 3 a.m. ET.

However, since AT&T Stadium is fully enclosed, weather conditions will not affect the game itself.

Ohio State’s 2024 Football Schedule

Here’s a look at Ohio State’s 2024 schedule along with past scores and outcomes:

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Akron (Won, 52-6)
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Western Michigan (Won, 56-0)
• Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Marshall (Won, 49-14)
• Thursday, Sept. 26: at Michigan State* (Won, 38-7)
• Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. Iowa* (Won, 35-7)
• Saturday, Oct. 12: at No. 3 Oregon* (Lost, 32-31)
• Saturday, Oct. 19: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Nebraska* (Won, 21-17)
• Saturday, Nov. 2: at No. 3 Penn State* (Won, 20-13)
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Purdue* (Won, 45-0)
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at Northwestern* (Won, 31-7)
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. No. 5 Indiana (Won, 38-15)
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Michigan* (Lost, 13-10)
• Saturday, Dec. 21: vs. No. 8 Tennessee, CFP first-round (Won, 42-17)**
• Wednesday, Jan. 1: vs. No. 1 Oregon, CFP Rose Bowl quarterfinal (Won, 41-21)**
• Friday, Jan. 10: vs. No. 5 Texas (CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal)**
• Record: 12-2, 7-2 Big Ten

* Denotes Big Ten game

** Denotes CFP ranking

Texas’ 2024 Football Schedule

Here’s a look at Texas’ 2024 schedule along with past scores and results:

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Colorado State (Won, 52-0)
• Saturday, Sept. 7: at No. 10 Michigan (Won, 31-12)
• Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. UTSA (Won, 56-7)
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (Won, 51-3)
• Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Mississippi State* (Won, 35-13)
• Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 18 Oklahoma* (Won, 34-3)
• Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. No. 5 Georgia* (Lost, 30-15)
• Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 25 Vanderbilt* (Won, 27-24)
• Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Florida (Won, 49-17)
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at Arkansas* (Won, 20-10)
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Kentucky* (Won, 31-14)
• Saturday, Nov. 30: at No. 20 Texas A&M* (Won, 17-7)
• Saturday, Dec. 7: vs. No. 5 Georgia, SEC championship game (Lost, 22-19 OT)
• Saturday, Dec. 21: vs. No. 12 Clemson, CFP first-round (Won, 38-24)**
• Saturday, Jan. 1: vs. No. 4 Arizona State, CFP quarterfinals (Won, 39-31 2OT)**
• Friday, Jan. 10: vs. No. 8 Ohio State (CFP semifinals)**

* Denotes Big Ten game

** Denotes CFP ranking

Updates on College Football Playoff

Here are some pregame articles related to the College Football Playoffs:

• • • Congratulations to Ohio State for becoming the top contender in the College Football Playoff. Embrace it!
    • The SEC and its leadership need to face the truth: their dominance in college football is over.
    • Nick Saban transitioned from being viewed as the villain at Alabama to becoming college football’s beloved figure on ESPN.
    • Either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman will mark a historic moment as the first Black head coach in FBS championship.
    • The Big Ten and SEC lead the discussions on which teams excelled and which struggled during the college football bowl season.