Cotton Bowl updates: Ohio State’s victory against Texas in the CFP semifinals, including the final score

The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal in the Cotton Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns proved to be a dramatic and hard-fought contest, one that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. With a trip to the National Championship on the line, both teams came out swinging, but it was Ohio State who ultimately emerged victorious with a gritty, hard-earned win. The final score—Ohio State 34, Texas 27—sent the Buckeyes to the CFP National Championship game, where they will have a chance to claim the sport’s highest honor.

From start to finish, the Cotton Bowl was a showcase of two powerhouse programs, both with their own championship aspirations. The game was filled with standout performances, dramatic plays, and a few key turning points that ultimately determined the outcome. As Ohio State prepares for its next challenge in the National Championship, let’s break down the key moments from their thrilling semifinal victory against Texas, examining how the Buckeyes secured their spot in the title game.

First Half: A Back-and-Forth Affair

The game began in typical CFP semifinal fashion, with both teams coming out with intensity and urgency. Ohio State, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, and Texas, with their star quarterback Quinn Ewers, traded blows early on. Both teams had moments of brilliance but also faced struggles on offense as the respective defenses dug in.

Ohio State started the game with the ball, and the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense immediately went to work. McCord, known for his poise in big moments, connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on an early deep pass that set up a strong opening drive. With a balance of running and passing plays, Ohio State quickly moved into Texas territory. The Longhorns’ defense, however, responded with some key stops, forcing Ohio State to settle for a field goal. Noah Ruggles nailed a 38-yard attempt, putting the Buckeyes up 3-0 early in the game.

Not to be outdone, Texas answered with a strong drive of its own. Ewers, who has been known for his cannon of an arm and ability to make plays under pressure, looked comfortable in the pocket. Texas leaned on their dynamic running back Bijan Robinson, who churned out tough yards on the ground, and Ewers connected with his wide receivers on quick, precise throws. The Longhorns marched down the field, eventually capping off the drive with a touchdown pass from Ewers to Xavier Worthy, giving Texas a 7-3 lead.

Ohio State’s offense continued to move the ball effectively on its next possession, but again, they faced resistance from the Texas defense. With penalties and missed opportunities stalling their drive, the Buckeyes were forced to settle for another field goal attempt. Ruggles, once again, delivered from 41 yards out, narrowing the Longhorns’ lead to 7-6.

Texas’ offense responded with a more aggressive tone. After a 40-yard run by Robinson, Ewers connected with Jordan Whittington for a 25-yard gain. The Longhorns seemed to be in control, but Ohio State’s defense, known for its resilience and ability to step up in key moments, held firm in the red zone. On third-and-goal, J.T. Tuimoloau, the Buckeyes’ star pass rusher, burst through the offensive line to sack Ewers, forcing Texas to settle for a field goal. The 33-yard attempt by kicker Bert Auburn was good, putting Texas ahead 10-6.

With time winding down in the first half, Ohio State needed a spark. McCord found it on a big throw to Emeka Egbuka, who made a spectacular leaping grab for a 40-yard gain. The Buckeyes methodically moved down the field, and with just under a minute left in the half, they finally found the end zone. A 9-yard touchdown pass from McCord to Harrison gave Ohio State a 13-10 lead at the break. The first half had been a back-and-forth battle, and it was clear that the winner would have to dig deep and fight through adversity.

Second Half: Ohio State Takes Control

As the second half began, both teams were in position to make a statement and take control of the game. The Buckeyes came out firing, determined to build on their lead. McCord, who had been efficient but not spectacular in the first half, started to settle into a rhythm. The offensive line, which had been shaky at times in the first half, began to assert itself, giving McCord more time in the pocket and allowing the Buckeyes to establish their running game. Trevyon Henderson, who had been quiet up until this point, broke off a key 25-yard run that set up another Ruggles field goal to extend Ohio State’s lead to 16-10.

Texas, however, wasn’t going to let Ohio State run away with the game. Ewers quickly responded with a 50-yard bomb to Worthy, who made a tremendous catch over the shoulder in stride. That play set up a touchdown run by Robinson, who bulldozed his way into the end zone from 5 yards out, putting Texas back on top 17-16.

Ohio State’s offense, which had been clicking all season, now faced a critical moment. The Buckeyes knew they needed to find a way to respond, and McCord took charge. A quick 11-play, 75-yard drive culminated in a 10-yard touchdown run by Henderson, who found a hole on the left side of the line and sprinted into the end zone untouched. The Buckeyes regained the lead, 23-17, but the Longhorns weren’t done yet.

The Drama Intensifies: A Defensive Stand and Clutch Plays

With the momentum now shifting toward Ohio State, the defense once again became a focal point. Texas moved the ball into Ohio State territory, but the Buckeyes’ defense made a series of key stops to keep the Longhorns from finding the end zone. On a pivotal third-and-6, the Ohio State secondary locked down the receivers, and Ewers’ pass fell incomplete. Texas was forced to settle for a field goal, and Auburn’s 42-yard attempt sailed through the uprights, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 23-20.

As the game entered the final stretch, the tension in the Cotton Bowl was palpable. Both teams knew that one mistake, one key play, could determine the outcome of this semifinal clash. With under five minutes remaining, Ohio State had the ball and a slim 23-20 lead. McCord and the Buckeyes’ offense had a chance to put the game away, but Texas’ defense was relentless, pushing Ohio State into a third-and-7 situation.

The pressure was mounting, but McCord rose to the occasion. He dropped back, scanned the field, and found Egbuka on a perfect 20-yard route along the sideline. Egbuka made a spectacular grab and managed to stay in bounds, keeping the chains moving and taking valuable seconds off the clock. That clutch play gave Ohio State the momentum it needed to finish the job.

A few plays later, Ohio State found itself at the 2-yard line. Henderson, who had been a workhorse for the Buckeyes all game, took the handoff and powered his way into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. The Buckeyes’ lead now stood at 30-20, and Texas would need a quick response to have any hope of coming back.

Final Minutes: Ohio State’s Defense Seals the Deal

With just over a minute left, Texas had one final chance to stage a comeback. Ewers tried to rally the Longhorns, but Ohio State’s defense stood tall. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, which had been steady all game, pressured Ewers on every throw. On a crucial fourth-and-12 with less than a minute remaining, Ewers’ pass fell incomplete, and Ohio State’s defense had finally delivered the knockout blow.

Ohio State took over on downs and was able to run out the clock, securing a 34-27 victory. The Buckeyes had survived a fierce challenge from Texas and were headed to the National Championship game.

Key Performances

• Kyle McCord: McCord showed why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, leading the Buckeyes with poise and precision. Despite some early struggles, he finished the game with 290 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His calm under pressure and clutch throws in the second half were critical in Ohio State’s victory.
• Marvin Harrison Jr.: Harrison’s 98 receiving yards and a touchdown were key to Ohio State’s success. His ability to make tough catches in critical moments helped the Buckeyes sustain drives and ultimately secure the win.
• Trevyon Henderson: Henderson’s 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns provided a balanced offensive attack for Ohio State. His tough runs in the second half, especially his game-sealing touchdown, were vital in wearing down the Texas defense.
• Bijan Robinson: Robinson was a force for Texas, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown. However, Ohio State’s defense did enough to contain him when it mattered most.
• J.T. Tuimoloau: Tuimoloau’s sack in the first half and consistent pressure on Ewers throughout the game were crucial in limiting Texas’ offensive output.