ARLINGTON — Here are five takeaways from Texas’ 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Friday in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. That’s all folks The No. 3 Longhorns (13-3) tied a program record for wins in a single season but fell short of their first trip to the national championship game in 15 years.

The No. 5 seeded Longhorns and No. 8 seeded Buckeyes meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas to duke it out for a shot at the title. Ohio State has had more recent success, winning the big dance in 2015 with quarterback Cardale Jones at the helm and running back Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge with four rushing touchdowns.

Can Texas football run the ball against Ohio State? Will the Longhorns stay perfect vs. QB Will Howard? And will special teams improve?

Jack Sawyer, an Ohio State defensive end, strip-sacked Ewers and returned the fumble for a decisive game-sealing touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win.

Ohio State defeated Texas football, 28-14, in the 2025 Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes will take on Notre Dame in the national championship game on Jan. 20.

The kid who grew up just outside of Columbus has Ohio State on the brink of a national title after a game-sealing touchdown in the Cotton Bowl.