Cotton Bowl
2025
The Cotton Bowl kicks off in…
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2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
The 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic hosts a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. No. 2 Ohio State faces the winner of the CFP First Round matchup between No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 10 Miami at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) return to the Cotton Bowl for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Last January, Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14 at this same venue in the CFP Semifinal, then went on to beat Notre Dame for the national championship. Now the Buckeyes seek to become the first repeat champion since Alabama in 2011-12.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Defending National Champions
The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed despite losing 13-10 to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State boasts one of college football's most talented rosters, led by Heisman candidate quarterback Julian Sayin and dynamic wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Smith became the first receiver to post back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in Ohio State history, while freshman running back Bo Jackson became just the fifth freshman in school history to rush for 1,000 yards. Follow the Buckeyes at OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
The Opponent: Texas A&M or Miami
Ohio State awaits the winner of the CFP First Round game between No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1) and No. 10 Miami (10-2), which takes place December 20 in College Station, Texas. Both the Aggies and Hurricanes earned at-large playoff berths after narrowly missing their conference championship games. Notably, both teams defeated Notre Dame during the regular season.
AT&T Stadium: A World-Class Venue
AT&T Stadium provides a world-class setting for college football's biggest games. The retractable-roof stadium ensures optimal playing conditions while the massive center-hung video board delivers an immersive viewing experience. Ohio State is 3-1 all-time at the Cotton Bowl.
Get Your Cotton Bowl 2025 Tickets
Secure your Cotton Bowl 2025 tickets through our trusted resale marketplace. With the defending national champions and CFP implications on the line, this New Year's Eve showdown promises to be one of the year's biggest sporting events.
The CFP Quarterfinal Stakes
The Cotton Bowl serves as one of four CFP Quarterfinal games in the expanded 12-team playoff format. The winner advances to the CFP Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026, where they'll face the Sugar Bowl winner. For Ohio State, this represents another step toward defending their national championship.
Ohio State's Cotton Bowl Legacy
The Buckeyes have an impressive history at the Cotton Bowl:
- 2025: Defeated Texas 28-14 (CFP Semifinal)
- 2024: Lost to Missouri 14-3
- 2018: Defeated USC 24-7
- 1987: Defeated Texas A&M 28-12
Ohio State is the first team to play in three consecutive Cotton Bowls since Texas A&M from 1992-94.
Game Day Quick Facts
- Game: 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
- Round: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
- Teams: No. 2 Ohio State vs. Texas A&M/Miami winner
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- TV: ESPN
- Winner Advances To: CFP Semifinal at Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 8)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cotton Bowl 2025?
The Cotton Bowl 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with kickoff at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
What round of the CFP is the Cotton Bowl?
The 2025 Cotton Bowl is a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal (not a semifinal). It is one of four quarterfinal games. The winner advances to the CFP Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026.
Who is playing in the Cotton Bowl 2025?
No. 2 seed Ohio State will face the winner of the CFP First Round game between No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 10 Miami. That first-round matchup is December 20, 2025, in College Station.
Is Ohio State the defending national champion?
Yes, Ohio State won the 2024 CFP National Championship by defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in January 2025. The Buckeyes are seeking to become the first repeat champion since Alabama in 2011-12.
What is Ohio State's 2025 record?
Ohio State finished 12-1. Their only loss came in the Big Ten Championship Game to No. 1 Indiana, 13-10, ending a 30-game winning streak against the Hoosiers.
Is this Ohio State's third straight Cotton Bowl?
Yes, this is Ohio State's third consecutive Cotton Bowl appearance, unprecedented in the modern era. The last team to appear in three straight Cotton Bowls was Texas A&M from 1992-94.
Who are Ohio State's key players?
Ohio State's key players include quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons), and freshman running back Bo Jackson (1,000+ rushing yards).
Where is the Cotton Bowl played?
The Cotton Bowl is played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The stadium features a retractable roof and capacity of approximately 80,000.
How can I get to AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium is located at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington, Texas, accessible via I-30 and SH-360. The stadium is approximately 20 minutes from DFW Airport.
Secure Your Cotton Bowl Experience
The 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic brings playoff football to AT&T Stadium on New Year's Eve with the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. This CFP Quarterfinal promises elite competition and championship stakes.
Browse our selection of verified Cotton Bowl 2025 tickets and secure your spot for this New Year's Eve showdown! Follow the Cotton Bowl at CottonBowl.com.
AT&T Stadium Seating Chart for Cotton Bowl
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- 1 AT&T Way
Arlington, Texas 76019