No. 8 Ohio State punched its ticket to the national title game with a 28-14 victory over No. 5 Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes built an early 7-0 lead on Quinshon Judkins’ 9-yard touchdown run and ended the first half with a sweeping screen pass that TreVeyon Henderson took 75 yards to the house. Despite trailing 14-7 at halftime, the Longhorns showed life in the third quarter behind Quinn Ewers, who twice connected with running back Jaydon Blue for touchdown receptions.

After Texas tied the score at 14-14, Ohio State’s Will Howard orchestrated a decisive 88-yard scoring drive, capped by Judkins’ second touchdown for a 21-14 lead. The Buckeyes defense then stood firm in the red zone. With Texas threatening to tie on fourth down, defensive end Jack Sawyer caught Ewers off guard, recovered the fumble and sprinted 82 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

Howard finished the game with 289 passing yards and a touchdown, while Judkins recorded two rushing scores. Ewers threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns, but was under pressure all night from Ohio State’s relentless defensive line. The Buckeyes forced two key turnovers, including Sawyer’s crucial fumble recovery, and held the Longhorns to just 58 rushing yards.

Ohio State now awaits a national championship showdown with Notre Dame and hopes to capture the program’s first title under head coach Ryan Day since 2014.