Ohio State Secures Shot at Sixth National Title with 28-14 Win Over Texas in CFP Semifinal

ARLINGTON, Texas — Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns, and Jack Sawyer delivered a game-sealing 83-yard fumble return as Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night. The Buckeyes' victory advances them to the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship, where they’ll face Notre Dame.

Led by standout performances from Judkins and Sawyer, the Buckeyes (13-2) secured their spot in the title game at the same venue where they won the inaugural CFP championship a decade ago. Now, Ohio State has the chance to become champions once again—this time in the debut of the expanded 12-team playoff format.

Ohio State will meet Orange Bowl champion Notre Dame in Atlanta on January 20, seeking redemption after their regular-season loss to Michigan on November 30.

“About a month ago, a lot of people counted us out,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “But this team, these leaders, the captains, the staff—they went to work. Everybody in the building believed, and that belief carried us through the fourth quarter tonight.”

Sawyer’s game-clinching play came with just over two minutes remaining. On a fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, the defensive end sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, forcing a fumble, which he scooped up and returned for the longest fumble return in CFP history.

“I saw the ball pop out and just thought, ‘Stay on your feet,’” Sawyer said. “It was surreal—seeing the end zone and knowing it was all green ahead of me.”

Sawyer and Ewers share a history, having been roommates during Ewers’ brief stint at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. After the play, Sawyer noted the bittersweet moment, saying, “He’s still my boy, but I had to make that play.”

Game Highlights

Ohio State struck first with Judkins’ 9-yard touchdown run on their opening drive. The Buckeyes appeared poised for another fast start, following dominant early performances in their previous playoff games. However, Texas tied the game at 7 before halftime on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Jaydon Blue.

In the third quarter, TreVeyon Henderson turned a short pass into a 75-yard touchdown to regain the lead for Ohio State. Texas responded with another touchdown connection between Ewers and Blue, knotting the game at 14 late in the third.

Judkins gave the Buckeyes a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter with his second rushing touchdown. Four plays earlier, quarterback Will Howard kept the drive alive with an 18-yard run on fourth-and-2.

The Longhorns threatened late, driving to Ohio State’s 1-yard line, but a critical defensive stand by the Buckeyes—including Sawyer’s pressure—set the stage for his game-clinching fumble return.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State advances to face Notre Dame with hopes of claiming their sixth national title and cementing their legacy in the CFP’s expanded format. Meanwhile, Texas (13-3) looks to regroup before their 2025 season opener against the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

For the Buckeyes, the journey to Atlanta marks an incredible turnaround, fueled by belief, resilience, and standout moments from stars like Judkins and Sawyer. As Coach Day said, “Legends are made in moments like these, and tonight, this team added another chapter to Ohio State’s storied history.”