Why is Ohio State playing Texas in the Cotton Bowl for its CFP semifinal location? Here's what to know ahead of Friday's game vs. the Longhorns:

Ohio State fans came out in full force at the Cotton Bowl, occupying nearly half of AT&T Stadium for the CFP semifinal matchup vs Texas:

Ohio State and Texas are both seeking a chance to end national title droughts. The powerhouse programs meet in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

Ohio State and Texas have drawn each other as semifinal opponents in the College Football Playoff. This is the fourth matchup between the blue bloods.

AUSTIN, Texas — Long before Quinn Ewers was a key part of Texas' resurgence as a college football power, he bolted north for Ohio State, lured by money and a chance to play in a program already competing for national championships.

Ewers transferred to Austin after spending less than one season in Columbus in 2021. This will mark the fourth meeting between Ohio State and Texas, with the Longhorns leading the all-time series 2-1.

According to Google Maps, it is a three hour and 13 minute drive (200.0 miles) from Texas' campus in Austin ... and a half hour drive from Ohio State's campus in Columbus, Ohio.

After spending a semester deep on the depth chart at Ohio State, the Texas native headed home to front Steve Sarkisian’s rebuilding project. He will face his former team in a CFP semifinal at the

AUSTIN - Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba played just one season the Burnt Orange, but that was all of the time he needed to establish himself as a

North Crowley High School stars Chris Jimerson Jr. and Quentin Gibson headline the 2024 Sporting News Texas All-State High School Football Team. The Sporting News Texas All-State Team spans all regions of the state and includes first and second-team selections.

Dr. Amy Acton’s announcement last Tuesday that she’s running for Ohio governor in 2026 generated lots of media attention, as well as cheers from Ohio Democrats who think she can end their party’s years-long losing streak.

Jack Sawyer's 83-yard scoop-and-score touchdown after stripping Quinn Ewers on fourth-and-goal with 2:13 left sealed the Buckeyes' 28-14 win over the Longhorns