Ohio State vs. Texas: Best Bets and Winning Parlays for the Cotton Bowl Classic
The stage is set for the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic, and it’s shaping up to be a game for the ages. Ohio State and Texas square off tonight in Arlington, Texas, with a trip to the National Championship on the line. The Buckeyes, fresh off dominant wins against Tennessee and top-seeded Oregon, are riding high behind the stellar play of freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, who’s been catching touchdowns like they’re going out of style.
Meanwhile, Texas has shown grit, grinding out a win over Arizona State and cruising past Clemson to punch their ticket to this semifinal showdown. With both teams boasting top-tier defenses and explosive offenses, this game is a must-watch.
Adding to the intrigue is the local flavor: Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is a Southlake Carroll alum, while Buckeye linebacker Anthony Hale Jr. hails from Denton Ryan. Oh, and did we mention this game’s happening in AT&T Stadium, smack in the heart of North Texas? The atmosphere will be electric, even with icy weather outside. Both teams rank in the top three nationally in total defense, passing defense, and yards per play defense, but don’t let that fool you—these offenses can put up points in a hurry. The winner will head to Atlanta to face Notre Dame, fresh off their 27-24 nail-biter over Penn State, in the National Championship. Buckle up, because this one’s going to be fun.
Top 5 Bets for Ohio State vs. Texas
- Ohio State -6 (-110)
The Buckeyes have been steamrolling their competition, winning their last two playoff games by 25 and 20 points. Will Howard has the offense humming, with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka wreaking havoc on opposing secondaries. Texas has a solid defense, but they struggled against Arizona State’s attack, which isn’t nearly as potent as Ohio State’s. Expect the Buckeyes to win by at least a touchdown. - Over 53.5 Total Points (-110)
Both teams can light up the scoreboard, and this game has all the makings of a shootout. Ohio State is averaging 41.5 points in the playoffs, while Texas put up 38 on Clemson. With the game indoors at AT&T Stadium, there’s no weather to slow things down. Coaches will open up their playbooks for this high-stakes semifinal, so bet on the over hitting here. - Jeremiah Smith Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-175)
Smith has been an unstoppable force, racking up 4 touchdowns in two playoff games. Will Howard clearly trusts him in the red zone, and Texas’ secondary hasn’t faced anyone quite like him this season. Sure, the odds aren’t great, but Smith finding the end zone feels as close to a sure thing as you’ll get in this game. - Quinn Ewers Over 262.5 Passing Yards (-110)
Ewers has been on fire, surpassing this total in four of his last five games, including a 322-yard performance against Arizona State. Ohio State’s aggressive defense could force Texas to air it out, especially if they fall behind early. With weapons like Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, Ewers should have no problem hitting this mark. - TreVeyon Henderson Under 62.5 Rushing Yards (+100)
Texas’ run defense is legit, allowing just 85 yards per game. Henderson has been splitting carries with Quinshon Judkins, which limits his opportunities. If the Buckeyes build a lead, they may lean on the passing game to keep the pressure on. At even money, the under is a solid play here.
While pre-game bets like these are great, the real action is in live, in-game betting. With BetMagic’s real-time analytics, you can make smarter bets as the game unfolds. It’s like having the playbook before the game even starts—don’t miss out.
Parlays to Up the Ante
Parlay 1: Ohio State -6 + Over 53.5 + Jeremiah Smith Anytime TD (+320)
- Ohio State -6: The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense continues to dominate.
- Over 53.5 Total Points: Both teams’ playmakers will keep the scoreboard busy.
- Jeremiah Smith Anytime TD: Smith is almost a lock to find the end zone again.
Reasoning: This parlay is built around Ohio State’s ability to dictate the game. If the Buckeyes win and cover, it’s likely because they’ve put up points, and Smith finding the end zone feels like part of that equation. The over ties it all together.
Parlay 2: Quinn Ewers Over 262.5 Passing Yards + Matthew Golden Over 62.5 Receiving Yards + Emeka Egbuka Anytime TD (+475)
- Quinn Ewers Over 262.5 Passing Yards: Texas will need to air it out to stay in the game.
- Matthew Golden Over 62.5 Receiving Yards: Ewers’ favorite target should benefit from a pass-heavy game plan.
- Emeka Egbuka Anytime TD: Ohio State’s offense will find its groove, and Egbuka is a key piece.
Reasoning: This parlay leans into the idea of a shootout. If Ewers hits his passing total, Golden is likely to go over his receiving yards. On the other side, Egbuka has been a consistent red zone threat for the Buckeyes. It’s a bit riskier, but the payout makes it worth a look.
Full List of Picks & Reasoning
- Ohio State -6 (-110): Dominant playoff performances and an explosive offense make the Buckeyes a strong pick.
- Over 53.5 Total Points (-110): Explosive offenses and ideal conditions point to a high-scoring game.
- Jeremiah Smith Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-175): Smith’s red zone dominance continues.
- Quinn Ewers Over 262.5 Passing Yards (-110): Ewers has the weapons and the game script to hit this total.
- TreVeyon Henderson Under 62.5 Rushing Yards (+100): Texas’ elite run defense will make life tough for Henderson.
Now that you’ve got your picks, it’s time to play smart. To maximize your winnings, BetMagic’s live, in-game analytics provide up-to-the-second data. Sign up and start making smarter, real-time bets today!
Whether you’re rooting for the Buckeyes, the Longhorns, or just your wallet, enjoy the game and good luck!
