In a high-stakes showdown at the Cotton Bowl, Texas suffered a crushing 28-14 defeat to Ohio State. The Longhorns had a chance to level the score late in the game, but a fumble by quarterback Quinn Ewers on 4th down led to a touchdown return by Jack Sawyer, securing the Buckeyes’ victory. Despite a spirited effort, Texas fell just short in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals for the second year in a row.

Three Key Takeaways from Texas’s Loss

1. Dual-Threat Running Backs Shine

While the Longhorns’ offense faced challenges, running backs Jaydon Blue and Tre Wisner emerged as key contributors in the passing game. Blue and Wisner combined for 11 of Ewers’ 23 completions, racking up 101 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns. Both of Blue’s touchdowns were pivotal, including a game-tying score in the fourth quarter. However, Texas struggled to establish the ground game, with Wisner and Blue combining for only 62 rushing yards on 21 carries.

2. Defensive Standout Performance

Texas’s defense delivered a strong performance, holding Ohio State to a below-average 6.5 yards per play. Excluding a 75-yard touchdown pass to TreVeyon Henderson just before halftime, Ohio State’s average drops to 5.3 yards per play. The Longhorns’ defense recorded four tackles for loss and limited the Buckeyes to just 3.4 yards per carry, showcasing resilience despite the final score.

3. The Future of Quinn Ewers in Question

Quinn Ewers’ future with Texas remains uncertain. While Arch Manning is expected to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback in 2025, Ewers has collegiate eligibility left and may choose to return either to Texas or another program. Despite a challenging 2024 season, Ewers has left an indelible mark on Texas football, leading the team to its first two CFP appearances and ranking third on the program’s all-time passing yardage list. His tenure includes a 3-1 record against rivals Oklahoma and Texas A&M and a 2024 SEC Championship Game appearance.

As Texas looks ahead, the program will reflect on Ewers’ contributions and prepare for the next chapter under Manning’s leadership.