The 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic is huge this year. We’re talking College Football Playoff Quarterfinal action on New Year’s Eve with two powerhouse programs ready to battle. Ohio State takes on Miami at AT&T Stadium in what could be the defensive game of the year. The winner moves on to the semifinals and gets one step closer to the national title.
Ohio State comes in as the No. 2 seed at 12-2 from the Big Ten. The Buckeyes got a first-round bye and now they’re defending last year’s national championship. Julian Sayin runs the offense and his 78.4% completion rate this season is borderline ridiculous. Then there’s Jeremiah Smith catching everything in sight – 80 receptions for over 1,000 yards.
Miami sneaks in as the No. 10 seed with an 11-3 record from the ACC. They just beat No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 in a defensive slugfest that made history with the only scoreless first half in CFP games ever. Their defense has been suffocating lately – three of their last four opponents scored single digits. Mark Fletcher Jr. carries the load on offense with 857 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
The stakes? Winner heads to the Fiesta Bowl for the CFP Semifinals. Loser goes home. You want to watch this one and we’ve got everything you need – kickoff time, streaming options, TV channels, the whole deal.
90th Cotton Bowl Classic at a Glance
| Teams | No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs No. 10 Miami Hurricanes |
| Date | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| Where | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| Game Time | 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT |
| TV Network | ESPN, ESPN Deportes |
| Live Stream HD | Watch Here |
| Radio | ESPN Radio, Apple Music, SiriusXM, TuneIn |
| Edition | 90th Annual Cotton Bowl Classic |
| Status | College Football Playoff Quarterfinal |
When and Where is the Cotton Bowl 2025?
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This is actually the first time the Cotton Bowl falls on New Year’s Eve – perfect timing to kick off your 2026 celebration with some elite college football.
The stadium holds 80,000 fans and it’s been the Cotton Bowl home since 2010. Cowboys fans know it well. That massive video board alone is worth the price of admission. The facilities are top-notch and it’s one of the best places in America to watch college football.
What is the Cotton Bowl 2025 Start Time?
Kickoff happens at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. East Coast folks tune in at 7:30 p.m. and West Coast catches it at 4:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve primetime football – doesn’t get much better.
Here’s what you need to know about the game itself. Both defenses rank in the top five nationally. Vegas set the total at 40.5 points. Most experts think we’re looking at a low-scoring battle. Think 17-10 or 20-13 type of game.
What’s at Stake?
Everything. This CFP Quarterfinal sends the winner to Glendale, Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl semifinals on January 8, 2026. The loser’s season ends right there at AT&T Stadium.
Vegas favors Ohio State by 9.5 points. The Buckeyes want to prove last year’s championship wasn’t a fluke. Miami wants to shock the world again after upsetting Texas A&M in round one.
Series History
These programs have met five times before. Ohio State leads 3-2 overall but the history between them is wild.
Last time they played was September 17, 2011. Miami wasn’t even ranked and they went into the game as huge underdogs. Final score: Hurricanes 24, Buckeyes 6. Total upset.
But the most famous game? The 2003 Fiesta Bowl for the BCS National Championship. Miami came in ranked No. 1 and Ohio State was No. 2. The Buckeyes were 12-point underdogs. Double overtime thriller and Ohio State won 31-24. First national title for the Buckeyes since 1968. That game is still talked about today.
Miami hasn’t played in the Cotton Bowl since January 1, 1991. This is only their second appearance ever in this bowl game.
How to Watch Cotton Bowl 2025 in the United States
ESPN and ESPN Deportes have the broadcast. Coverage starts before the 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff. Got cable? You’re all set – just turn on ESPN. You can also stream through the ESPN website or app using your cable login.
Dave Pasch calls the play-by-play with Dusty Dvoracek and Quint Kessenich breaking down the action.
Streaming Options Without Cable
No cable? No problem. Here are your options:
ESPN Unlimited
Your cheapest bet at $29.99 monthly. You get every ESPN channel without paying for a huge cable bundle. Includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, and all ESPN+ content. Access to 47,000 live events annually with on-demand replays and studio shows like SportsCenter and College GameDay.
FuboTV
Pro plan runs $84.99 per month with a 5-7 day free trial (varies by promotion). Sign up right before the game and watch for free. Three plan options:
- Pro costs $84.99/month – gets you 219+ channels, 1,000 hours of DVR storage, and 10 simultaneous streams
- Elite runs $94.99/month – bumps you to 291+ channels with 4K resolution
- Ultimate at $99.99/month – 299 channels plus Showtime and NFL RedZone
Note: Some plans may have a Regional Sports Network fee of $12-16/month depending on your location. FuboTV recently lost NBC Universal channels due to a contract dispute.
DIRECTV STREAM
Five-day free trial with the Entertainment package starting at $89.99 monthly. New customers get major discounts for the first three months. Four package options:
- Entertainment at $89.99/month gives you 90+ channels (first month $49.99)
- Choice at $94.99/month bumps to 125+ channels (first month $54.99, includes regional sports)
- Ultimate at $114.99/month gets 160+ channels (first month $84.99)
- Premier at $159.99/month maxes out at 185+ channels with HBO Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax
All DIRECTV STREAM plans now include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited at no extra charge. Regional Sports Network fees up to $19.99/month may apply to Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages.
YouTube TV
Running a special 21-day free trial right now (ends December 31, 2025 – trial length changes frequently). After that it’s $82.99 monthly for 100+ channels including ESPN. New subscribers get $72.99/month for the first 3 months (saves $30 total). The cool thing about YouTube TV? Real-time stats, key play highlights, and fantasy football scores built right in. Includes unlimited Cloud DVR and 3 simultaneous streams.
Important note: YouTube TV currently doesn’t have Disney-owned channels (ESPN, ABC, FX) due to a carriage dispute as of late October 2025. They’re offering a $20/month credit during the blackout. Check current channel availability before signing up.
Hulu + Live TV
Costs $89.99 per month for 95+ channels with ESPN. Currently offering $64.99/month for the first 3 months (saves $75 total) for new and eligible returning subscribers. Big bonus – you also get Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited all included. Great value if you watch more than just sports. Includes unlimited Cloud DVR but only 2 simultaneous streams on the base plan. Add Unlimited Screens for $9.99/month to watch on unlimited devices at home.
Sling TV
Orange package costs $45.99 per month with ESPN. First month is 50% off at just $23 (limited time offer). No free trial currently available but it’s the most affordable live TV option. Only 1 simultaneous stream with Orange plan. Sling Blue is $50.99/month with 3 streams but doesn’t include ESPN. Orange + Blue combo is $65.99/month (first month $33) and gives you 50+ channels with 4 streams.
Sling also offers completely free Sling Freestream with 600+ ad-supported channels and no credit card required.
Can I Watch the Cotton Bowl Live Stream Free?
Absolutely. Free trials are your friend here:
- FuboTV: 5-7 day free trial (varies by promotion)
- YouTube TV: 21-day free trial (available through December 31, 2025 – but check availability due to Disney channel blackout)
- DIRECTV STREAM: 5-day free trial
- Hulu + Live TV: 3-day free trial
Pro tip: Sign up the day before the game. Watch the Cotton Bowl. Cancel before the trial ends. Set a phone reminder so you don’t forget and get charged.
Another option – borrow a login from a friend or family member who has ESPN. Just use their credentials on the ESPN app or WatchESPN website.
How to Live Stream Cotton Bowl 2025 in Canada
TSN owns the broadcast rights in Canada. They show all NCAA football including the entire College Football Playoff. Watch on regular TSN through cable or stream it with TSN LIVE on any device.
TSN covers every bowl game so you can follow the whole playoff journey to the championship.
How to Watch the Cotton Bowl Online in the UK
Sky Sports NFL is your only option for college football in the UK. They have exclusive rights and the Cotton Bowl is part of their coverage.
You also get regular college games every week plus all the NFL action – Thursday Night Football, Sunday games, Monday Night Football. Shows like ESPN College GameDay Live and NFL RedZone air on Sky Sports too.
Sky Stream subscription costs £26 monthly on a contract or £29 month-to-month.
Don’t want a contract? NOW TV sells a Sky Sports Pass starting at £14.99. No long-term commitment required.
You could also use a VPN like NordVPN to access American streaming services.
How to Watch the Cotton Bowl 2025 in Australia
ESPN Australia broadcasts the game. Access it through Foxtel or go with Kayo Sports.
Kayo Sports is perfect for cord-cutters. You get replays, multi-view, all the good stuff. Two pricing tiers:
- One Plan at $25/month lets you stream on 2 devices
- Basic Plan at $35/month works on 3 devices at once
Both plans include a 7-day free trial. Sign up, watch the Cotton Bowl, decide if you want to keep it.
Where to Stream Cotton Bowl 2025 in Germany
DAZN has you covered in Germany. They’re the go-to platform for American sports over there with live and on-demand coverage. Works on smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers – basically everything.
DAZN shows college football and NFL all season long.
How to Stream Cotton Bowl 2025 from Anywhere?
VPN is the answer. A Virtual Private Network changes your location digitally so you can access American streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN is reliable and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Connect to a US server, sign up for one of those free trials we mentioned earlier, and you’re watching the game.
What Devices Can I Watch On?
Pretty much anything with a screen:
- Smart TVs – Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, you name it
- Streaming boxes – Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast
- Phones and tablets – iPhone, iPad, Android devices
- Gaming systems – Xbox, PlayStation
- Computers – Mac or PC, doesn’t matter
- Any web browser
All the major streaming services have apps for every platform. Pick your favorite screen and go.
You can also check:
Cotton Bowl 2025 Halftime Show
Cotton Bowl halftime shows are always memorable. We’re talking college football tradition mixed with serious entertainment.
What to Expect at Halftime
The official lineup hasn’t dropped yet for December 31. Based on past Cotton Bowls though, here’s what typically happens:
University Marching Bands: The Ohio State Buckeyes Marching Band (they call themselves The Best Damn Band in the Land) and Miami’s Band of the Hour will both perform. These aren’t your average high school bands. Expect:
- Crazy intricate formations you won’t believe they can pull off
- School fight songs that get the crowd going
- Full brass sections, percussion, color guard – the whole production
Ohio State’s band is famous for their script Ohio formation. They also do these innovative shows where they basically draw pictures on the field using hundreds of musicians. Wild to watch.
Special Performances: Cotton Bowl usually brings in extras like:
- Texas-based performers
- Drill teams and dance groups
- Fireworks (if weather cooperates)
- Sometimes tribute performances for special occasions
Kilgore College Rangerettes
The Rangerettes are legendary. They’ve performed at the Cotton Bowl for over 75 years straight. One of the most famous precision dance teams on the planet.
Their high-kick routines and perfect synchronization are iconic. Basically a Cotton Bowl tradition at this point.
National Anthem
They’ll announce the anthem performer closer to game day. Past Cotton Bowls have featured everything from traditional singers to saxophone performances to full choir renditions.
Pregame Entertainment
Show up early or tune in 30 minutes before kickoff for:
- Team entrances (always cool to see)
- Full marching band pregame shows
- Color guard presentations
- National anthem
- Coin toss
Will the Halftime Show Be Televised?
Yes. ESPN airs the whole thing as part of their broadcast. You’ll see all the performances at home though they might trim some bits for commercials.
Keep an eye on the Cotton Bowl’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for halftime performer announcements.
2025 Cotton Bowl Game: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Cotton Bowl Parade?
The parade rolls through with floats, marching bands, and live entertainment. Builds the excitement before kickoff. Specific details for 2025 will come out closer to the game.
Where to Watch the Cotton Bowl Parade Live?
Texas locals can watch on WFAA or KDFW. These stations cover major Dallas-area events. You can also stream it on the Cotton Bowl’s website or catch a live feed on their Facebook or YouTube channels.
How to Get Cotton Bowl Tickets?
Head to the official Cotton Bowl website or Ticketmaster. This is a playoff game so tickets move fast. Don’t wait around.
AT&T Stadium box office also sells tickets. Playoff games cost more than regular bowl games – just so you know going in.
What Happened in the Last Cotton Bowl (January 2025)?
Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 in the CFP Semifinal on January 10, 2025. The Buckeyes advanced to the national championship. That game is already famous for the “Scoop and Sawyer” play – Jack Sawyer scooped up a fumble and ran it back 83 yards for a touchdown. Basically sealed the win right there.
What are the Game Predictions?
Vegas has Ohio State favored by 9.5 points. Total is set at 40.5. Most analysts think final score lands somewhere around 17-10 or 20-13.
Both defenses are elite. Miami just held Texas A&M to 3 points. Ohio State’s defense has been dominant all year. Red zone efficiency might decide this one.
Key Players to Watch
Ohio State:
- QB Julian Sayin – 78.4% completion rate (that would break the NCAA single-season record)
- WR Jeremiah Smith – leads the Big Ten with 80 catches and over 1,000 yards
- DE Jack Sawyer – makes big plays when the game is on the line
Miami:
- RB Mark Fletcher Jr. – 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns
- The entire defense – they’ve held 3 of their last 4 opponents to single digits
- Secondary – shut down Texas A&M’s passing attack completely
What Time Should I Start Watching?
ESPN pregame starts about 30 minutes early. Turn it on around 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT) for all the analysis and hype. Actual kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET.
Will There be Alternative Broadcasts?
ESPN usually offers multiple ways to watch big playoff games:
- Main broadcast on ESPN (standard coverage)
- Spanish broadcast on ESPN Deportes
- Command Center on ESPNU (multiple camera angles at once)
- SkyCast on ESPNews (overhead tactical view)
- Pat McAfee alternate broadcast on ESPN2 (if they do it)
Check what your streaming service includes.
Two championship-caliber programs battle it out on New Year’s Eve. Ohio State defends their title. Miami tries to keep the upset train rolling. This game has all the makings of a classic defensive struggle. Grab one of those free streaming trials or make the trip to Arlington. Either way, don’t miss this one.
The 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic kicks off Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.