Though it lacked on-field drama, the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Oregon and Ohio State on New Year's Day drew record numbers on ESPN. Despite the game starting on ESPN2, 21.1 million viewers tuned in to watch the 41-21 Ohio State win, with a 24.3 million viewer peak, per ESPN.

The Ohio State Buckeyes put on a show against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025, annihilating their opponent 41-21 and taking a 34-8 lead into the half. They were led by Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith.

Texas and Ohio State arrived for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl before the snow expected to hit the North Texas area.