Top 3 wide receivers to watch out for in 2025 Cotton Bowl showdown ft. Matthew Golden 

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be played between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday in a College Football Playoff semifinal. The winner of this game will face the winner of the Orange Bowl in the national championship game in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

Both teams have many talents on offense. This is especially seen in the wide receiver position. Here are three receivers to look out for in the Cotton Bowl.

Top three wide receivers to look out for in the 2025 Cotton Bowl

#1, Matthew Golden (Texas)

On a Longhorns roster that is full of talent, Matthew Golden has been able to stand out and become a reliable target for Quinn Ewers. This year, he has 936 yards and nine touchdowns.

His best performances have come when his team needs it, with Golden having strong games in the SEC Championship Game and the Peach Bowl win over Arizona State. His contribution in the Peach Bowl included his touchdown on a fourth down in overtime to force a second OT, where the Longhorns won 39-31.

#2, Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)

One of the standout freshmen this season has been Jeremiah Smith. He's having a record-breaking season and should only get better in the future, already being described as "one of the best."

He is Ohio State's most dangerous weapon in this game. In 2024, Smith has recorded 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns. Four TDs have come in the Buckeyes' first two games in the CFP, where they easily defeated their opponents.

#3, Isaiah Bond (Texas)

One of the biggest moves in the offseason was former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond heading to the Texas Longhorns. He was a star with the Crimson Tide and has kept this status with the Longhorns. This year, Bond has recorded 532 yards and five touchdowns. While he doesn't lead the team, the mere presence of someone like Bond makes him a threat to the Buckeyes.