Top 3 Ohio State special team players to watch out for in Cotton Bowl ft. Jayden Fielding, Joe McGuire & Emeka Egbuka 

A lot has been made of Ohio State's offense heading into Friday's Cotton Bowl showdown with the Texas Longhorns. The same goes for the Buckeyes' defense.

But what about special teams?

As one-third of the game, that unit has the ability to swing a crucial game in a big way. Any coach will tell you so. Texas, who Ohio State will play in the CFP semifinal game, got a boost from an early 75-yard punt return by Silas Bolden in the Peach Bowl.

Here's a closer look at who the Buckeyes' biggest special teams contributors might be at AT&T Stadium on Friday.

Top 3 Ohio State special team players to keep an eye on in Cotton Bowl

#1. Jayden Fielding, Kicker

Fielding's 46-yard second-quarter field goal against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl was true. The kick restored some confidence after quite the rough patch. He showed his relief by pumping his fist before making a 36-yarder in the 41-21 win.

It was the first instance in six games where he made a pair. He's 11-of-15 on field goals this campaign.

"It was a good feeling," Fielding told the Columbus Dispatch. "It was nice to really bounce back."

Fielding has a largely successful campaign, only missing one field goal try until Michigan came to town on Nov. 30. In that tough 13-10 loss to the Michigan Wolverines, he pushed a pair wide, both from within 40 yards. Then, a 56-yard attempt dropped shy in Ohio State's first-round College Football Playoff game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

The struggles led to some small changes in his motion, which included following down the field more and striking the ball with improved contact.

#2. Joe McGuire, Punter

Jesse Mirco, the Buckeyes' punter last year, left for Vanderbilt in the transfer portal. McGuire was Ohio State's only returning punter at that point, but Nick McLarty was signed as a scholarship player before preseason camp.

McGuire was unfazed by the addition.

"I was the only punter here at the time, really, so I was expecting it," McGuire told Eleven Warriors. "And if that's what they think makes the team better, then great. Because at the end of the day, we just want to win. ... As they say here, iron sharpens iron."

For a moment, it looked as if McLarty would unseat him, as he was named the team's starting punter nine days before the opener against Akron. Ryan Day changed his mind, however.

McGuire has boomed 40 punts this season for an average of 41.8 yards. Only one has dropped inside the opponent's 20-yard line, though. Against Oregon, he had five punts, the longest being 47 yards and two bouncing in the end zone for touchbacks.

#3. Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver

Egbuka, the Buckeyes' all-time leading receiver, is a threat to return kicks, as well. He was the team's primary punt returner in 2022 and for some of last season. He shared those duties with Jayden Ballard for the other part, but Ballard has since joined former Ohio State head coach Luke Fickell as a transfer at Wisconsin.

Egbuka is one of the players who returned for a crack at the national title. A return for a touchdown would be a memorable moment for him and fans alike.

Do you think the Ohio State Buckeyes have enough to get past the Texas Longhorns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.