[5] The teams had only met once previously, a 24–14 Florida victory in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.
[6] Several players from both teams opted not to participate in the game, choosing to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.
[7] The opt-outs included three of Florida's receivers: Trevon Grimes, Kyle Pitts, and Kadarius Toney.
Florida defeated one ranked team during the season, Georgia.
The Sooners had played in two prior Cotton Bowls, winning in January 2002 and losing in January 2013. at AT&T Stadium • Arlington, Texas The Sooners tied the Cotton Bowl record for most points scored, with 55, and set new Cotton Bowl records for rushing yards, with 435, and total yards, with 684.