[citation needed] This nickname drew inspiration from the 2015 Sugar Bowl play, where Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott ran for an 85 yard touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

[7] At the time of 2024–25 bowl season, Ohio State and Texas were scheduled to play a home-and-home series in 2025 and 2026.

Texas beat 12th-seeded and ACC champion Clemson 38–24 in a first-round game in Austin to advance to the Peach Bowl.

Ohio State played to a 10–2 record (7–2 in conference) during the regular season; their only losses were to Oregon in Eugene and Michigan in Columbus.

Ranked sixth in the final CFP poll, the Buckeyes received the eighth seed in the playoff tournament.

Ohio State beat 9th-ranked Tennessee, 42–17, in a first-round game in Columbus to advance to the Rose Bowl.