Alright, here we go—2025 CFP Semifinal at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic! This isn’t just any game; it’s the game. And Goodyear? They’re not just here to slap a logo on it—they’re bringing some serious heat with cool promos to keep things buzzing.

But let’s talk football. Ohio State vs. Texas in Arlington? Oh man, this is going to be good. The stakes are massive, the energy will be off the charts, and if you’re lucky enough to be there, you’re in for one heck of a show. Halftime’s set to be a banger and the National Anthem? We’re all dying to know who’s stepping up to the mic this year.

Who will sing?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl game is scheduled to start at 19:30 ET. When the typical spectator won’t have access to the FanFest section of Friday’s Cotton Bowl, but local fans will get a taste of DJ Diesel’s musical styling. At that time, Boston Ed Varney will play the National Anthem and provide pre-game coverage, though. Varney may not be well-known for his record releases, but according to his events bookings page, he has played with several bands during his musical career. He has also played the national anthem on the saxophone at a number of athletic events.

However, the opportunity to perform in front of almost 700,000 people is a huge honor for any singer. Yes, when Shilah Phillips had her singing opportunity in 2023. In recognition of that, she uploaded a post saying, “It was such an honor to sing the National Anthem at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. I am so proud to be an American 🇺🇸 and my heart swells with pride when I have special opportunities to use my voice to show my appreciation and respect for this great country.”

Yes, it is truly a proud feeling to get the opportunity to sing for your nation. The opportunity went to a foursome band before Shilah Phillips in 2022. They are Little Big Town, a country band indeed. Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild, and singer Jimi Westbrook make up the harmonic ensemble.

Following that opportunity to sing, Jimi Westbrook said, “Hey, give us tickets and we’ll be there to sing! We’re just huge sports fans that we love doing this. And we get to check out the game!” Moreover, he said, “In our career, we have sung to four people in a room all the way to a sold-out arena. But singing in front of nearly 70,000 football fans is a special feeling. When we get to the last part of the song, the crowd starts to erupt. It’s just amazing.”

Aside from the National Anthem, the field will also come alive with the Ohio State Marching Band and the University of Texas Longhorn Band. These two powerhouses are ready to wow the crowd with electrifying music and intricate formations that capture the heart and soul of their schools. So fans will be enjoying the vibes and the plays, that’s for sure. But will the weather behave?

To reach the Cotton Bowl, fans face Mother Nature

Fans are traveling to DFW, or at least attempting to, with hours ticking before the Cotton Bowl kicks off. Many of those in the thousands who wanted to attend the CFP Semifinal had to change their travel plans or make extra efforts to support OSU and Texas because of the snow, sleet, and ice that afflicted the metroplex.

After hours of sleet and freezing rain on Thursday, crews labored to treat and then clear roadways in the Arlington area. Many people followed the advice to stay at home and off the roadways. Or in the case of Cotton Bowl spectators, close to their hotels, according to Arlington Police, who reported responding to around two dozen severe crashes late in the day.

People arrived earlier than expected, crowding Arlington’s entertainment section, whether they drove in a day early or altered their flights. Flights that waited until Thursday saw cancellations and delays as a result of the ground halt at Dallas Love Field and DFW.

The former OSU player, Mekka Don, was one of the people who was misdirected. He said he left Ohio just before six in the morning, flew to Detroit, lost his flight from Dallas to Memphis, and then flew back to Detroit. And it resulted in the rapper having to postpone a Thursday night performance. We’ll see what happens when kickoff comes around.