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Two big-name Republicans are taking the upcoming Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas very seriously by dropping a wager for the game in Arlington this Friday.

The next Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas are on fire over the Buckeyes versus Longhorns matchup. 

PLANO, TX – APRIL 04: Senator Ted Cruz attends the “Nefarious” red carpet premiere and post-screening at Cinemark West Plano XD and ScreenX on April 4, 2023 in Plano, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Hoping to spark a lively debate ahead of the highly anticipated game, Cruz pledged allegiance to Texas and openly challenged Vance’s alma mater at OSU.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 27: U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH). (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Cruz hopped on X Tuesday to challenge Vance to a friendly wager. 

“Hey @JDVance — care for a wager on the UT-Ohio State game? Loser brings beer & food from his home state & delivers it wearing the winning jersey. #HookEm,” Cruz posted on X.

Experiencing his fair share of pressure in 2024, Vance was more than ready for the challenge and agreed to Cruz’s bet, going all in on his Buckeyes.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Brutus the Buckeye entertains fans during a TV time out during the Big 10 Championship Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers on December 2, 2017 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“Alright which Texas ice cream should I have Ted bring when the Buckeyes win?” Vance responded in a matter of minutes.

“To be clear, @tedcruz, you’re on!” the famed senator of Ohio added.

The Cotton Bowl throws down in Arlington at AT&T Stadium on Friday. 

As OutKick’s Trey Wallace wrote, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian welcomed fans to pour into Jerry’s World to cheer on their heavy underdog Longhorns, even with the projected 2 to 12 inches of snow expected to hit Arlington this week. Texas is a near 6-point underdog in this bowl matchup, seemingly with their backs against the wall after narrowly escaping with an overtime win against ASU. 

Vance’s Buckeyes team, led by Ryan Day, clobbered Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl — giving them the upper hand in momentum.

 By most estimations, the Longhorns have “Tim Walz” odds of winning this matchup.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 1: Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs after the catch in the first half during the Rose Bowl against Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

quinn ewers horns up texas longhorns

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 30: Quinn Ewers #3 and Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns celebrate with teammates and the fans after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

But with a “Texas by 5” prediction thrown in, Cruz firmly solidified his support for the heavy underdog Longhorns.

“The only possible answer is Blue Bell ice cream. Plus Texas BBQ & Shiner Bock beer. But, it won’t matter because the Horns are gonna win! Texas by 5,” Cruz said. 

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com