It’s a well-loved tradition in American politics for lawmakers to make friendly bets when their home-state sports teams face off. Usually, these lighthearted exchanges draw a chuckle and a shrug. But when Senator Ted Cruz of Texas proposed a wager to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance over Friday night’s Texas-Ohio State Cotton Bowl matchup, the move caught the attention of football fans far and wide—especially in Texas.

Cruz, always game for some friendly rivalry, took to Twitter:
“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.”

Vance, an Ohio State alum with plenty of Buckeye pride, quickly accepted the challenge. Adding a bit of flair, he asked his followers:
“Which Texas ice cream should I have Ted bring when the Buckeyes win?”

The "Cruz Curse" and Texas Banter

While the wager was all in good fun, some Longhorn fans couldn’t resist poking a little fun at their senator. A playful legend known as the “Cruz Curse” has emerged online, claiming that teams Cruz supports are doomed to lose. While it’s more myth than fact, the internet never misses an opportunity to run with a joke.

True, Cruz has been present for a few tough losses, such as Texas’s defeat by Washington in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal. But he’s also been there for some of Houston’s biggest sports wins, including Game 6 of the 2022 World Series when the Astros clinched the championship. Still, Longhorn fans, never ones to shy away from a little banter, jumped into the fray.

One fan humorously declared:
“JD, this man has zero authority to wager on behalf of the Texas Longhorns and should be blocked and reported.”

Kyle Umlang, author of 101 Aggie Facts: Things Every Longhorn Should Know, added his own lighthearted jab:
“I will bring you food if you never speak of Texas football again.”

Another fan jokingly threw in the towel before kickoff:
“Well, it’s a wrap. Ohio State by a million. Damn you, Cruz.”

Cruz Predicts a Longhorn Win

Cruz, who donned a Switzerland-themed shirt at a recent Texas-Texas A&M game to show his neutrality, isn’t backing down from his prediction. Despite the Longhorns being a 5.5-point underdog, he confidently declared, “Texas by 5.”

As for Vance, he’s clearly ready to see the Buckeyes take home the win—and some Texas treats with it.

The Joy of Sports Rivalries

At its heart, this wager is about more than football. It’s a celebration of sports rivalries, camaraderie, and good-natured fun, bringing a little levity to the political stage. Whether the Longhorns or the Buckeyes emerge victorious, this playful exchange reminds us that even in high-stakes games, a little humor and a shared love of the sport can unite fans from both sides of the field.