Miami’s Secondary Takes a Hit Ahead of CFP Quarterfinal vs. Ohio State
DALLAS - As the Hurricanes gear up for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal clash with Ohio State, they’ll be without one of their most reliable defensive backs. Cornerback Damari Brown has officially been ruled out, dealing a significant blow to Miami’s secondary just days before facing one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Brown has been a steady presence for the Hurricanes this season, bouncing back impressively after missing most of 2024 due to injury. In his return, he’s racked up 24 tackles and earned solid marks across the board - including a 75.9 defensive grade and a 79.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, the latter ranking fourth among Miami defenders with over 100 snaps. That kind of production isn’t easily replaced, especially against a Buckeyes team that thrives on stretching defenses vertically.
Head coach Mario Cristobal acknowledged last week that Brown’s situation was trending toward a longer recovery, though he remained cautiously optimistic. “Damari Brown, it’s a little bit longer, but we’re hopeful that we’re going to get a favorable response here in a bit,” Cristobal said. That response, at least for this week, didn’t come in time.
The Hurricanes will also be without linebacker Malik Bryant and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, both of whom were listed as out on Miami’s initial injury report released Sunday night. Freshman defensive lineman Donta Simpson is listed as doubtful, leaving his status up in the air as game day approaches.
But it’s not all bad news for Miami on the injury front. Several key players who were shaken up in the win over Texas A&M appear to have avoided serious setbacks.
Linebacker Mo Toure, who went down late in the game with what looked like a concerning injury, was back on the sidelines moments later celebrating Bryce Fitzgerald’s game-clinching interception. The fact that Toure wasn’t listed on the injury report is a strong sign he’ll be available when the Hurricanes take the field against Ohio State.
“That’s how Mo plays,” Cristobal said. “Mo, since the day he got here, has been nothing but a team guy.
And his level of play, again, it was exemplified, epitomized in that one particular play. That’s what he is, and you know we feel really good about him getting healthy pretty quickly.”
Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and safeties Jakobe Thomas and Zechariah Poyser were also banged up against the Aggies, but their absence from Sunday’s report suggests they’re trending in the right direction.
Miami’s Initial Injury Report (vs. Ohio State)
OUT
- CB Damari Brown
- LB Malik Bryant
- WR Daylyn Upshaw
DOUBTFUL
- DL Donta Simpson
As the Hurricanes prepare for their biggest game of the season, depth will be tested - especially in the secondary. With Brown sidelined, Miami’s defensive backs will need to step up against a high-powered Ohio State passing attack.
The good news? The Hurricanes have shown resilience all year, and they’ll need every bit of it to keep their title hopes alive.