Cotton Bowl Clash: Miami Set to Face Ohio State in CFP Quarterfinal
After grinding out a gritty 10-3 win on the road at Texas A&M, Miami’s reward is a marquee New Year’s Eve matchup with defending national champion Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. This marks the Hurricanes’ first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance-and it comes against one of the sport’s most battle-tested powerhouses.
Let’s break down everything you need to know ahead of this heavyweight showdown in Arlington.
The Matchup
- Who: No. 10 Miami (11-2, 6-2 ACC) vs.
No. 2 Ohio State (12-1, 9-0 Big Ten)
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time)
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Watch: ESPN | Listen (Miami): WQAM 560 AM / 104.3 FM, 990 AM ESPN Deportes
- Stream: ESPN app, ESPN platforms, Fubo TV, or any service carrying ESPN
How They Got Here
Miami came into the playoff as the No. 10 seed and immediately proved it belonged. The Hurricanes went into a hostile Kyle Field environment and shut down Texas A&M, holding the Aggies to just a field goal.
That win wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of physical, grind-it-out performance that travels well in December. The defense was relentless, and running back Mark Fletcher Jr. delivered when it mattered most-rushing for 172 yards, including a late dagger that set up the clinching touchdown.
Ohio State, the No. 2 seed, earned a first-round bye and hasn’t played since the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6-a narrow 13-10 loss to Indiana. That result snapped the Buckeyes’ perfect season, but it didn’t cost them a top-two seed. Now they come in rested, motivated, and still very much a threat to repeat as national champs.
What Vegas Thinks
The Buckeyes are favored by 9.5 points heading into this one, with the total set at 42.5. Moneyline odds have Ohio State hovering around -355 to -375, while Miami is in the +280 to +290 range. Translation: oddsmakers see this as Ohio State’s game to lose, but Miami’s defense and physicality could keep things interesting.
Weather? Not a Factor
AT&T Stadium is a dome, so weather won’t be a factor on game night. That said, the Arlington forecast is looking pleasant-sunny with a high near 66 and a low around 44. But once the roof closes, it’s all about football.
Season Snapshot
Miami (11-2)
The Hurricanes have leaned heavily on their defense all season, and it showed again in the win over A&M.
They tackled well, pressured the quarterback, and made sure the Aggies never found rhythm offensively. The return of cornerback Keionte Scott from a foot injury gave the secondary a boost, and his presence could be critical again against Ohio State’s passing attack.
Ohio State (12-1)
The Buckeyes rolled through the Big Ten until their stumble in the conference title game.
Still, they’ve been one of the most complete teams in college football this season. Offensively, they’ve got balance and explosiveness.
Defensively, they’ve been stout up front and opportunistic in the secondary. One thing to monitor: starting right guard Tegra Tshabola could miss the game, which would be a significant blow to Ohio State’s offensive line.
Series History
This series is as even as it gets-tied 2-2, with one additional Ohio State win that was later vacated. Of course, the most memorable meeting came in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State edged Miami in a national title game that still sparks debate more than two decades later.
What to Watch For
This game could come down to who wins the line of scrimmage. Miami’s front seven was dominant against Texas A&M, and they’ll need to replicate that effort to slow down Ohio State’s offense. If the Hurricanes can turn this into a low-possession, field-position battle, they’ll give themselves a real shot in the fourth quarter.
Availability will be key too. Miami’s secondary is healthier than it’s been in weeks, and if they can hold up in coverage, it’ll allow the pass rush to get home. On the other side, if Ohio State is missing Tshabola, that could open the door for Miami to generate pressure and disrupt the timing of the Buckeyes’ offense.
Bottom Line
Miami’s defense is playing championship-caliber football. Ohio State is rested, experienced, and loaded with talent. This Cotton Bowl matchup has all the ingredients for a classic: two storied programs, a spot in the CFP semifinals on the line, and a clash of styles that could come down to the wire.
Get your popcorn ready-this one could be special.