As Miami gears up for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown with Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, the Hurricanes are showing plenty of respect for their opponent - but make no mistake, they're not backing down.
Eight Hurricanes players met with the media on Tuesday, and the message was clear: Ohio State is a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, but Miami believes it has the talent and mindset to compete - and win.
Let’s break down what we heard from Miami’s key players as they prepare for one of the biggest games of the season.
Respect for Julian Sayin - and the Numbers Back It Up
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has caught the attention of Miami’s defense, especially standout edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., who didn’t hold back in his praise.
“For his age, he’s very knowledgeable of the game. He’s got the mindset to carry him very far.
He's a real smart young guy. Like as a sophomore, you wouldn't expect nobody to have the mindset and skill set that he does, but he does and he’s going out and playing just as if he was a fifth- or fourth-year guy.”
That’s high praise from one of the ACC’s most disruptive defenders, and it’s not without reason. Sayin leads the country in completion percentage - even ahead of Miami’s own Carson Beck, a veteran quarterback in his sixth college season.
Sayin, by contrast, is just in his second year and first as a starter, but he’s playing like a seasoned vet. His poise, decision-making, and command of the offense have made Ohio State’s attack one of the most efficient in the country.
A Familiar Face: Carnell Tate’s Rise Was No Surprise
Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa knows what kind of weapon Ohio State has in wide receiver Carnell Tate - because he’s seen it up close. The two were teammates at IMG Academy, and Mauigoa saw Tate’s work ethic and talent long before the rest of the country caught on.
“I already knew he was going to do what he's doing right now. I mean, he was that guy over there at IMG.
Head down and didn't really talk much, but he’s all about his business... He's a great guy, great leader, great teammate as well.
And I know he'll be one of the threats at Ohio State.”
Tate has emerged as one of the top wideouts in the nation, racking up 48 catches for 838 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s a key piece in Ohio State’s vertical passing game, and Miami’s secondary is well aware of the challenge he presents.
Miami’s Secondary Gearing Up for a Test
Defensive back Keionte Scott echoed the respect for Ohio State’s receiving corps, noting their ability to stretch the field and find soft spots in coverage.
“Definitely an exciting matchup for us... They do a good job of stretching the field and creating explosive plays.
Good hands, good routes, finding zone holes. So they do a good job.
They have a great room and we’re excited for it.”
This is a group that knows how to win one-on-one battles and turn short gains into big plays. For Miami’s DBs, the key will be discipline, communication, and limiting yards after the catch.
Buckeyes’ Offensive Line: Size, Experience, and Cohesion
Back in the trenches, Rueben Bain Jr. also pointed to the strength of Ohio State’s offensive line - and it’s not just about size. It’s about experience, communication, and having been here before.
“They're big, they're physical, they're talented. They communicate well, experienced. They’ve all been in these shoes before, especially this deep in the playoffs.”
With left tackle Austin Siereveld, left guard Luke Montgomery, and center Carson Hinzman all returning from last year’s national title run, Ohio State’s O-line brings playoff-tested chemistry. For Miami’s front seven, this is going to be a physical battle from the first snap.
Buckeyes’ Defense: Fast, Physical, and Relentless
On the other side of the ball, Miami’s offense knows it’s walking into a storm. Ohio State’s defense is elite across all three levels - and Carson Beck, Miami’s QB, knows it’s going to take a complete effort to move the ball.
“They're a very, very talented defense. In the back end, the front seven, I mean, they can run all over the field, sideline to sideline.
They attack the ball well. They swarm.
And their DBs are really, really good.”
Beck emphasized that while the Buckeyes will present challenges, Miami’s focus remains internal - execution, discipline, and playing their brand of football.
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr., a former Ohio State commit, added his own scouting report, calling the Buckeyes’ defense “chaos everywhere.”
“Big up front, big on the second level. Safeties come down, hit, communicate very well, fly around.
It's just chaos everywhere. Those guys, they chase the ball, communicate very well.
And they're just ballplayers.”
The Battle in the Trenches Could Decide It
Offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and James Brockermeyer both pointed to Ohio State’s defensive line as the heartbeat of its top-ranked unit.
“Their D-line is the power of their defense,” Mauigoa said. “With a lot of All-Americans all around the board... We're pretty excited to go over and get to play with them and get to compete for the one goal that we all want.”
Brockermeyer added:
“They're super talented. I would imagine all those guys will have great careers in the NFL... They're strong, they're smart, they're physical, they play the game the right way.”
For Miami’s offensive line, this is the ultimate test - and they’re embracing it.
Underdog Mentality? Not a Problem
Yes, Ohio State is favored by 9.5 points. Yes, the Buckeyes are a CFP mainstay. But don’t expect the Hurricanes to flinch.
Defensive end Akheem Mesidor summed it up best:
“I don't really care about what anybody has to say. We all play football, we're all ballers in our minds, we all believe in each other and believe in ourselves.
So all the exterior noise and stuff, I don't really care for it. I'm just here to play football.”
That’s the kind of mindset Miami will need if it wants to pull off the upset. The Hurricanes know what they’re up against - but they also know who they are.
Bottom Line: Miami’s players aren’t sugarcoating the challenge ahead. Ohio State is loaded with talent, experience, and momentum.
But the Hurricanes are bringing belief, preparation, and a chip on their shoulder. And when the Cotton Bowl kicks off, they’ll be ready to go toe-to-toe with one of college football’s giants.