With a College Football Playoff bye in hand, Ohio State finds itself in a familiar - and enviable - position: rested, reloaded, and ready to chase another national title. A year removed from grinding through the first round en route to a championship, the Buckeyes now get to sit back and scout their next opponent, who will emerge from the Texas A&M vs. Miami matchup in the Cotton Bowl.
No matter who comes out on top, Ohio State knows the road only gets tougher from here. But this is a program built for these moments - and they’ve proven it before.
A Familiar Setting, a New Challenge
If Texas A&M advances, the Buckeyes will once again find themselves walking into a Cotton Bowl that feels more like an Aggies home game. That’s nothing new.
Ohio State faced a similar scenario last season against Texas - same venue, same crowd imbalance - and came out on top. They didn’t just survive the atmosphere; they thrived in it.
This team doesn’t flinch when the stakes are high and the crowd isn’t in their corner.
But if it’s Miami who punches their ticket, the story shifts. Not in terms of difficulty - both A&M and Miami bring serious talent to the table - but in narrative. A potential matchup with the Hurricanes would bring an extra layer of motivation for one Buckeye in particular: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Jeremiah Smith’s Fire Is Already Lit - and It’s Only Getting Hotter
Smith, one of the most electrifying young players in college football, has been playing with a chip on his shoulder all season. That chip got heavier after he was left off the final list for a major national award - the kind of snub that doesn’t just sting, it fuels.
Now imagine the added edge if he gets to line up against Miami - a program whose fans have been vocal about wanting Smith to transfer simply because he hails from South Florida. The noise hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Smith hears it. And if this matchup happens, you can bet he’ll be looking to quiet it in the loudest way possible - by dominating on the field.
Buckeyes Locked In After Indy Loss
Ohio State’s narrow loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game was a gut punch - but it may have been the best thing that could’ve happened for this team’s mindset heading into the Playoff. This is a group that knows what it takes to win it all, and they’re not interested in leaving anything to chance.
Whoever ends up across from them in the Cotton Bowl is going to face a laser-focused Buckeyes squad - one that’s had time to rest, reset, and refocus. And with Smith playing like he’s got something to prove to the entire college football world, it could be a long day for opposing secondaries.
No Easy Outs in the Playoff - But Ohio State Has the Edge
Let’s be clear: neither Texas A&M nor Miami is a pushover. Both teams have the talent and coaching to make this a fight.
But Ohio State enters the Playoff as one of the most complete, battle-tested teams in the country. They’ve handled adversity, won in hostile environments, and shown they can rise to the moment.
The Buckeyes are built for December football - and now, with a week to prepare and a star receiver with something to prove, they’re about to remind everyone why they’re still the team to beat.