Cotton Bowl Clash: Ohio State, Miami Set for High-Stakes Playoff Showdown
ARLINGTON, Texas - The College Football Playoff is about to get real. No.
2 Ohio State and No. 10 Miami are headed for a New Year’s Eve showdown under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal - and both teams are bringing plenty of storylines with them to Dallas.
The Buckeyes and Hurricanes are set to arrive in town on Sunday, giving them a few days to settle in before kickoff on Wednesday. And in a new twist under the 12-team Playoff format, both programs have released early availability reports - a move aimed at increasing transparency and protecting player welfare. Additional updates will roll out Monday and Tuesday, with the final report dropping 90 minutes before the game.
Buckeyes Nearly at Full Strength
For Ohio State, the news is mostly positive. The Buckeyes are entering the postseason about as healthy as you could hope for this time of year.
The only starter listed on the initial injury report is offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola, who’s doubtful after starting all 13 games at right guard this season. Head coach Ryan Day acknowledged that Tshabola’s recovery could take “at least a few weeks,” suggesting he’s unlikely to suit up against Miami.
That said, Ohio State has options. Tshabola’s spot has seen some rotation throughout the season, with Joshua Padilla and Gabe VanSickle both getting reps.
Padilla has battled injuries of his own, but VanSickle appears to be in line for the start, based on how the Buckeyes lined up during their open practice on Friday. While Tshabola’s absence isn’t ideal, it’s not exactly uncharted territory for this O-line group.
Tate, Smith Trending Up
The real boost for Ohio State comes on the perimeter. Wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith - two of the most dynamic young weapons in the country - are trending toward full strength.
Both dealt with injuries late in the regular season, with Tate missing three games and Smith sitting out one before returning for the Michigan game. They were active in the Big Ten Championship, though Tate’s snap count was noticeably lighter than usual.
Now, with a few weeks to heal up, both are expected to be much closer to 100%. That’s a big deal.
When healthy, this duo stretches defenses in ways few teams can match. Smith brings elite route-running and body control, while Tate offers a blend of vertical speed and physicality that makes him a matchup nightmare.
If they’re both rolling, Ohio State’s passing game - led by freshman quarterback Julian Sayin - becomes a serious problem for any defense.
But that passing attack only works if Sayin has time to operate. Protection will be key, especially with Tshabola out. The Buckeyes need their offensive line to hold up against a Miami front that, while banged up, still has athleticism and depth.
Miami Missing Key Pieces
On the other sideline, the Hurricanes are dealing with a few notable absences. Defensive back Damari Brown, linebacker Malik Bryant, and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw are all out for the Cotton Bowl. Defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. is listed as doubtful, which could further thin out Miami’s rotation up front.
That’s not the kind of news you want when facing a team with Ohio State’s offensive firepower. The Hurricanes will need to rely on depth and scheme to slow down the Buckeyes, especially if their secondary is shorthanded.
Still, Miami didn’t get here by accident. They’ve got enough talent on both sides of the ball to make this a fight - but they’ll need to play clean, disciplined football and find ways to pressure Sayin without giving up the big play over the top.
What’s at Stake
This is the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, and both programs know what’s on the line. For Ohio State, it’s a chance to prove they belong back in the national title conversation. For Miami, it’s an opportunity to show the country they’re not just back - they’re ready to compete with the best.
Both teams arrive in Dallas with something to prove. Now it’s just a matter of who can execute when the lights come on.