The Cotton Bowl is shaping up to be more than just a postseason clash between two storied programs - it’s personal for some of the Buckeyes. Ohio State and Miami are set to square off for the first time in a bowl game since their unforgettable 2003 Fiesta Bowl showdown, a national title classic that still stirs emotions in South Florida.
But this time, the stakes are different. There's no trophy on the line, but for a few key Buckeyes, the motivation runs deep.
Take freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Miami native hasn’t been shy about how much this one means to him.
Beating his hometown team - the one he grew up around, the one he’s heard about his whole life - is high on his list. And he’s not the only Buckeye with something extra to play for.
Enter Kenyatta Jackson Jr., the sophomore defensive end who’s made it clear: this game is personal. Jackson, also a South Florida product, spoke to the media Monday night and didn’t hold back.
His family? Lifelong Hurricanes fans.
His uncle? A former Miami player.
But come game day, there’ll be no split allegiances - the Jackson household will be all-in on the Scarlet and Gray.
“Growing up, it was all about the U,” Jackson shared. “But now, it’s about Ohio State. We’re coming to handle business.”
That business? Shutting down a Miami offense that’s struggled to find rhythm against top-tier defenses.
The Hurricanes managed just 10 points against Texas A&M earlier this season - and now they’re walking into a matchup with one of the most disciplined, suffocating defenses in the country. That’s not a great recipe for offensive success.
Ohio State’s defense, anchored by a deep and athletic front, has made a habit of choking off opponents’ momentum. And Jackson Jr. is a big part of that.
His burst off the edge, his ability to disrupt the pocket - it’s the kind of stuff that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but offensive linemen and quarterbacks definitely feel it. If the Buckeyes can generate consistent pressure, particularly from Jackson’s side, it could be a long day for the Hurricanes’ offense.
And don’t be surprised if Jackson makes his presence known early. He’s had a knack for flashing in big moments, and with the extra fuel of facing his hometown team - and maybe a few memories of family arguments over Miami games - this could be his breakout performance on a national stage.
Of course, the Buckeyes aren’t just emotionally invested - they’re also heavily favored. With nearly three weeks to prepare, Ohio State’s coaching staff has had ample time to scheme, adjust, and fine-tune. That’s never good news for an opponent, especially one that’s struggled to put up points against lesser defenses.
For Ohio State, a win in the Cotton Bowl doesn’t just close the chapter on the 2025 season - it could open the door to something bigger. A victory would set up a marquee matchup against the winner of Georgia and Ole Miss, two SEC heavyweights with College Football Playoff aspirations of their own.
But first, it’s Miami. And for players like Smith and Jackson Jr., it’s more than just another bowl game. It’s a chance to settle old scores, shift family loyalties, and make a statement - not just to the Hurricanes, but to the rest of the college football world.