Miami vs. Ohio State: A Playoff Rematch 22 Years in the Making, But This One’s All About 2025
ARLINGTON, Texas - For longtime Miami fans, the sight of Ohio State across the field stirs up memories that still sting. The infamous 2003 Fiesta Bowl - a national championship game that ended in controversy - remains one of college football’s most debated finishes.
But while that moment is etched into Hurricanes lore, Wednesday night’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl isn’t about rewriting history. It’s about writing a new chapter.
Yes, the ghosts of 2003 are still around. Just ask Cam Underwood, who watched that game as a Miami junior and now runs the Hurricanes fan site State of the U. “We’re moving on and focused on this game,” he said, “but that memory is one that we won’t ever forget.”
Still, the players taking the field at AT&T Stadium weren’t even born when that flag flew in the desert. And for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, that’s the point.
“When you have programs of this caliber that have played in those caliber games, that’s the best part about college football,” Cristobal said. “But this is the 2025 Miami Hurricanes and the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes. That’s what matters.”
And what matters is that Miami is stepping into its biggest challenge of the season.
Buckeyes Bring the Heat
No. 2 Ohio State (12-1) is a juggernaut.
The Buckeyes spent most of the year perched at No. 1 before a narrow loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship knocked them down a peg. But make no mistake - this team is loaded.
It starts with quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist who has been surgical all season. Sayin is the engine of an offense that’s as dangerous as any in the country, and he’s got elite weapons at his disposal.
Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are game-breakers - fast, physical, and polished. Smith, in particular, adds a twist of drama to this matchup: the South Florida native nearly committed to Miami before choosing the Buckeyes.
“They’re as good as you’ve seen in college football over decades,” Cristobal said. “Explosive and fast.
And they’re not just talented - they’re put in great positions to succeed. That offense is built the right way, with a strong line, a powerful run game, and a quarterback who makes it all go.”
Cristobal wasn’t exaggerating. Sayin has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation, and Ohio State’s balance on offense - the ability to grind out yards on the ground or strike deep through the air - makes them a nightmare to defend.
But it’s not just the offense that makes Ohio State dangerous.
A Defense Built to Dominate
Ohio State’s defense has been lights-out all season. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 8.2 points per game. No opponent has managed more than 16 points against them.
This is a unit with talent at every level - and not just talent, but All-American-caliber players. Caden Curry and Kayden McDonald anchor a dominant defensive front.
Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles bring speed and aggression at linebacker. And in the secondary, Caleb Downs is a game-changer.
“They’re a very physical defense,” Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “Their front is long and big. We’re going to have to match that physicality - and we take pride in being physical, too.”
Dawson’s not wrong. Miami’s offensive line has been one of the most physical units he’s ever coached. And they’ll need to bring that edge on every snap against a defense that doesn’t give much away.
Miami’s Rise Has Been Real
Don’t let the seeding fool you - No. 10 Miami (11-2) earned its spot in the playoff.
The Hurricanes have been building momentum all season, and while the offense has had its ups and downs, it’s improved as the year’s gone on. Even with a low-scoring first-round win over Texas A&M, Miami still ranks 28th in the nation in scoring at 32.2 points per game.
But the real story might be the defense.
Under first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, Miami’s defense has been elite. The Hurricanes rank fourth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 13 points per game. Against Texas A&M, they gave up just a field goal.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has taken notice.
“Talent is one thing, but the way they play is different,” Day said. “They’re tough, they’re disciplined, and they’re built the right way - from the inside out. It’s a tremendous challenge for our offense.”
A Clash of Titans
This isn’t just a playoff game - it’s a collision of two powerhouse programs with rich histories and national title aspirations. For fans, the backdrop of 2003 adds a layer of drama. But for the players and coaches, this game is about the now.
Miami is looking to prove it belongs on the biggest stage. Ohio State is trying to reclaim its spot at the top. And when these two step onto the field in Arlington, it won’t be about what happened two decades ago - it’ll be about who dominates in the present.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Get ready - this one has all the makings of a classic.