On December 31, 2025, the Miami Hurricanes delivered one of the biggest surprises of the College Football Playoff, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 24–14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The victory sent Miami to the College Football Playoff semifinals and brought Ohio State’s postseason run to an abrupt end on New Year’s Eve.
The Cotton Bowl, serving as one of the CFP quarterfinal games under the expanded playoff format, was broadcast nationally on ESPN and played before a packed crowd in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State entered the matchup as a higher-seeded favorite, but Miami quickly seized control with disciplined execution and timely defensive plays that shifted momentum early.
Miami struck first and never trailed. The Hurricanes built a 14 to 0 halftime lead, capitalizing on Ohio State mistakes and strong field position. The defining moment of the game came when Miami’s defense intercepted a Buckeye pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, igniting the Hurricanes’ sideline and stunning the Ohio State heavy crowd. The defensive score underscored Miami’s physical and opportunistic approach and placed Ohio State in an unfamiliar position, playing from behind in a playoff game.
Ohio State attempted to rally in the second half, finally getting on the scoreboard with a touchdown drive that narrowed the deficit. However, each time the Buckeyes appeared to gain momentum, Miami responded with methodical drives or critical defensive stops. The Hurricanes’ defense consistently pressured Ohio State’s quarterback, forcing hurried throws and preventing explosive plays that had defined the Buckeyes’ offense throughout the season.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck played a steady and efficient game, focusing on ball control and situational awareness rather than eye popping statistics. He completed the majority of his passes, avoided costly turnovers, and helped sustain long drives that kept Ohio State’s offense off the field. Miami’s rushing attack complemented the passing game, grinding down the clock and wearing down the Buckeyes’ defensive front as the game progressed.
Ohio State managed to cut the lead to 24 to 14 late in the contest, but a potential comeback stalled when Miami forced another key stop in Buckeye territory. From there, the Hurricanes drained the remaining time and sealed one of the program’s most significant postseason victories in years.
With the win, Miami advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals, earning a berth in the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face another quarterfinal winner with a spot in the national championship on the line. The result marked a major milestone for the Hurricanes under the current playoff structure and reinforced the program’s resurgence on the national stage.
For Ohio State, the loss was a bitter conclusion to an otherwise strong season. Entering the playoff with championship aspirations, the Buckeyes struggled to overcome early mistakes and were unable to regain control once Miami seized momentum. Despite flashes of offensive potential, turnovers and missed opportunities proved costly against a disciplined opponent.
The Cotton Bowl Classic, one of college football’s oldest and most prestigious postseason games, once again lived up to its reputation as a stage for dramatic and season defining moments. As midnight approached and the calendar turned to 2026, Miami’s upset victory stood out as one of New Year’s Eve’s most memorable sporting moments.
In a playoff format designed to reward resilience and depth, Miami demonstrated both. The Hurricanes now carry confidence, momentum, and national attention into the semifinals, while Ohio State is left to reflect on a season that ended sooner than expected. The Cotton Bowl reminder was clear. In the College Football Playoff, reputation guarantees nothing once the ball is kicked off.
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