Full Breakdown
Miami Hurricanes Upset Ohio State Buckeyes in Cotton Bowl Quarterfinals
1/2/2026, 12:35:21 AM
Miami's Historic Victory
In a stunning upset, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes defeated the defending national champions, No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals held at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025. This victory marks Miami's first appearance in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, making them the first double-digit seed to achieve this feat in the 12-team playoff era.
Game Overview
Miami established dominance early in the game, taking a 14-0 lead by halftime. The Hurricanes' scoring began with a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carson Beck to running back Mark Fletcher Jr. Shortly after, Miami's defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Ohio State's quarterback Julian Sayin, returning it 72 yards for a touchdown. This interception was pivotal, as it not only extended Miami's lead but also set the tone for the Buckeyes' struggles throughout the first half.
Ohio State, which had entered the game as a 9.5-point favorite, struggled offensively, managing only 9 total yards in the first quarter and finishing the half scoreless for the first time since 2016. The Buckeyes finally found their rhythm in the second half, scoring on an 82-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Bo Jackson, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, Miami responded with a field goal and a late touchdown from CharMar Brown, sealing the victory.
Key Performances
Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 23 rushing yards. Mark Fletcher Jr. led Miami's ground game with 90 yards on 19 carries. Miami's defense was instrumental in the win, recording five sacks and two interceptions, effectively disrupting Ohio State's offensive flow. Notably, Scott's interception and return for a touchdown was a highlight of the game, showcasing Miami's defensive prowess.
Ohio State's star receiver Jeremiah Smith had a standout performance with 157 receiving yards and a touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit. Sayin finished the game with 287 passing yards but was plagued by two interceptions and five sacks, reflecting the pressure exerted by Miami's defense.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day took full responsibility for the team's slow start, stating, "At the end of the day, we didn’t get it done, and that starts with me." He acknowledged the extensive preparation that failed to translate into performance, particularly in the first half. Day emphasized the need for the team to learn from this experience moving forward.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal expressed pride in his team's resilience and preparation, noting, "We keep getting better and better up front... When you play a team like that that's been the number one defense in the country the entire year, you have to."
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for Miami, as it not only advances them to the semifinals but also re-establishes the program's status among college football's elite after years of underperformance. The win against Ohio State, a team with a storied history and recent success, signals a potential resurgence for the Hurricanes, who last won a national championship in 2001.
What's Next
Miami will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. The Hurricanes are now just two wins away from claiming their first national title in over two decades, a goal that seemed distant just a few months ago.
