The Miami Hurricanes advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 24-14 victory over the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. Miami's defense dominated, sacking quarterback Julian Sayin five times and forcing a 72-yard pick-six interception return for a touchdown. The win exorcises years of big-game demons for the Hurricanes, positioning them two victories from a national title.
In a stunning Cotton Bowl quarterfinal on December 31, 2025, the Miami Hurricanes entered as 9.5-point underdogs but delivered a gritty performance to defeat Ohio State 24-14. Miami jumped to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter, fueled by cornerback Keionte Scott's 72-yard pick-six off Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin. The Hurricanes' elite defense proved relentless, recording seven tackles for loss and five sacks on Sayin, while their strong run game controlled the trenches.
After years of faltering in crucial moments—including two 2025 losses that cost them the ACC title game—Miami finally broke through. As CBS Sports analyst Shehan Jeyarajah noted, "For years, Miami has shrunk in the program's biggest moments. The Hurricanes have not won a conference championship since moving to the ACC in 2003... After beating Ohio State, the reigning national champions, all of those moments are secondary. The Hurricanes established themselves as a serious national championship contender, not just for now, but heading forward."
Miami's dominance extended to the line of scrimmage, where they "pulverized" Ohio State, according to reports. The victory ensures a new national champion, as the Buckeyes fall short of repeating. Ohio State coach Ryan Day faces a defensive rebuild next season, though key offensive players return. Miami now awaits the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 3 Georgia in the semifinals.
This triumph marks Miami's first major bowl appearance since 2017 and signals a resurgence under coach Mario Cristobal. With two more wins needed for the title, the Hurricanes have served notice to the playoff field.
