Arlington, TX – As fans gathered near and far to celebrate the New Year and countdown to the upcoming year, the Miami Hurricanes provided their supporters with another reason to celebrate — their 2025 football season will extend into 2026.
Led by a strong defensive performance, the Hurricanes established an early lead and maintained their edge to achieve a 24-14 victory over second-ranked and defending national champion Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, with an attendance of 71,323 at AT&T Stadium.
The No. 10 ranked Miami improved to 12-2, advancing to the CFP Semifinals at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 8, and achieving its first 12-win season since 2002. Ohio State concluded its season with a record of 12-2.
Miami’s defense forced two turnovers—including a pick-six by cornerback Keionte Scott—recorded five sacks, and held the Buckeyes to just 45 rushing yards. Offensively, the Hurricanes executed two impressive touchdown drives, including a decisive march late in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown, setting a Cotton Bowl record by completing 13 consecutive passes. Running back Mark Fletcher, Jr., contributed significantly with 90 rushing yards on 19 carries and a nine-yard touchdown reception. Wide receivers CJ Daniels, Keelan Marion, and Malachi Toney each recorded five receptions; Toney became just the seventh Cane to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. The 24 points scored by Miami represent the most Ohio State has allowed this season.
Scott contributed four tackles and an impressive 72-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving Miami an early 14-0 lead. Linebacker Mohamed Toure and safety Jakobe Thomas led the team with seven tackles each. Defensive end Akheem Mesidor recorded five tackles and two sacks, while fellow end Rueben Bain, Jr., added three tackles and a sack. The Hurricanes limited Ohio State to 3 of 10 on third-down conversions.
Fletcher was named the Cotton Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player, and Scott earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught seven passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. Running back Bosen Jackson rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown. Defensive back Davison Igbinosun totaled ten tackles, while safety Caleb Downs recorded eight stops and forced two fumbles.
Both teams’ defenses forced early three-and-outs, with Miami initially starting their second drive at their 39-yard line. Beck found Fletcher for a 16-yard gain and then connected with Daniels for 13 yards to reach the Ohio State 30. However, Fletcher fumbled on the subsequent play, and OSU linebacker Payton Pierce recovered at the 19-yard line.
Ohio State responded with a 59-yard completion from Sayin to Smith for their first first down. Miami’s defense held firm afterward; Scott’s interception and return extended Miami’s lead to 14-0, marking Ohio State’s largest deficit of the season.
In the following drives, Ohio State advanced into Miami territory, but defensive pressure and punts kept them from scoring. Miami’s special teams pinned OSU back to their nine-yard line with a 60-yard punt, and the Hurricanes forced a quick three-and-out before regaining possession.
Miami sustained their offensive drive with key completions from Beck and successful conversions on third downs. A late field goal from Carter Davis extended the Hurricanes’ lead. Ohio State responded with an touchdown, but Miami maintained control, scoring again on a deep pass from Sayin to Smith. Miami’s final drive sealed the victory, including a decisive five-yard touchdown run by Brown and an interception by Thomas to cap the game.
Miami will face the winner of the upcoming matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
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