The Miami Hurricanes are advancing, and their stunning performance in the Miami Cotton Bowl shocked the college football world. Miami defeated defending national champion Ohio State with a final score of 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal on December 31, 2025. This significant victory propels Miami into the CFP semifinals, marking a pivotal moment for Miami Hurricanes football.
Miami Cotton Bowl Berth Earned
The Miami Hurricanes earned an at-large bid, entering the College Football Playoff as the No. 10 seed, their first CFP appearance. After winning a first-round game against No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3, they now stand one win away from a national championship game that would be played in their home stadium, continuing their impressive Miami Cotton Bowl journey.
Key Play Ignites Miami in the Miami Cotton Bowl
The game’s defining moment came in the second quarter. Defensive back Keionte Scott provided the spark with a spectacular play in the Miami Cotton Bowl. He intercepted a pass from Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving Miami a crucial 14-0 lead. Scott’s Keionte Scott touchdown was the longest pick-six in CFP quarterfinal history and the second-longest interception return TD at AT&T Stadium. Scott called it “pretty cool” and added, “Just having fun.” This play was instrumental in the eventual Miami vs Ohio State outcome.
Defensive Masterclass in the Miami Cotton Bowl
Miami’s defense set the tone early in the Miami Cotton Bowl, dominating the first half and stifling Ohio State’s offense. They limited the Buckeyes to just 45 rushing yards. Miami’s defensive front was relentless, recording five sacks led by Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. The defense forced two turnovers and held Ohio State to its lowest scoring output of the season. Keionte Scott was later named the Defensive MVP with four tackles and one interception, a key factor in the Miami Cotton Bowl win.
Offensive Consistency Secures Miami Cotton Bowl Victory
Quarterback Carson Beck led Miami’s offense with efficient play throughout the Miami Cotton Bowl. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown, setting a Cotton Bowl record with 13 consecutive completions, a testament to his steady play. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was also instrumental, rushing for 90 yards and scoring a touchdown reception, earning him Offensive MVP honors. The offense managed the clock effectively and executed critical drives when needed, contributing to the Miami Cotton Bowl success.
Historical Context and Rivalry in the Miami Cotton Bowl
This Miami Cotton Bowl win carried significant historical weight. Miami was denied a repeat championship in 2002, losing a double-overtime Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State, the last time the two teams met in a bowl. Coach Mario Cristobal, who played for Miami’s championship teams, saw this victory avenge that past loss for the Hurricanes. The team’s recent form has been trending upward, winning their last six games before the CFP, culminating in this historic Miami Cotton Bowl upset.
Looking Ahead to the Fiesta Bowl after the Miami Cotton Bowl
Following their Miami Cotton Bowl triumph, the Miami Hurricanes will next face No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. Miami holds a 1-2 all-time record against Ole Miss, with their last meeting in 1951. Miami has struggled historically in the Fiesta Bowl (0-4), but they enter the CFP semifinals as one of the nation’s most feared defensive units, brimming with confidence after their Miami Cotton Bowl upset. The other semifinal pits No. 1 Indiana against No. 5 Oregon. The news surrounding college football playoffs is often trending.
Conclusion: A Landmark Miami Cotton Bowl
The Miami Hurricanes’ Miami Cotton Bowl victory is a landmark achievement, overcoming the defending national champions with a dominant defensive performance and key offensive plays. This headline-making Miami Cotton Bowl upset propels them into the CFP semifinals as they chase their first national title in over two decades. The journey continues with the Fiesta Bowl, a significant development for the program following their impressive Miami Cotton Bowl performance.
Key Game Statistics from the Miami Cotton Bowl
* Score: Miami 24, Ohio State 14
* Key Miami Performers: Keionte Scott (72-yard INT TD, Defensive MVP), Mark Fletcher Jr. (90 rushing yards, TD, Offensive MVP), Carson Beck (138 passing yards, 1 TD, Cotton Bowl completion record).
* Key Ohio State Performers: Jeremiah Smith (7 rec, 157 yards, 1 TD), Julian Sayin (287 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs).
* Miami Defensive Stats: 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss.
* Ohio State Defensive Stats: Allowed most points of the season.
* Miami Record: 12-2 (CFP No. 10 Seed)
* Ohio State Record: 12-2
