The Miami Hurricanes stunned the Texas A&M Aggies in a defensive battle to earn a trip to the Cotton Bowl to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The Buckeyes enter well-rested after a first-round bye, but the Hurricanes are riding a wave of momentum behind a surging defense. Any Miami vs. Ohio State prediction must account for the fact that this matchup features two of college football’s most storied programs, and all the makings of a playoff classic.
How To Watch Miami vs. Ohio State?
- Date: Dec 31. 2025
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TXÂ
- TV:Â ESPN, YouTube TV
Miami vs. Ohio State Head-to-Head Record
Ohio State and Miami have met officially just four times; a fifth game was vacated by the Buckeyes in 2010, with each program holding two wins, dating back to 1999.
Any Miami vs. Ohio State prediction should consider the history: the Buckeyes own the biggest win in this rivalry, having defeated the Hurricanes for the 2002-03 National Championship in one of college football’s most memorable title games.
Miami vs. Ohio State Grades
PFSN College OFFi
- Miami: 84.6 (B)
- Ohio State: 93.1 (A)
PFSN College DEFi
- Miami: 89.5 (B+)
- Ohio State: 97.0 (A+)
PFSN College OLi
- Miami: 88.0 (B+)
- Ohio State: 85.1 (B)
PFSN College QBi
- Carson Beck, Miami: 83.3 (B)
- Julian Sayin, Ohio State: 90.8 (A-)
PFSN College RBi
- Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami: 81.0 (B-)
- Bo Jackson, Ohio State: 84.5 (B)
PFSN College WRi
- Malachi Toney, Miami: 86.0 (B)
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: 85.1 (B)
PFSN College TEi
- Elija Lofton, Miami: 75.6 (C)
- Max Klare, Ohio State: 80.0 (C+)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Reuben Bain Jr., Miami: 82.7 (B-)
- Caden Curry, Ohio State: 83.8 (B)
PFSN College DTi
- Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami: 83.7 (B)
- Kayden McDonald, Ohio State: 77.2 (C+)
PFSN College LBi
- Mohamed Toure, Miami: 69.2 (D+)
- Sonny Styles, Ohio State: 78.6 (C+)
PFSN College CBi
- Keiontae Scott, Miami: 83.7 (B)
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State: 87.9 (B+)
PFSN College SAFi
- Jakobe Thomas, Miami: 84.6 (B)
- Caleb Downs, Ohio State: 85.2 (B)
Miami vs. Ohio State Prediction
Ohio State’s mission in the College Football Playoffs is straightforward: defend your national championship. The reigning champion Buckeyes come into this game as favorites but will be playing with a small chip on their shoulder following a loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship game.
With an offense that features college football’s most accurate quarterback, Julian Sayin, paired with two of the nation’s best receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, it will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes’ defense tries to slow down the Buckeyes’ weapons.
Miami, on the other hand, is being considered the hottest team in college football right now as they closed out the season with four straight ACC wins, sneaking their way into the playoffs and defeating a favored Texas A&M Aggies team in College Station.
The Hurricanes’ offense is also loaded with some great talent, such as wide receiver Malachi Toney and transfer quarterback Carson Beck. Still, it’s the defense for Miami that has put them in position to play in the Cotton Bowl and will likely be the main factor in whether they take down the defending national champions.
In their last contest against Texas A&M, the Miami defense compiled seven total sacks and forced several turnovers, although they were unable to capitalize on the offensive side. With projected top-five NFL Draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. leading the charge for Miami’s defense, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them.
MORE: Miami’s Elite Defense Makes Them a Real CFP Championship Threat
If Miami can continue to produce a stifling defense, then it will be up to Carson Beck and the offense to put points on the board, which they were unable to do until the final quarter of play in the last game. This will be unacceptable against Ohio State, who’s averaging 32 points per game this season with a loaded offense that can score on just about any snap.
Both Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are expected to suit up for the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, giving Julian Sayin his two biggest weapons, hopefully close to 100%. Ohio State’s x-factor on offense will be running back Bo Jackson, who will have his work cut out for himself against this talented Hurricanes defense.
Expect a top-notch defensive showing from both Ohio State and Miami in Arlington come December 31. Still, with a roster featuring some of the most talented players in the nation looking to recapture a national title, it’s likely the Buckeyes will take home the victory.
Prediction: Miami 21, Ohio State 24
