Three-and-a-half weeks.
It’s been three-and-a-half weeks since Ohio State lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, a pissed-off Buckeye team gets the chance to unload that frustration on Miami, which enters the Cotton Bowl at 11–2 and fresh off a win at Texas A&M in the CFP first round.
Tonights Stage pic.twitter.com/GCtMKnYMHc
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 31, 2025
The Hurricanes will test Ohio State on both sides of the ball. Miami’s offense is led by veteran quarterback Carson Beck, powered by running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and highlighted by freshman phenom wide receiver Malachi Toney. On defense, the Hurricanes boast a disruptive front featuring future first-round picks Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, a daunting matchup for an Ohio State offensive line that surrendered five sacks in the Big Ten title game. Defensive back Keointe Scott serves as Miami’s version of Caleb Downs, impacting the game at an elite level in every area of the field.
“We've had a few weeks to go through and identify the things that we've done well during the regular season and then the things that we need to do better in order to win this game, because that's the focus, is winning this game,” Ryan Day said on Monday. “That's it. Nothing else.”
Twenty-three years ago, Ohio State capped a then-unprecedented 14-0 season by beating Miami for its first national championship in 34 years. On Wednesday, the Buckeyes must avoid a faceplant at the starting line of another postseason journey — once again against the Hurricanes.
DEC. 31, 2025
Status Report: Tshabola Out, All Other Starters Available
Tegra Tshabola is out for the Cotton Bowl, but all of Ohio State's other starters are slated to be available vs. Miami.
DEC. 30, 2025
Preview: Cotton Bowl
Miami brings a serious test for Ohio State's offensive line fixes as Ryan Day returns to calling plays at the start of do-or-die season for the Buckeyes' repeat championship hopes.
DEC. 30, 2025
Cotton Bowl Media Day Notebook
We share what Keenan Bailey said about his additional duties for the CFP, C.J. Hicks and Malik Hartford said about their redshirts and more from Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl media day.
DEC. 30, 2025
Cotton Bowl Media Day Notebook
We share what Keenan Bailey said about his additional duties for the CFP, C.J. Hicks and Malik Hartford said about their redshirts and more from Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl media day.
DEC. 29, 2025
Cotton Bowl Game Trailer
"You and yours versus me and mine all day long, man. Sixty minutes. Four quarters," Ohio State walk-on wide receiver Nolan Baudo said in the trailer.
DEC. 29, 2025
Miami Q&A with Adam Lichtenstein
Adam Lichtenstein, who covers Miami for the Sun Sentinel, says Hurricane fans view the Cotton Bowl as a revenge game and Miami‘s pass rush is its biggest strength.
DEC. 29, 2025
Cotton Bowl Game Poster
In the winter of 2003, the dynasty broke, the illusion faded, and the U was never the same.
