Miami Hurricanes Upset Ohio State Buckeyes to Reach CFP Semifinals
The Miami Hurricanes upset the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal held on December 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. This victory advances Miami to the CFP semifinals.
Miami becomes the first double-digit seed to reach the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Ohio State initially took the lead with Keionte Scott returning an interception for a touchdown, putting them up 7-0. However, Miami responded with a Fletcher touchdown and a pick-six to extend their lead to 14-0 by halftime.
Miami's quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown and added 23 rushing yards. Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries, and CharMar Brown scored a late touchdown with 55 seconds remaining.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin struggled, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times. The Buckeyes also missed a field goal before halftime, and their final drive ended with an interception.
In the third quarter, Beck led an 11-play, 82-yard drive culminating in a touchdown by Bo Jackson. Ohio State answered with a touchdown by Jeremiah Smith, narrowing the score to within three points.
This game marked the first time Ohio State allowed more than 20 points since their national championship win over Notre Dame on January 20.
Miami will face the winner of the Georgia versus Ole Miss matchup in the CFP semifinals.
