Ohio State Buckeyes Face Miami Hurricanes in High-Stakes Cotton Bowl CFP Quarterfinal Clash
The No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes are set to clash with the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes in the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, marking a pivotal matchup as both teams vie for a spot in the national semifinals.
Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl Dominance Continues
Ohio State enters the game with a stellar 12-1 record, having gone undefeated in Big Ten Conference play at 9-0. The Buckeyes are making their third consecutive appearance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, a feat not seen since Texas A&M participated in three straight editions from 1992 to 1994. Historically, Ohio State boasts a 3-1 record in the bowl, with victories over Texas A&M (28-12 in the 51st Classic), USC (24-7 in the 82nd), and Texas (28-14 in the 89th), alongside a narrow 14-3 loss to Missouri in the 88th edition.
This New Year’s Eve showdown marks only the fourth time the Cotton Bowl has been played on December 31, previously occurring in 1966 (31st Classic), 2015 (80th), and 2021 (86th). Tickets for the event are completely sold out through the official Cotton Bowl Ticket Office, underscoring the massive anticipation surrounding this CFP quarterfinal.
Miami Hurricanes Seek Upset in Program Milestone
Miami (11-2, 6-2 ACC) is making its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff, entering as a decided underdog with Ohio State favored by 9.5 points and a game total over/under of 59.5. The Hurricanes hold a 2-2 edge in the all-time series against Ohio State, including a decisive 24-6 home win in their most recent meeting on September 2024.
Despite the historical tie, current betting lines and expert predictions heavily favor the Buckeyes. The Eleven Warriors staff unanimously predicts an Ohio State victory by at least seven points, with staff score predictions emphasizing the Buckeyes’ defensive prowess and offensive firepower as key to advancing deeper into the playoffs.
| Staff Member | Prediction | Against the Spread |
|---|---|---|
| All Staff | Ohio State by 7+ points | OSU -9.5 |
Coaching Carousel and Multi-Hat Challenges
Adding intrigue to the playoff landscape, Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is among six coaches navigating dual roles during the postseason. Hartline, alongside figures like Tulane’s Pat Sumrall (also at Florida), James Madison’s Bob Chesney (UCLA), Texas A&M’s Collin Klein (Kansas State), Oregon’s Will Stein (Kentucky), and Oregon’s Tosh Lupoi (Cal), exemplifies the unusual “multi-hat” situations arising from the expanded playoff format.
“It’s just very strange and different.” – Describing the challenges of coaches wearing multiple hats in the CFP.
Premium Experiences and Fan Atmosphere
Fans unable to secure game tickets can still elevate their experience through Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Premium Hospitality, the official provider offering suite packages, top-tier seating, and exclusive events like the Countdown to Cotton and Tall Cotton Tailgate presented by Ticketmaster. These options are available via REVELxp.com/CottonBowl.
Ohio State traditions, including the iconic Buckeye Walk and Skull Session, are expected to draw massive fan support, with full 360-degree coverage capturing the pre-game energy outside AT&T Stadium. As defending national champions, the Buckeyes carry high expectations into this “high Cotton” battle against a hungry Miami squad aiming to extend its improbable playoff run.
Path to Glory
For Ohio State, a win propels them toward a potential semifinal matchup, building on their recent Cotton Bowl successes. Miami, meanwhile, looks to channel its recent series edge and first-time playoff magic into a stunning upset. With both teams at peak form—Ohio State as a powerhouse and Miami defying odds— this quarterfinal promises playoff intensity at its finest.
Viewers can catch live coverage on ESPN, including score updates, highlights, and in-depth analysis as the Buckeyes and Hurricanes battle under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium.
Game data and previews current as of December 29, 2025. Follow for live updates.