Miami Hurricanes Stun Defending Champs Ohio State 24-14 in CFP Quarterfinal Thriller at Cotton Bowl
Published: January 1, 2026
In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes defeated the defending national champion No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night.[1][2]
Pick-Six Sparks Hurricane Rout
The game’s turning point came early when Miami cornerback Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin—a Heisman Trophy finalist—and returned it 72 yards untouched for a touchdown. This marked the second-longest pick-six in CFP history, propelling Miami to a commanding 14-0 halftime lead.[1][2][3]
Scott’s score came just two plays after Sayin connected on a 59-yard bomb to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, quashing any momentum the Buckeyes might have gained. Miami’s defense, which harassed Sayin with five sacks, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions, held Ohio State to a measly nine yards in the first quarter—their fewest since 2017.[2]
Miami’s Efficient Offense Seals the Deal
Quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated a steady offensive attack, tossing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Mark Fletcher Jr. to open the scoring. Kicker Carter Davis added a crucial 49-yard field goal in the third quarter, extending the lead to 17-14 after Ohio State’s second-half rally.[1][2]
With 13:28 remaining, the Buckeyes clawed back to make it a three-point game, but Miami responded with poise. The Hurricanes embarked on a clutch 10-play, 70-yard drive consuming over five minutes, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from ChaMar Brown with 55 seconds left. Miami’s defense sealed the victory with another interception of Sayin on the Buckeyes’ final drive.[2][3]
Cristobal’s Counterpunches Pay Off
Head coach Mario Cristobal praised his team’s resilience post-game, sharing a sideline moment with Miami legend Jimmy Johnson, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former national championship coach. “Our players kept responding,” Cristobal said. “Our players kept coming with their counterpunch. The touchdown drive at the end and then to finish it off with an interception… those are great counterpunches.”[2]
Miami’s 24 points marked the most Ohio State surrendered all season, underscoring the Hurricanes’ defensive dominance.[1][2]
Hurricanes’ Hot Streak Continues
This victory caps a six-game winning streak for Miami since an overtime loss to SMU on November 1—less than 25 miles from AT&T Stadium, site of the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes also notched their CFP debut win in the first round, beating No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 on December 20.[1]
Now, Miami advances to the CFP semifinals, where they await the winner of the other quarterfinal matchups. For Ohio State, the loss ends a promising season prematurely, as the Buckeyes fail to defend their national title.[3]
Key Stats from the Game
| Team | Total Yards | 1st Quarter Yards | Turnovers Forced | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | ~300 (est.) | 110 | 2 INTs | 5 |
| Ohio State | ~250 (est.) | 9 | 0 | 0 |
Miami’s toughness and defensive prowess were on full display, proving that the underseeded Hurricanes belong among college football’s elite. As Cristobal builds on Miami’s storied legacy, this win reignites ‘Canes fever and sets the stage for a deep playoff run.[3]
Looking Ahead
The CFP semifinals promise more high-stakes drama, with Miami emerging as a Cinderella story. Fans are buzzing about the Hurricanes’ blend of veteran leadership and opportunistic play. Ohio State, meanwhile, heads into offseason soul-searching after failing to replicate last year’s championship magic.
“Those are just really left hooks to the body and to the head. Those are great, great counterpunches by our team.”
— Mario Cristobal, Miami Head Coach[2]
This Cotton Bowl classic will be remembered as a testament to Miami’s resurgence under Cristobal, blending explosive plays with gritty execution.