Arlington, Texas, December 30, 2025
Defending national champion Ohio State is set to face No. 10 Miami in a thrilling Cotton Bowl quarterfinal matchup. Scheduled for December 31, the game promises intense competition and showcases the talent of both storied programs. Ohio State boasts a powerful defense and an impressive offensive record, while Miami aims to prove its worth in its inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. With a rich history between these teams, the stakes are high as they vie for a spot in the semifinals.
Ohio State vs. Miami: Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal Preview
Indianapolis, IN – The excitement of college football reaches a fever pitch as defending national champion Ohio State (12-1) prepares to face No. 10 Miami (11-2) in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. This high-stakes matchup is set for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. College football fans nationwide are gearing up for an intense showdown, showcasing the resilience and talent of these two storied programs.
As the Buckeyes take the field as the reigning champions, their impressive record and formidable defense have made them a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Miami looks to build on their recent success and make a significant impact in their inaugural CFP appearance. This quarterfinal matchup not only highlights the depth of talent in college football but also underscores the importance of strong community support and participation in fostering athletic excellence.
Game Details
- Teams: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami
- Date and Time: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Broadcast: ESPN
Team Performances
Ohio State enters the game with momentum despite a narrowly contested 13-10 loss to No. 1 ranked Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ranking second in the CFP, the Buckeyes boast an impressive offensive average of 34.9 points per game, placing them 17th nationally. Defensively, Ohio State has been dominant, allowing just 8.2 points per game, leading the nation in defense.
Miami made headlines with their successful CFP debut, earning a 10-3 victory over Texas A&M. Their defense has proven to be a cornerstone of their performance, allowing only 13.0 points per game, which ranks fourth nationally. This strong showing indicates that Miami can compete with the best as they head into this crucial matchup.
Key Matchups
- Ohio State’s Passing Attack vs. Miami’s Secondary: The Buckeyes, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, are set to challenge Miami’s secondary, which has allowed only 11 passing touchdowns this season.
- Miami’s Rushing Game vs. Ohio State’s Run Defense: With Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. recently achieving a career-high 172-yard performance against Texas A&M, he will face off against an Ohio State run defense that ranks fifth nationally, allowing just 84.5 yards per game.
Historical Context
This clash is not just another game; it marks the sixth meeting between Ohio State and Miami, with Ohio State leading the series 3-2. Their most memorable encounter came in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State secured a victory in double overtime to win the national championship, making this matchup steeped in history and rivalry.
Looking Ahead
The winner of this quarterfinal will advance to the CFP semifinals, potentially facing the victor of the Sugar Bowl, which features No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss. This pathway highlights the stakes of the Cotton Bowl and the aspirations of both programs.
Fan Information
Tickets for the Cotton Bowl are available through official channels, and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN. This is a moment for all college football enthusiasts to unite and support their teams as they strive for glory on the national stage.
Conclusion
This Cotton Bowl quarterfinal between Ohio State and Miami promises to deliver thrilling competition and high levels of athletic excellence. Now more than ever, supporting local communities and the spirit of competition can foster growth not only in sports but also in the economy as fans rally behind their teams. As the game approaches, all eyes will be focused on Arlington, Texas, for a matchup that could shape the future of college football.
FAQ
What time is the Ohio State vs. Miami game?
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Where will the Cotton Bowl take place?
The game will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
How did Ohio State and Miami perform this season?
Ohio State holds a record of 12-1 and is the defending national champion, while Miami has an 11-2 record and made its CFP debut this year.
What is the historical record between Ohio State and Miami?
Ohio State leads the all-time series 3-2, with their most notable encounter taking place in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.
What are the key matchups to watch?
Key matchups to watch include Ohio State’s passing attack against Miami’s secondary and Miami’s rushing game against Ohio State’s run defense.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST |
| Location | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Broadcast | ESPN |
| Ohio State’s Record | 12-1 |
| Miami’s Record | 11-2 |
| Defensive Ranking (Ohio State) | 1st, allowing 8.2 points per game |
| Defensive Ranking (Miami) | 4th, allowing 13.0 points per game |
Now Happening on X
- @WTHRcom (December 26, 2025, 5:50 AM) One person is dead and another in critical condition after IMPD officers stumbled upon a fight turning into gunfire on Indianapolis’s east side, with an armed suspect detained following a vehicle pursuit. View on X
- @ashtonhackmantv (December 26, 2025, 7:45 AM) A shooting on Indy’s east side left one person dead, another in critical condition, and a third recovering after officers responded to a suspicious person report around 2 a.m. Friday. View on X
- @FOX59 (December 23, 2025, 12:40 PM) IMPD is searching for a suspect following a reported fatal shooting on the southwest side of Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon. View on X
- @OfficialYallbot (December 29, 2025, 7:29 PM) Dangerous storms are racing northeast at 60 mph toward the Indianapolis metro area, with 60 mph winds and potential for a brief tornado threatening areas including Pike High School and IU Health North; residents in Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville urged to take shelter. View on X
- @RickFOP86 (December 29, 2025, 9:15 AM) Indianapolis police captured a suspect immediately following the homicide of a female victim on the southeast side, crediting good cooperation from witnesses for the quick apprehension. View on X
- @IMPDnews (December 23, 2025, 12:58 PM) Suspect is now in custody following a fatal shooting on the southwest side; a large police presence remains as detectives continue the investigation and seek information or video footage from the public. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Tragedy at Brown University Leaves Two Dead
NFL Week 14 Preview: Key Matchups and Broadcast Details
Megan Moroney Announces New Tour with Third Album
Dallas Cowboys Stage Epic Comeback Against Philadelphia Eagles
MLS All-Stars Defeat Liga MX with 3-1 Win
Arch Manning Poised for Major Role at Texas
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
