The College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 10 Miami Hurricanes on December 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, delivered one of the most stunning upsets of the postseason.

The Hurricanes, entering as heavy underdogs, dismantled the defending national champions with a dominant defensive performance and timely offensive plays, securing a 24-14 victory that ended Ohio State’s hopes of repeating as champions.

What began as a highly anticipated clash between two storied programs quickly turned into a showcase of Miami’s grit, physicality, and opportunistic play, while also sparking heated debates among fans about officiating—though no official investigations or suspensions followed.

From the opening kickoff, Miami set the tone with relentless pressure and explosive plays. The Hurricanes jumped out to a commanding 14-0 lead by halftime, capitalizing on Ohio State’s early struggles.

A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Miami defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown.

The pick-six shifted momentum decisively, exposing vulnerabilities in Ohio State’s offense that had been largely hidden during a dominant regular season. Sayin, the sophomore sensation who had been a Heisman finalist contender, completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

However, he was sacked five times and finished with negative rushing yards, as Miami’s edge rushers disrupted his rhythm throughout the night.

Miami’s defense proved impenetrable, holding Ohio State to just 14 points—the Buckeyes’ lowest output of the season against a quality opponent. The Hurricanes’ front seven, bolstered by transfers and returning talent, generated constant pressure without needing frequent blitzes.

They limited Ohio State’s explosive playmakers, including wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who still managed seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown but couldn’t convert enough opportunities into points.

On the ground, Miami leaned on running back CharMar Brown, a transfer from North Dakota State, who provided crucial chain-moving runs late in the game. A five-yard touchdown by Brown with 55 seconds remaining sealed the victory after Miami converted multiple third downs on a clock-chewing drive.

The final score, 24-14, reflected Miami’s ability to control the trenches and capitalize on mistakes. Quarterback Carson Beck, steady if not spectacular, managed the game efficiently with 138 passing yards and a touchdown, relying on short, precise throws and the run game to keep drives alive.

Head coach Mario Cristobal, in his alma mater’s biggest moment since the early 2000s dynasty, praised his team’s resilience after a midseason stumble, noting how the Hurricanes had grown into a complete unit capable of upsetting elite competition.

For Ohio State, the loss marked a bitter end to what had been billed as a perfect setup for a repeat title. The Buckeyes had cruised through the regular season with an elite defense and a high-powered offense led by Sayin, but the playoff spotlight exposed cracks.

Head coach Ryan Day took responsibility postgame for not preparing his team adequately, acknowledging the slow start that dug an early hole too deep to overcome.

Sayin, in his press conference, admitted to holding the ball too long at times and failing to scramble when opportunities arose, though he emphasized execution issues starting with himself.

Despite the disappointment, both Day and analysts highlighted Sayin’s bright future, noting his inexperience in high-stakes moments and the potential for growth heading into 2026.

Social media erupted immediately after the final whistle, with fans from both sides dissecting every call.

Some Ohio State supporters pointed to perceived missed penalties on Miami, including uncalled holdings and pass interference opportunities, while others accused the crew of favoring the Buckeyes by swallowing their flags on Ohio State’s offensive line.

Posts flooded platforms claiming the game felt “rigged” or “scripted,” with references to the infamous 2003 BCS National Championship between the same programs—where a controversial pass interference call in overtime helped Ohio State win.

Miami fans countered by celebrating the upset and mocking the complaints, insisting their team simply outplayed the higher-seeded opponent.

Despite the online firestorm, no credible reports emerged of any formal NCAA investigation, crew suspensions, or betting-related scandals involving the officials. Reliable sources like ESPN, The Athletic, and major sports outlets described the officiating controversies as typical post-upset fan reactions—loud but unsubstantiated.

Minor missed calls occurred on both sides, as is common in intense playoff games, but nothing rose to the level of systemic bias or warranting disciplinary action. The narrative of referee misconduct appeared amplified by frustrated Buckeyes supporters grappling with the end of their season.

The victory propelled Miami into the semifinals, where they would face the winner of another quarterfinal, continuing their improbable run as the last team into the expanded 12-team playoff field.

For Ohio State, the defeat closed the book on 2025 without a second straight crown, leaving fans to reflect on what might have been. Sayin’s development, the return of key players like Smith, and adjustments along the offensive line would become focal points for the offseason.

In the end, the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal stood as a reminder of college football’s unpredictability. Miami proved they belonged among the elite, executing a game plan that neutralized Ohio State’s strengths and exploited their weaknesses.

The Hurricanes’ defense, opportunistic special teams, and late-game composure turned a potential blowout into a statement win. As the playoff continued toward the national championship, this upset would be remembered not for controversy, but for the Hurricanes’ ability to rise when it mattered most.

The 2025 season, already filled with surprises, had delivered another chapter in the rich history between these two programs—one where the underdog finally got the last word. (Word count: 1024)