The College Football Playoff has brought new life to the postseason, and few matchups capture its drama quite like the quarterfinal clash between the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Set for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this New Year’s Eve showdown pits a defending national champion against a resurgent program making its playoff debut. With kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.

ET on ESPN, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a high-stakes battle featuring elite talent, defensive prowess, and quarterback intrigue.

Ohio State enters as the heavy favorite, carrying a 12-1 record and the weight of recent success. The Buckeyes claimed the national title last season, and despite falling short in the Big Ten Championship against Indiana, they remain one of the most complete teams in the country.

Their defense has been the cornerstone, allowing the fewest points and yards per game nationally. Led by stars like Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver and a stout front seven, Ohio State has the personnel to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Coach Ryan Day has taken on offensive play-calling duties for this matchup, a move signaling his intent to steer the ship directly in this critical game.

After a somewhat inconsistent performance in the conference title tilt, the extra week of preparation could allow key players to return to full health and the offense to regain its explosive form.

Miami, meanwhile, arrives with momentum and a chip on their shoulder. Finishing the regular season at 11-2, the Hurricanes secured the final at-large berth by vaulting past Notre Dame in the rankings, then proved their worth with a gritty 10-3 road victory over Texas A&M in the first round.

That low-scoring affair showcased their defensive identity: suffocating opponents with physicality and opportunistic plays. The interception in the end zone that sealed the win against the Aggies remains fresh in fans’ minds as evidence of their resilience under pressure.

Quarterback Carson Beck, the Georgia transfer, brings NFL-caliber arm talent but has battled turnover issues. Against Ohio State’s elite secondary, he’ll need to be precise and decisive.

Miami’s offensive line performed admirably in College Station, holding up against a strong front, and their ability to win ugly games could be the key if this turns into another defensive struggle.

This isn’t the first time these storied programs have met in a massive bowl setting. Memories of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl—where Ohio State edged Miami in double overtime for the national title—still linger for older fans.

That game featured controversial calls and dramatic finishes, and while the stakes are different now in the expanded 12-team playoff format, the historical weight adds an extra layer of intrigue. Both teams boast NFL-ready talent across the roster.

Ohio State’s receiving corps, featuring dynamic playmakers, could exploit any mismatches, while Miami’s front seven, led by disruptive players like Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr., aims to disrupt the Buckeyes’ rhythm early.

The venue itself enhances the spectacle. AT&T Stadium, with its massive retractable roof and capacity for over 80,000, provides a neutral, electric atmosphere perfect for a prime-time playoff game. New Year’s Eve in Arlington means tailgates, fireworks nearby, and a festive vibe that could spill into the stands.

Broadcast on ESPN, the game will reach millions, with streaming options on WatchESPN and various platforms ensuring accessibility. Betting lines opened with Ohio State favored by around 9.5 to 11.5 points, reflecting the Buckeyes’ pedigree, but Miami’s recent form suggests they won’t go down easily.

For Ohio State, this is about redemption and continuation. The loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game cost them the top seed and potentially the Heisman for quarterback Julian Sayin, who finished fourth in voting. Day’s decision to call plays personally indicates a desire to control the narrative.

If the Buckeyes’ offensive line can protect against Miami’s pass rush and open lanes for their run game, they have the firepower to pull away. Their defense, already dominant, could force Beck into mistakes and capitalize on short fields.

Miami sees this as validation. After years of rebuilding under Mario Cristobal, reaching the quarterfinals in their first playoff appearance is a milestone. The Hurricanes’ defense has carried them through tough stretches, and if they can limit big plays from Ohio State’s stars, they give themselves a fighting chance.

Beck must manage the game wisely, avoiding turnovers that plagued him earlier in the season, while the running backs provide balance.

As December 31 approaches, anticipation builds. This matchup blends old-school rivalry vibes with modern playoff intensity. Whether it becomes a defensive chess match like Miami’s win over Texas A&M or a high-scoring affair showcasing offensive talent, the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal has all the ingredients for a classic.

Ohio State looks to advance toward another title run, while Miami aims to shock the college football world and prove they belong among the elite. Under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium on New Year’s Eve, college football’s brightest stage awaits, and both programs are ready to make their mark.