BREAKING: The Miami Hurricanes have stunned the college football landscape by defeating the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 24-14, in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal on January 1, 2026. This monumental victory propels Miami into the College Football Playoff semifinals and marks the largest upset in playoff history.
The 10th-ranked Hurricanes, entering the matchup as 9.5-point underdogs, shattered previous records for playoff upsets. The previous largest spread was set in 2015 when Ohio State triumphed over Alabama as a 7.5-point underdog.
Miami controlled the game from the opening whistle, establishing a commanding 14-0 lead at halftime. Ohio State attempted a comeback in the second half, with star running back Bo Jackson narrowing the gap with a touchdown run that made it 14-7.
However, the Hurricanes quickly responded with a 49-yard field goal from Carter Davis, extending their lead to 17-7. The Buckeyes fought back again in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 14-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 17-14.
With the clock ticking down, Miami executed a methodical drive, featuring standout running backs Mark Fletcher and CharMar Brown. Just 55 seconds before the final whistle, Brown scored an uncontested touchdown, sealing the game with a score of 24-14.
Ohio State’s final possession ended in disaster when Sayin was intercepted while attempting a throw under pressure, confirming Miami’s historic win.
This victory is poised to ripple through the college football community as Miami celebrates a triumph that not only highlights their resilience but also captivates fans and analysts alike. The Hurricanes now look ahead to the semifinals with momentum on their side, eager to continue their remarkable journey.
Stay tuned for further updates as Miami prepares for the next challenge in their quest for the championship.
