Imagine the unthinkable: a seemingly unbeatable powerhouse like Ohio State, poised for another national championship, getting dismantled by an underdog team in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. That's exactly what happened in the 2025 season, and it's got fans buzzing about the future of the game!
Hey there, college football enthusiasts! I'm Bill Connelly, your go-to ESPN writer for all things gridiron, soccer, and tennis. I've been breaking down the action since joining the team in 2019, and let me tell you, the 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals kicked off with a bang that could redefine how we view the postseason. Picture this: No. 10 Miami Hurricanes launching an explosive 14-0 start and capping it off with a nail-biting, last-minute scoring drive to upset No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, right there in Arlington, Texas. For newcomers to the sport, think of it as a Cinderella story where the underdog doesn't just show up—they dominate early and hold on through the drama.
But here's where it gets controversial: Does this signal the end of 'blue-blood' dynasties in an expanded playoff era, or is it just a fluke that proves any team can win on a given day?
This stunning result sets the stage for the remaining three quarterfinals all happening on Thursday. Could we see more shocks, or is someone ready to capitalize on the defending champions' early exit? Let's dive into the main insights from this opening round, breaking it down step by step so even if you're new to college football, you'll follow along easily.
Miami 24, Ohio State 14
What unfolded on the field was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The Hurricanes blended a reliable, no-frills offense with a game-changing 72-yard interception return for a touchdown by Keionte Scott, surging ahead 14-0. When Ohio State fought back to narrow the gap to 17-14 late in the game, Miami countered with a flawless, five-minute possession spanning 70 yards, culminating in a touchdown to lock in the victory.
Miami's defensive prowess shone brightly from the start. Standout defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor racked up three sacks in the opening half, forcing Ohio State to punt on four of their first five possessions. Midway through the second quarter, after Julian Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 59-yard deep ball, Scott leaped on an easy-to-read screen pass and dashed the opposite direction for six points, flipping the momentum.
The latter part of the game turned into a gritty test of resilience. Ohio State built a potent rushing attack and benefited from Smith's big receptions—he hauled in seven catches for 157 yards and a score—and clawed back to 17-14. But Miami unleashed their sturdy transfer from North Dakota State, CharMar Brown, who rumbled for 31 yards on his initial six carries in playoff action. Following successful conversions on third-and-4 and third-and-3, Brown plunged in from 5 yards out with just 55 seconds remaining. To top it off, an interception by Jakobe Thomas ensured the upset stuck.
Impact Plays That Swung the Game
Miami dictated the early tempo, though a fumble by Mark Fletcher Jr. stalled their push. He redeemed himself with a 9-yard touchdown grab on a deceptive Carson Beck quarterback sneak, and Scott's pick-six dramatically swung the odds toward the Hurricanes.
Watch Miami stun the Buckeyes with a 72-yard pick-six
Miami's Keionte Scott snags Julian Sayin's pass and races 72 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Hurricanes' faithful.
After trimming Miami's lead to 17-14, Smith's enormous 16-yard reception on a third-and-15 with under eight minutes left kept Ohio State's hopes alive. However, a holding call—the game's first accepted penalty—pushed them backward. A 53-yard punt was wiped out by an illegal formation infraction, leading to a shorter kick that pinned Miami at their 30-yard line. The Hurricanes then executed beautifully, including a nifty 13-yard screen to CJ Daniels that advanced the chains three times on third-down situations, setting up Brown's clinching score.
See You Next Fall, Buckeyes? The End of a Dream Run
Ohio State's campaign seemed tailor-made for another shot at the title. They endured a hard-fought opener against Texas, then cruised through 11 straight wins by an average margin of 39-8 points. Even a Big Ten title game loss to Indiana didn't derail their playoff positioning. Yet, they couldn't buck a troubling pattern: In the initial five quarterfinal matchups of the 12-team playoff format, teams with a first-round bye have trailed by 14-0 (Boise State vs. Penn State), 34-0 (Oregon vs. Ohio State), 17-3 (Arizona State vs. Texas), 20-3 (Georgia vs. Notre Dame), and now 14-0 again (Ohio State vs. Miami). Those benefits of rest and neutral-site games haven't translated to advantages so far. Miami aggressively targeted the out-of-practice Buckeyes early, and it paid off handsomely.
Of course, Ohio State enters 2026 in strong condition. Sayin returns after tossing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025 (though he managed just 287 yards and one TD here), with key talents like Smith and running back Bo Jackson (55 yards on 11 attempts) likely back too. They're structured to challenge annually in this expanded playoff world.
And this is the part most people miss: Was Ohio State's defeat more about Miami's hunger or the Buckeyes' complacency after their bye?
Still, an opportunity slipped away. After dominating for 12 games and appearing as the nation's top squad, they closed 2025 with two consecutive losses. When Miami elevated the contest into a physical slugfest of endurance, Ohio State faltered in matching that intensity.
What's Next for the Hurricanes: A New Era Dawns
By defeating Ohio State, Miami became the first double-digit seed to secure a playoff victory and advance to the semifinals. It was uncertain if Mario Cristobal's squad would even qualify for the CFP, but they've maximized their chance. They'll face either Georgia or Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. Their dominant defensive front, coupled with Beck's smart, low-risk play—completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards without turning the ball over—gives them a real chance against whoever they meet.
This triumph marks Miami's most significant since 2002, with legendary alumni like Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, and former coach Jimmie Johnson cheering from the sidelines. The Hurricanes conquered not only Ohio State's roster but also their own historical demons to advance in style.
What do you think? Does this upset prove that the College Football Playoff's expansion levels the playing field, or do traditional powers like Ohio State just need to shake off the rust better? Share your take in the comments—do you side with the underdogs or the favorites? And hey, if you're a fan of one of the Thursday games, who are you rooting for? Let's discuss!
