Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs Miami

Get ready for an explosive College Football Playoff quarterfinal as the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (11-2) in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. CT, and you won't want to miss a second of this high-octane clash—especially not on the largest video wall in San Angelo at Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill! With playoff implications on the line and a shot at the semifinals up for grabs, this rematch of the legendary 2003 Fiesta Bowl (where Ohio State stunned Miami in double overtime for the national title) has all the makings of a instant classic. The Buckeyes are favored by 9.5 points, but don't sleep on the 'Canes—they're battle-tested and hungry for an upset.

The 10th-seeded, 11-2 Hurricanes are better than any of the 12 teams Ohio State beat during the regular season, at least in terms of their record and College Football Playoff ranking. They’ll pose threats to the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball, led by one of the nation’s best defensive lines and a dangerous passing offense that features the best freshman wide receiver in college football, Malachi Toney. Miami punched their ticket to the quarters with a gritty 10-3 first-round win over No. 7 Texas A&M, showcasing their opportunistic defense that ranks third among remaining playoff teams with 23 forced turnovers (14 INTs, 9 fumble recoveries). Up front, EDGE rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and DT Simeon Barrow anchor a unit that's generated 38 sacks this season, ready to test Ohio State's revamped offensive line. On offense, quarterback Cam Ward—a Heisman finalist with 4,123 passing yards, 36 TDs, and just 7 INTs—will look to exploit the Buckeyes' secondary with deep shots to Toney (who's hauled in 1,056 yards and 12 scores as a true freshman) and veteran Xavier Restrepo. But injuries could loom large: Miami is without WRs Daylyn Upshaw, Tony Johnson (questionable), and Chance Robinson, plus TEs Dylan Reiman and Jackson Carver, potentially thinning their receiving corps and forcing more reliance on the ground game led by Damien Martinez (1,200+ rushing yards).

Ohio State, fresh off a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed, enters with national championship aspirations after a dominant Big Ten campaign capped by a statement win over archrival Michigan. The Buckeyes boast one of the most talented rosters in the country, headlined by a star-studded receiving trio of Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, who'll challenge Miami's secondary that's allowed just 188 passing yards per game in recent outings. QB Will Howard has been efficient with 3,200+ yards and 28 TDs, while the ground attack features TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combining for over 2,000 rushing yards. Defensively, Ohio State's front seven—led by All-American EDGE JT Tuimoloau and LB Cody Simon—ranks top-5 nationally in sacks (42) and run defense, poised to stuff Miami's run game and force Ward into mistakes. The Buckeyes' keys to victory include protecting Howard from Miami's pass rush (Ohio State's O-line has allowed only 18 sacks all year) and finishing drives in the red zone, where they've converted 92% into points. Injury-wise, Ohio State is relatively healthy but monitoring WR Quincy Porter (questionable), with backups like QB Mason Maggs, RB Anthony Rogers, TE Max LeBlanc, and WR Preston Wolfe sidelined—nothing that should derail their depth.

This matchup boils down to the trenches: Can Miami's physical defensive line disrupt Ohio State's rhythm and create turnovers, or will the Buckeyes' superior playmakers and balanced attack overwhelm the Hurricanes? Analysts are buzzing about Miami's potential to "outmuscle" Ohio State up front, but the Buckeyes' experience in big games and home-state motivation (playing in Texas, near many recruits) give them the edge. Our prediction: Ohio State pulls away late for a 31-24 win, advancing to the semis thanks to Howard's poise and a game-sealing defensive stop. But if Ward and Toney connect on a few bombs, this could go down to the wire—echoing that 2003 thriller with its controversial pass interference call that changed college football history.

Why watch from home when you can experience every bone-crushing tackle, highlight-reel catch, and nail-biting moment on Arc Light's massive video wall? Swing by Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill in San Angelo for unbeatable game-day vibes, with ice-cold beers on tap, craft cocktails, and mouthwatering eats like our loaded nachos, signature burgers, and hot wings that'll keep you fueled through overtime if needed. Doors open early—grab your spot, rally with fellow fans, and make this New Year's Eve eve unforgettable. Whether you're a die-hard Buckeye, a proud 'Cane, or just love playoff drama, this is the place to be. See you Wednesday!

Afterwards is the New Year's Eve Party featuring the dueling piano show. Tables and tickets to Dueling Pianos reserve your seats for the Cotton Bowl. Get tickets here.

Wednesdays our Texas Philly Platters are on special. Here are more specials for the game (and the rest of the day).