Ohio State’s Path to CFP Glory: Potential Matchups with Texas A&M, Miami
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) season heats up, Ohio State fans are buzzing with anticipation. Everyone wants to know who the Buckeyes will draw in the Cotton Bowl.
Despite a tight loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game, Ohio State still holds the No. 2 seed in the CFP. That’s no small feat, and it keeps their hopes alive for a second straight national championship—something the school’s never pulled off before.
This post takes a closer look at possible matchups, key players, and the strategies that could shape Ohio State’s run in the 2025 College Football Playoff. There’s plenty to unpack, so let’s dive in.
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Ohio State’s Road to the Cotton Bowl
Ohio State’s path to the Cotton Bowl has been wild, honestly. After their loss to Indiana, they only slid to No. 2, which still puts them in a great spot for a deep playoff run.
Last year, they shocked everyone as the No. 8 seed, knocking out Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame to grab the national title. This time, with a better seed, the Buckeyes are hoping the road gets a little smoother.
Key Players to Watch
The Buckeyes’ offense has been lighting it up, racking up 32 touchdowns over 13 games. Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have been huge, even though injuries sidelined them for a bit.
Between the two, they’ve tallied 20 touchdowns. When they’re healthy, they’re a nightmare for defenses—no exaggeration.
Potential Matchups: Texas A&M vs. Miami
Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl opponent will be the winner between Texas A&M and Miami. Both teams have their quirks, strengths, and some glaring weaknesses, so it’s tough to predict how that one shakes out.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies come in as the No. 7 seed with an 11-1 record. That one loss to Texas cost them a shot at the SEC championship and, honestly, probably stings a bit.
Texas A&M’s offense is no joke—they’re putting up 454.4 yards per game. But their defense, especially the secondary, has been shaky, giving up more passing touchdowns (16) than anyone else in the playoff.
- Strengths: High-powered offense, SEC experience
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable secondary, missed opportunities in key games
Miami Hurricanes
Miami, the lone ACC team in the playoff, grabbed the No. 10 seed with a 10-2 record. Offensively, they’re pretty balanced—averaging 275.8 yards passing and 152.6 yards rushing each game.
Their defense has been tough, allowing just 277.8 yards per game. Still, people keep pointing out their strength of schedule, which ESPN ranks 45th in the country. Fair criticism?
- Strengths: Balanced offense, strong defense
- Weaknesses: Weaker strength of schedule, turnover-prone quarterback
Ohio State’s Defensive Edge
One thing the Buckeyes have going for them: their pass defense is elite. They’re giving up 61.5 fewer passing yards per game than Louisville, which is the best Miami’s faced so far.
If Miami’s quarterback, Carson Beck, who’s already thrown 10 picks this season, runs into trouble against Ohio State’s secondary, things could get ugly fast.
Impact of Injuries
Injuries have been nagging at Ohio State all year, especially with guys like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate missing time. If they’re back to 100% for the Cotton Bowl, though, the Buckeye offense could really go after Texas A&M’s weak spots in the secondary.
The health of those key players might end up deciding how far Ohio State goes. It’s something to keep an eye on.
What to Expect in the Cotton Bowl
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are set for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Ohio State will find out who they’re facing after Texas A&M and Miami square off on Dec. 20.
Both teams have their moments, but if you’re asking me, Texas A&M’s SEC experience and offensive firepower probably give them a slight edge over Miami. Then again, you never really know in the playoffs, do you?
Predictions and Analysis
Texas A&M’s offense is tough to ignore, and Miami’s defense has shown flashes of real grit. This first-round matchup could go in a few directions, but there’s no denying it’ll be fun to watch.
The Aggies have been through the wringer in the SEC, and that kind of experience might just tip the scales. If they pull it off, a Cotton Bowl showdown with Ohio State is on the horizon.
Ohio State’s passing defense is ranked at the top, and their offense? It’s dangerous, especially now that some key players are back in the mix. Either way, whoever faces the Buckeyes is in for a serious challenge.
If you’re an Ohio State fan, this playoff run is shaping up to be something special. Maybe, just maybe, it leads to a second national championship in a row.
Want more details or just can’t get enough? The Dispatch’s full article has plenty more to chew on.
