As Ohio State prepares for its Cotton Bowl matchup against Miami (Fla.) on Dec. 31, much of the spotlight is on a classic strength-on-strength battle as the Buckeyes’ defense faces one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Ohio State’s defense has been a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ success in 2025, ranking first in the FBS in both total defense (213.5 yards per game) and scoring defense (allowing just 8.2 points per game).
Miami quarterback Carson Beck identified Ohio State as one of the most formidable challenges for the Hurricanes’ offense this season, emphasizing the strengths of the Buckeyes’ defense.
“Obviously they’re a very, very talented defense,” Beck said. “In the back end, the front seven, they can run all over the field, sideline to sideline. They attack the ball well and they swarm. Then again, their defensive backs are really good. So it’s going to be a challenge for us offensively, but it’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to. We do recognize how talented they are, and we’re going to have to come and execute.”
Ohio State’s defense boasts two unanimous All-Americans in Caleb Downs and Kayden McDonald, with linebacker Arvell Reese receiving consensus All-American honors, while defensive end Caden Curry and linebacker Sonny Styles also earned All-American nominations. The Buckeyes are giving up just 129.1 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the nation, while also ranking fifth in the country by allowing only 84.5 passing yards per game.
Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who has rushed for 158 carries for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, described Ohio State’s defense as dominant at every level.
“They’re big up front, big on the second level. Their safeties come down and hit,” Fletcher said. “ They communicate very well, fly around and it’s just chaos everywhere. Those guys chase the ball, communicate very well, and they are just ballplayers. We’re excited for the challenge. They have gamers on every level.”
On the other side, Miami’s offense has been a key for the Hurricanes, who are averaging 414.5 yards per game (36th nationally) and 32.2 points per game (29th).
Ohio State senior linebacker Sonny Styles analyzed the Hurricanes’ offense, highlighting the toughness of Miami’s offensive line and the explosive playmakers the Buckeyes will have to contain.
“The first thing you see when you watch the tape is how big they are up front,” Styles said. “They have a big O-line. They’re physical. They do a good job up there. Obviously, you got No. 10 (Malachi Toney) in the slot. He’s a great player. They find different ways to give him the ball. He’s very effective. He’s an awesome playmaker. Then obviously, [Carson] Beck, he’s the veteran quarterback. He’s seen a lot of football, played a lot of games. So we got to be good at disguises with him because he’s a smart football player.”
Beck leads the Hurricanes passing offense that ranks 30th nationally, netting 262.5 yards per game through the air. The senior quarterback has completed 277 of 372 passes for 3,175 yards and scored 27 total touchdowns (26 pass, 1 rush).
In Miami’s backfield, Fletcher is Hurricanes’ top dog, while sophomore CharMar Brown and freshman Girard Pringle Jr. rank second and third on the team with 100 totes for 389 yards and five rushing scores, and 59 carries for 363 yards and four touchdowns, respectively.
Miami freshman wideout Malachi Toney has been the Hurricanes’ top pass-catcher with 89 grabs for 992 yards and eight touchdowns, while also adding 20 carries for 98 yards and a rushing score. Senior wide receivers Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels follow, ranking second and third on the team with 44 catches for 590 yards and 37 receptions for 420 yards, respectively.
Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. said containing Toney will be a key focus for the Buckeyes, while also commending the Hurricanes’ offense which is led by coordinator Shannon Dawson.
“The offense moves pretty well, their offensive coordinator does a pretty good job of calling his plays, and they execute really well,” Jackson said. “Malachi Toney, he’s a pretty good playmaker. He’s their gadget guy. He can do everything. As a freshman coming in, he’s supposed to be in high school, but him coming in at a young age and doing the things he’s doing, it’s pretty impressive.”
Ohio State nickelback Lorenzo Styles Jr. expressed a similar sentiment, noting the Buckeyes understand that limiting Toney will be crucial and adding that their secondary is ready for the challenge of Miami’s pass attack.
“A lot of the offense is going to go through him,” Lorenzo Styles said. “He’s like a go-to guy for them. He’s quick. He’s fast. He has a good skill set. And I’m excited for that match-up, for me being in the slot and our secondary as a whole and the defense to go do our thing.”
