The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes will begin their title defense on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, in prime time from Jerry World.
The Buckeyes will face the Miami-FL Hurricanes, who won a College Football Playoff first-round thriller on the road against the Texas A&M Aggies, in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
Ohio State boasts one of the best defenses in the nation, but its offense is not prolific. Thus, the Buckeyes were exposed in their loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten championship game.
Miami-FL is a talented team that was considered a disappointment in the regular season. The fact that Miami is in the CFP Elite Eight is a testament to its ability and the recruiting of head coach Mario Cristobal.
Betting traffic and interest will be as high as for any game this season. Ohio State is a mega brand, and the country is off on Thursday for New Year’s Day. The Buckeyes are always a draw, and that will be more pronounced in this matchup.
Get the latest CFP Cotton Bowl news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the football action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!
CFP Cotton Bowl - Ohio State vs. Miami-FL Odds at Bookmaker
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, is the venue for the College Football Playoff and Cotton Bowl matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami-FL Hurricanes on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Kickoff time is at 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
Ohio State opened as a 9.5-point favorite with Miami-FL a 9.5-point dog.
Ohio State is a -400 moneyline chalk with Miami at +310.
The Buckeyes and Hurricanes opened with an o/u total of 41.5.
Ohio State Buckeyes
In the last game, the Ohio State Buckeyes lost 10-3 to the Indiana Hoosiers as 3-point favorites. The game went under the total of 45.5.
Ohio State is 12-1 straight up, 10-2-1 against the spread, and 4-9 over/under the total.
Overall, Ohio State ranks 28th for total offense, 26th for passing, 65th for rushing, 17th for scoring, and 8th for fewest turnovers committed.
Ohio State ranks 1st for total defense, 1st vs. the pass, 5th vs. the rush, 1st for fewest points allowed, and 84th for takeaways.
Ohio State has covered three out of its most recent four games. Ohio State went under the total in three of its last three matchups.
Miami-FL Hurricanes
Last game, the Miami-FL Hurricanes won 10-3 against the Texas A&M Aggies as 3-point dogs. The game went under the total of 48.5.
Miami is 11-2 straight up, 8-5 against the spread, and 5-8 over/under the total.
Miami ranks 43rd for total offense, 34th for passing, 78th for rushing, 30th for scoring, and 25th for fewest turnovers committed.
Miami ranks 11th in total defense, 28th vs. the pass, 7th vs. the rush, 6th in fewest points allowed, and 19th in takeaways.
Miami has covered three out of its four most recent games. Miami went under the total in three of its last four matchups.
Ohio State vs. Miami-FL Betting Trends
The Hurricanes covered the spread in four of their most recent five games when getting points. The Hurricanes went over the total in eight of their last ten games as a pup.
The Buckeyes lost only two of their last 17 games to the oddsmakers as a favorite. Ohio State went under the total in four of its last five games as a chalk.
Since the 2011 season, Miami and Ohio State have not met. The series is best known for its January 3, 2003, matchup in the national championship game. Ohio Stater won controversially, 31-24 as 12-point dogs.
Ohio State vs. Miami-FL Best Bets
In this situation, Miami offers strong betting value as a large underdog against Ohio State.
Of major concern is Ohio State’s ability to cover such a large number with its offense, which is not high-octane.
Last week, the Miami defense flashed what it can do against a good offensive team on the road.
Main Pick: Miami-FL Hurricanes
Over/Under Pick: Under the Total
Player Prop Picks: Julian Sayin Under the Total Yards Total
Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don’t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!
