Defending national champion Ohio State is making its third consecutive appearance in the Cotton Bowl, facing Miami, which is returning to Texas for the CFP quarterfinal. The third-ranked Buckeyes, seeking to rebound from a Big Ten championship loss, aim to win their seventh CFP title. Miami, a first-time CFP participant, earned an at-large berth and previously won its CFP debut in Texas. Both teams are preparing for the New Year's Eve matchup, with Ohio State emphasizing leaving everything on the field after their recent defeat.