Over the last decade (or more), Miami and Ohio State have been frequent combatants for elite recruits from all over the country. The results of these recruiting battles has shaped both teams rosters for years, and that will be on full display when the teams meet in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year’s Eve.

Miami freshman tight end Luka Gilbert, the Hurricanes’ only player from Ohio, was offered by the Buckeyes but committed to Miami without making an official visit to OSU. Nate Roberts committed to Ohio State just five days later, and the Buckeyes later added a second tight end in the 2025 class in in-state tight end Brody Lennon.

Miami Hurricanes linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (1) and Hurricanes defensive linemen Ahmad Moten Sr. (99) and Justin Scott (98) attempt to stop Duke Blue Devils running back Peyton Jones (5) during the first half of an ACC football game at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. David Santiago [email protected]