Miami beats Texas A&M in spectacular College Football Playoff debut to advance to Cotton Bowl
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Texas A&M hosted Miami at Kyle Field on Saturday afternoon in a game that marked both teams’ College Football Playoff debuts.
The Hurricanes earned the final playoff spot over Notre Dame with a 27-24 victory over the Fighting Irish in the season opener.
Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney’s 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes remaining lifted the Hurricanes to a 10-3 victory over Texas A&M in Saturday’s College Football Playoff first-round game.
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Bryce Fitzgerald (13) of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies during a first-round game of the 2025 College Football Playoff at Kyle Field on December 20, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a career-high 172 yards to help the Hurricanes advance to the Cotton Bowl, where they will face defending champion Ohio State on December 31.
Miami kicker Carter Davis missed three field goals due to gusty winds after missing just two all season before Saturday. His 21-yard kick early in the third quarter put the Canes on the scoreboard after the first scoreless first half in CFP history.
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Texas A&M had the opportunity to force overtime. In the final minutes, the Aggies put together their best offensive drive of the day, entering the red zone in the final minute.
The Texas A&M Aggies take the field before a first-round game of the 2025 College Football Playoffs against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field on Dec. 20, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
But quarterback Marcel Reed threw an interception in the end zone, sealing Miami’s victory.
The Hurricanes’ push for what would be a sixth national championship, and first since 2001, remains alive. Next, Miami will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic on December 31.
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) battles Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) during a CFP first-round game at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, on Dec. 20, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Texas A&M’s long national title drought will extend for at least another year.
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The Aggies have not hoisted a national championship trophy since 1939.
The News contributed to this report.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.