Michael Irvin was in his element Wednesday night as the Miami Hurricanes surged early against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl.
The Hurricanes legend roamed the sideline at AT&T Stadium with cameras trailing his every reaction as Miami seized control of the first half. When defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, the Hall-of-Famer erupted.
“We’re a Category 5 now,” Irvin yelled toward Ohio State fans, pumping his arms before sprinting from the back of the end zone up the sideline in search of anyone willing to share the moment. His celebration was equal parts joy and chaos, growls and screams spilling out as Miami built a 14-0 lead.
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) January 1, 2026
Irvin was far from alone among Hurricanes royalty. Former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson, Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp were also on hand. They were soaking in what has become the program’s deepest national title run in decades.
Miami’s defense set the tone by pressuring Sayin and holding Ohio State scoreless in the first half. The Hurricanes offense produced steady yardage, with a touchdown to match the defense’s score. Irvin's passion grows bigger, sometimes it leaves him on all fours during tense moments. The ultimate reflection of a legend living every snap.
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