What first Cotton Bowl availability report says about Damari Brown, other Hurricanes

Cornerback Damari Brown did not play for the Miami Hurricanes in their first-round College Football Playoff game. A few others also got injured in that 10-3 win over Texas A&M.

What are their statuses for the Cotton Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal between No. 10 Miami and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., ESPN)?

According to the first availability report for the game, released Sunday evening, Brown is listed as out for the game. Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal at his most recent press conference on Monday said Brown would be questionable at best for the game.

Brown has been part of Miami’s four-man rotation at outside cornerback this season along with Xavier Lucas, OJ Frederique and Ethan O’Connor.

As for linebacker Mohamed Toure, defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and safety Zechariah Poyser — all of whom were injured at various points in the game against Texas A&M? None of the three has an injury designation on the Sunday report. Cristobal on Monday said he anticipates all three playing in the Cotton Bowl.

Linebacker Malik Bryant and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw are listed as out. Freshman defensive tackle Donta Simpson is listed as doubtful.

As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes have a dozen players listed on the initial report.

Six are listed as probable: Wide receiver De’Zie Jones, running back Anthony Rogers, safeties Deshawn Stewart and Cody Haddad, and defensive linemen Will Smith Jr. and Devontae Armstrong.

Two are listed as doubtful: Defensive linemen Ahmed Tounkara and Tegra Tshabola.

And four are listed as out: Safety Malik Hartford, wide receiver Quincy Porter, quarterback Mason Maggs and defensive lineman Logan George.

Participating team personnel must submit availability reports three days before each game, with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes prior to game time.

Players are designated as “available,” “probable,” “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out” before game day; and as “available,” “game time decision,” or “out” on game day.

This story was originally published December 28, 2025 at 8:14 PM.