Keionte Scott injury update: Mario Cristobal addresses Miami CB's status for College Football Playoff

Miami could have one of its top options back in the secondary for a first-round playoff game against Texas A&M. But it isn’t a sure thing based on coach Mario Cristobal‘s update following the College Football Playoff bracket reveal.

Scott has been dealing with a foot injury, missing the final three games of the regular season. He started the first nine as the team’s primary nickelback.

“You know we’re not sure. We’re very hopeful,” Cristobal said. “We know he’s going to be back here in the near future, expected near future. I cannot say exactly, but we do feel like he’s trending in the right direction.

“As it relates to everybody else we feel really, really good about it. So that’s the one guy we’re waiting on.”

Keionte Scott would be a big addition to the secondary for the major matchup with Texas A&M. The Aggies feature a running quarterback in Marcel Reed, so having players in the secondary that can maintain good eye discipline and limit his explosive runs will be key.

Scott has logged 44 tackles, 10.0 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks, as well as one interception returned for a touchdown. He has also broken up five passes and has forced a fumble. He’s an all-around impact player.

Before he was a star at Miami, Keionte Scott spent three seasons at Auburn (2022-24). He also spent two seasons at Snow College (2020-21) before that.

Miami made the College Football Playoff field when it finished the season ranked No. 10 nationally. That was a two-spot jump.

The jump was made possible by the selection committee dropping BYU one spot for its loss in the Big 12 Championship Game while not doing the same for Alabama. Alabama lost the SEC Championship Game to Georgia 28-7 but remained at the No. 9 spot.

That decision put Miami and Notre Dame back-to-back in the rankings, where the head-to-head win from this year’s season opener for Miami was the difference. So Miami entered the field and Notre Dame missed it as the last team out.

Now Keionte Scott and the Hurricanes will get to battle the Aggies. That game will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.