This review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education in Mexico. It acknowledges the difficulties and disruptions caused by the global emergency but also emphasizes the opportunities for reflection and learning that have emerged. This work employed a comprehensive methodology, including a thorough literature search across multiple academic databases and consultation with national statistical sources and newspapers. Sixty-nine articles were selected based on predetermined keywords and criteria, leading to the identification of two central themes: impacts and implications on higher education and innovation in teaching and learning experiences. The findings shed light on the effects of the pandemic and highlight the need for resources, pedagogical considerations, and a reevaluation of priorities in the education sector. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of improving equity, quality, and long-term sustainability in higher education in Mexico while recognizing the opportunity for educational reform in the post-pandemic era.