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Miami Hurricanes aim for strong season amid high expectations

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 10:07 AM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Miami Hurricanes aim for strong season amid high expectations

Summary

The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2026 college football season following a strong performance over the past two years under head coach Mario Cristobal. After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2024 and losing just shy of the national championship in 2025, the team is ranked No. 7 in preseason polls. Miami faces a relatively soft schedule, avoiding key ACC contenders and featuring favorable non-conference matchups. However, the defense will be challenged with the loss of several standout players, including Rueben Bain, while the offense looks to new quarterback Darian Mensah to lead a talented group of weapons. Their aspirations include securing a spot in the ACC championship game this season.

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By the Numbers

•Miami finished just 50 yards short of a national championship in 2025.
•Darian Mensah replaces Carson Beck as starting quarterback.
•The Hurricanes avoid key competitors like SMU and Louisville in 2026.
•The defense returns 10 contributors despite losing key players.
•Miami's favorable schedule includes non-conference games against Florida A&M and Central Michigan.

Latest Updates

10:07 AMYahoo Sports — 3 reasons why Miami Hurricanes optimism is justified

What they're saying

"
It's easy to see why Miami fans might want to temper expectations after a wild run to the CFP national championship game. But here's why they're right
— Yahoo Sports

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