Miami Hurricanes heavily favored to win ACC in preseason poll
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 10:03 AM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
The Miami Hurricanes are favored to win the ACC as the 2026 season approaches, topping the preseason poll by 365 points over second-place SMU. Miami garnered 165 first-place votes from nearly 200 media members at the 2026 ACC Media Kickoff. Coach Mario Cristobal has strengthened the roster after last season’s College Football Playoff run, featuring new quarterback Darian Mensah and standout receiver Malachi Toney. Despite being the favorites, Miami seeks its first ACC championship appearance since joining in 2004, following a challenging path in recent seasons. They will face top teams such as Clemson and Notre Dame in their upcoming schedule.
- •Miami leads the ACC preseason poll with 165 first-place votes.
- •The Hurricanes aim for their first ACC championship appearance since 2004.
- •Darian Mensah joins Miami's offense along with key returning players.
- •Miami's schedule includes tough games against Clemson and Notre Dame.
- •The ACC's new tiebreaker policy could assist Miami's championship efforts.
- 10:03 AMYahoo Sports — How far can Miami Hurricanes go in 2026? Why a CFP return isn't enough
- 10:52 PMYahoo Sports — After CFP run, will Miami football finally make ACC championship game?
"The Miami Hurricanes expect to make another run at the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2027. The ACC preseason poll agrees.
"The Miami Hurricanes football season kicks off September 4. Will this finally be the year UM football makes the ACC championship game?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 10:03 AMHow far can Miami Hurricanes go in 2026? Why a CFP return isn't enough
The Miami Hurricanes football season kicks off September 4. Will this finally be the year UM football makes the ACC championship game?
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 10:52 PMAfter CFP run, will Miami football finally make ACC championship game?
The Miami Hurricanes expect to make another run at the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2027. The ACC preseason poll agrees.
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