Miami's Playoff Prospects
The Atlantic Coast Conference entered the 2025 season with a buzz that few conferences could match, after a stunning turn of events that saw Duke clinch the league title despite finishing with a modest 8‑5 record. The surprise sparked debate about the league’s competitiveness and set the stage for a new narrative heading into the next cycle.
Miami seized the moment, using a dramatic Week 1 victory over Notre Dame to insert itself back into the College Football Playoff conversation. The win not only lifted the Hurricanes’ profile but also ignited a backlash from traditional powerhouses, with Notre Dame accusing the ACC of lobbying for Miami’s inclusion and hinting at a possible exit.
Fast forward to the preseason, and the Hurricanes are once again the favorites to return to the playoff, boasting a league‑high seven selections on the USA TODAY Network All‑ACC team. The depth of talent underscores a program that has turned its offseason moves into a clear statement of intent.
Preseason Honors
At the center of the offense, sophomore standout Malachi Toney earned the preseason Offensive Player of the Year award. He enters his second year after a freshman campaign that produced 1,211 receiving yards and ten touchdowns, a performance that has many predicting a breakout season.
Defensively, Clemson’s linebacker Sammy Brown was named the preseason Defensive Player of the Year. His 106 tackles and accompanying stats illustrate a player poised to anchor a unit that could be among the nation’s best.
Adding to the story, Darian Mensah, the transfer quarterback from Duke, was crowned the ACC’s preseason Newcomer of the Year. Mensah arrives with a résumé that includes 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns last season, raising expectations for a potent aerial attack in Miami’s offense.
The convergence of individual accolades and team expectations paints a picture of a conference in flux, where traditional hierarchies are being reshaped by bold moves and breakout performances. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on South Florida, where the Hurricanes aim to translate preseason hype into playoff reality.