The 2001 Miami Hurricanes football team has been recognized as the greatest college football team since 2000, according to a list by The Athletic. The recent honor adds to the team's enduring legacy as one of the most dominant squads in college football history. Stewart Mandel, who covers college football for the Athletic, created the list.
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes completed a perfect 12-0 season, culminating in a decisive 37-14 victory over Nebraska in the 2002 Rose Bowl to secure the National Championship. The team's roster was loaded with talent producing 38 NFL Draft picks, including 17 first-round selections. When looking back at the '01 Canes, the amount they produced at the professional level is what sets them apart from other all-time great teams.
The offense, orchestrated by quarterback Ken Dorsey who was a Heisman Trophy finalist, averaged a whopping 42.6 points per game. Dorsey's leadership and passing were complemented by a formidable running game and a receiving corps that overwhelmed opposing defenses. The running back room included Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, and Willis McGahee while the receivers were led by Andre Johnson, TE Jeremy Shockey and Kevin Beard.
Defensively the Hurricanes were equally imposing, allowing just 9.8 points per game. The unit was spearheaded by safety Ed Reed and linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Reed dominated in 2001 with nine interceptions and had three touchdowns of his own. The defense was so was great that they could have finished the season with an 8-4 record even without scoring an offensive touchdown.
Other teams in the top 5 included 2019 LSU, 2005 Texas, 2020 Alabama, and 2004 USC. Miami's 2000 squad was also included on the list at No. 10. Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Clemson, USC and Ohio State were the programs that also had multiple teams on the list.