No. 7 Miami opens the season Friday night at Stanford. In the last meeting between the two teams (which was also the first ever meeting), Miami got off to a slow start and the game was tied 7-7 at halftime. That night ended with the Hurricanes winning 42-7.
But this rematch presents different challenges for the Canes. Stanford has a different quarterback, it's a cross country road trip, and the Cardinal already has a win on its resume after a 37-27 victory over Hawaii.
Here are three bold predictions.
1. Miami covers 24.5 points and wins by 30 or more
Miami finished 13-3 last season, reached the College Football Playoff national championship game and goes into this season with sky-high expectations. Stanford on the other hand, finished 4-8 in 2025, and while they may be 1-0 to start the season, the program is in a much different place.
Miami has the more talented players and returns RB Mark Fletcher (1,192 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns in 2025) and WR Malachi Toney (109 catches, 1,211 yards, 10 receiving touchdowns). The Canes also welcome in QB Darian Mensah who is even being talked about as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft.
A 38-7 or 42-10 final score would cover 24.5 and exceed last year's 35-point margin. That is most likely what will happen tonight.
2. Darian Mensah throws for 300 or more yards in his Miami debut
Mensah led the ACC in passing yards last season and was a major acquisition for the Canes in the offseason. He'll look to establish himself as an early Heisman contender against a defense that allowed Hawaii's quarterback to throw for 276 yards.
With a receiving group that includes Toney and Cooper Barkate, 300+ yards should be within reach. The only thing that might prevent that from happening is if Mensah is pulled from the game during a blowout.
3. Miami scores on its first three offensive possessions
Stanford led 7-0 after one quarter last season and held the Hurricanes to seven first-half points. Miami then woke up and answered with 21 points in the third quarter, all on Fletcher rushing touchdowns.
The Hurricanes cannot afford that start on the road, and Miami's staff has probably mentioned last year's first half all week in practice.
Three scores to open the game, whether touchdowns or field goals, would send a message. And that is what Miami is going to do tonight.
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