Cam Newton thinks Miami overachieved by reaching the national championship game last season and he also thinks the Hurricanes are about to take a step back.
Newton went through the preseason AP Top 25 on his 4th&1 show and decided which of those teams he believes will reach the College Football Playoff. When he got to No. 7 Miami, he made a statement that should light a fire in anyone associated with the Hurricanes.
Cam Newton says Miami exceeded expectations last year. He has SMU making the playoffs over them this year. pic.twitter.com/FUvMNI57Ny
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) August 28, 2026
"HELL NO."Cam Newton
Cam Newton is low on the Miami Hurricanes going into 2026
He left the Hurricanes out of his playoff bracket and put ACC rival SMU, ranked No. 19, in their place.
The Mustangs went 9-4 last season and were one of two teams that beat Miami in the regular season. On Nov. 1 they knocked off the then-No. 10 Hurricanes 26-20 in overtime. In that game, Kevin Jennings completed 29 of 44 passes for a career-high 365 yards and a touchdown. He also added another rushing touchdown. For the season he threw for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Jennings is now back for his third year as SMU's starter. He has 19 career wins as a starter and a .731 winning percentage, which is third among active FBS quarterbacks. Newton also raised questions about new Miami QB Darian Mensah.
Cam Newton says Miami has too many pieces to replace, and they don’t know what they’ll get from the QB position. pic.twitter.com/teaHmm3k0h
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) August 28, 2026
Mensah isn't untouchable from criticism but Newton appears to be alone with his take before the season begins. Mensah led the ACC in passing yards and passing touchdowns last season at Duke.
The Hurricanes were the overwhelming preseason favorite, with 165 first-place votes in the conference media poll. SMU finished second and took six first-place votes. But for Newton to speak to confidently about SMU is surprising.
Miami opens Friday night at Stanford and SMU kicks off their season on Labor Day night at Florida State.
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