Miami is tied for eighth with Texas A&M in the "Way-Too-Early Top 25 Composite: Sports outlets, experts predict College Football rankings for 2026" posted by On3 on Monday. On3 examined nine different outlets' Way-Too-Early 2026 rankings by assigning 25 points for a first-place vote down to one for 25th.
Miami received 153 points in the 2026 Way-Too-Early composite rankings. Ohio State, as they usually do in the preseason, is first in the 2026 Way-Too-Early composite rankings with 210 points and two first-place votes. Notre Dame, sixth in the Way-Too-Early composite rankings, is the highest-ranked team on the 2026 Miami schedule.
Miami has had a productive offseason. The Hurricanes signed the 10th-ranked 2026 class and 17th transfer class in the 247Sports composite rankings. Miami has had to rebuild the roster at several positions, while others have a solid foundation of players returning.
Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown lead a deep group of returning running backs for Miami in 2026. Fletcher Jr. went on a tear during the College Football Playoffs and finished the 2026 season 18th nationally with 1,192 rushing yards.
NEW: Composite 2026 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25👀
— On3 (@On3) January 26, 2026
Do you agree? 🤔https://t.co/mYaPHge53S pic.twitter.com/FYAIfPqnyJ
Potential Heisman Trophy candidate
Wide receiver Malachi Toney set multiple Miami records during the 2025 season and is a potential 2026 Heisman Trophy candidate. FanDuel Sportsbook has Toney at +2700 to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy. Miami will have to rebuild most of its offensive line entering the 2026 season.
Louisville tied for 18th with Washington and number 21 SMU are the only other ACC teams in the 2026 Way-Too-Early composite rankings. Miami does not play Louisville or SMU during the 2026 regular season. Clemson and Florida State were among others receiving votes. Miami plays Clemson and FSU in 2026.
The marquee game for Miami entering the 2026 season is November 7 at Notre Dame. Miami hosts Florida A&M on Thursday, September 10 and Central Michigan on September 26 in its other 2026 non-conference games. The schedule is favorable for Miami to make another run at a College Football Playoff berth in 2026.