University of Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. has been ranked No. 21 in the ACC preseason Top 25 players list for the 2025 season, according to ESPN. Fletcher, a junior from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is set to lead the Hurricanes' backfield following the departure of Damien Martinez to the NFL.
Over his first two seasons, Fletcher has accumulated 1,121 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns across 23 games. In the 2024 season, he rushed for 607 yards and nine touchdowns on 112 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt.
His performance placed him eighth in the ACC for yards per carry among running backs with at least 100 carries and tied for tenth in rushing touchdowns. Fletcher has also contributed in the passing game recording 10 receptions for 106 yards.
Fletcher's journey has not been without challenges. He suffered a Lisfranc injury during the 2023 Pinstripe Bowl, which required a significant recovery period. After rehabbing the injury, he returned to the field in 2024, scoring two touchdowns in the season opener against Florida.
With an offensive line featuring talents such as Francis Mauigoa, and transfer QB Carson Beck missing the entire spring nursing an injury, Miami's offense could lean into the running game in the start of the season. Adding that Notre Dame is the season opener, it will be crucial for Fletcher to get off to a quick start if the Hurricanes want to begin the season 1-0.
Going into 2025, Miami aims to build on its 10-3 record from the previous season and Fletcher's performance will be instrumental in their pursuit of that. The Hurricanes faded as the season went on last year, not being able to make it to the ACC Championship Game or the College Football Playoff. With Beck in the fold, and an all-new receiving core, Fletcher is anticipated to be a key piece for Miami.