The 2025 college football season is in the record books. Despite the Miami Hurricanes barely falling short in capturing the program's sixth national title, the Hurricanes will be entering the 2026 season with a plethora of uncertainty.
On the defensive side of the ball, talented defenders such as, defensive tackle, Francis Mauigoa, as well as standout defensive ends, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor will become top draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. Their departures could potentially have a huge impact as to whether the 2026 Hurricanes can once again emerge as one of college football's elite programs.
Based on the Canes 2026 schedule, it will be a "tall task" for the Hurricanes to repeat the magical run they recently had. In October, the schedule makers had no mercy on the Miami Hurricanes. On October 3rd, they have a showdown with the Clemson Tigers, who are coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The Tigers could by then recapture the winning formula the program demonstrated in previous seasons The following week, the Hurricanes play their interstate rivals, the Florida State Seminoles, who would love to avenge last season's defeat. Of course, this matchup is always tough for the Canes in spite of each team's potential record.
To conclude the difficult stretch in October, the Miami Hurricanes will square off against the Pittsburgh Panthers, who will also strive to settle the score with the Canes after losing a lopsided game against them last season
In order for the Miami Hurricanes to sustain the success of last season, the new players who are replacing the talented defensive standouts will have to mature and be ready to fill the huge void of all of talented players, who were instrumental in the Canes 2025 success.
On offense, the spectacular and talented, Malachi Toney will be returning. The Hurricanes will also have to replace Carson Beck, who played superbly for much of the season with Duke transfer, Darian Mensah. Just like last season, the Canes will once again enter it with a cloud of uncertainty.
With games against Notre Dame and Duke, who won the 2025 ACC Championship game, the Miami Hurricanes could have a challenging road ahead.