CBS Sports' Brad Crawford made the case this week that Miami should enter 2026 as college football’s preseason No. 1 team, and he's right.
When the preseason AP Top 25 is released, Miami should be at the top of the poll. The Hurricanes were one win from a national championship, return two of the sport's best skill players and replaced their departing quarterback with one of the country's most accomplished transfers.
But, they probably will not get that ranking.
Miami should be the preseason AP No. 1
Miami put a lot of people on notice with its playoff run last year. But hesitation surrounding 2026 is understandable. Miami lost major pieces on both lines of scrimmage, including edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. And Mario Cristobal's game management is still something that fans hold against him.
Those concerns will likely push AP voters toward a more familiar preseason favorite. Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia and Indiana all could start in the top spot.
Miami earned the benefit of the doubt last season
Miami finished last season 13-3, beat Texas A&M in the first round, eliminated Ohio State in the quarterfinals and defeated Ole Miss in the semifinals. Indiana then beat Miami in the national championship game to finish 16-0 and claim the final AP No. 1 ranking.
The Hurricanes showed they could handle the pressure of the CFP and entered the final minutes of the national championship with a chance to win.
Miami's offense has the pieces a No. 1 team needs
Darian Mensah offers Miami a rare advantage while several major contenders will sort out their quarterback situation.
Mensah was a second-team All-ACC selection last season and led the Blue Devils to an ACC championship. He also inherits two of college football's most productive returning weapons.
Malachi Toney returns after setting Miami's single-season record with 109 receptions as a true freshman. Mark Fletcher Jr. is also coming back after he rushed for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Miami is better positioned than most teams to absorb departures
Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott return, Marquise Lightfoot is positioned for a larger role off the edge, and Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II gives Miami an experienced pass rusher who has played major snaps in the SEC. The secondary returns significant experience, including starting safeties Bryce Fitzgerald and Zechariah Poyser.
Miami's 2025 defense led the ACC in total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense and sacks. Replicating that number will be difficult, but the personnel returning has a chance to do so.
Miami will be viewed through a different lens this season
The Hurricanes have to convince people their playoff run was the start of a new standard.
But the skepticism will likely keep Miami outside the top spot when the AP poll arrives.
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