South Florida

How did the Hurricanes get to where they are? See how season started

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Rivalry tests, road trips, injuries and quarterback shifts propel the Miami Hurricanes' 2025 season. The articles converge on the implications of a robust recruitment strategy, key game performances, and the impact of changes within the roster.

The Hurricanes kicked off their season at the ACC Football Kickoff event. Coach Cristobal and players like Carson Beck highlight the roster's depth. Beck, a transfer recovering from surgery, replaces former Heisman winner Cam Ward. Recruitment strengthened the team. Miami added veterans like receiver Tony Johnson and defensive back Colton Hood. These strategic upgrades aimed to counteract the roster's weaknesses from previous seasons.

On the field, Miami faced early tests. They defeated Notre Dame in a close game, then routed Bethune-Cookman. Key players like Mark Fletcher Jr. and Reuben Bain significantly contributed during these matches. Injuries also influenced the roster as seen ahead of the game against USF Bulls, hinting at depth challenges Miami navigates through their campaign.

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates with fans after their win over the Duke Blue Devils during an ACC football game at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 1: HURRICANES ADD ANOTHER RECEIVER IN PORTAL, PURSUING MORE VETERAN DEFENSIVE BACKS

UM is pursuing more defensive backs in the transfer portal. An update. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Jul 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal speaks to the media during the ACC Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. By Jim Dedmon

NO. 2: CRISTOBAL, BECK AND MIAMI HURRICANES HEADING TO ACC FOOTBALL KICKOFF. HOW TO WATCH

The Hurricanes speak on Tuesday. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian the Ibis greets fans as they wait for players to arrive at Hard Rock Stadium before the team’s NCAA football game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 3: LIVE UPDATES: NO. 5 MIAMI HURRICANES BLOW OUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILDCATS 45-3

The game went as expected. | Published September 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle (2) carries the ball as he runs through a drill during spring practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Miami on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida. By D.A. Varela

NO. 4: UPDATES ON THREE INJURED MIAMI HURRICANES AHEAD OF RANKED MATCHUP VS USF BULLS

It appears that the Miami Hurricanes will get some, but not all, of their reinforcements back this weekend. | Published September 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) on a carry as Florida State Seminoles defensive back Charles Lester III (4) gives chase in the first half during an NCAA football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Garden, Florida on Saturday, October 26, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 5: NO. 3 MIAMI HURRICANES VS. NO. 18 FSU SEMINOLES: HOW TO WATCH, WHAT TO KNOW, 3 KEYS

The No. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes tight end Elija Lofton (9) dunks the football over the goalpost after warmups before the game against the Stanford Cardinal for their NCAA football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 6: LIVE UPDATES: NO. 9 MIAMI HURRICANES ROUT STANFORD CARDINAL 42-7

The Miami Hurricanes got back on track Saturday night. | Published October 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.