South Florida

With the Hurricanes headed to the playoffs, let's look back at season's start

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles all focus on Miami Hurricanes football as they approach their 2025 season opener against Notre Dame. They examine the team’s key players, positional battles, coaching influence, and areas critical to their campaign.

One storyline centers on quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia and brings leadership experience, aiming to guide Miami to a successful season. Another highlights young defensive lineman Armondo Blount, who moves into a bigger role after teammates noted his spring improvements. The first depth chart shows competition at running back and receiver, with multiple newcomers challenging for starting jobs alongside established upperclassmen. Analysts point to winning battles at the line of scrimmage and establishing the run as important to Miami’s game plan. The Hurricanes’ staff and players also stress limiting penalties and turnovers in a high-stakes opener. Athletic leadership acknowledges that coach Mario Cristobal has shaped the team, focusing on strong play up front and building a disciplined roster. Each storyline feeds into the anticipation for a top-10 clash at Hard Rock Stadium.

Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Armondo Blount (18) and Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Cole McConathy II (44) celebrate against the Florida Gators after the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 1: 30 KEY MIAMI HURRICANES FOR 2025 SEASON: WILL ARMONDO BLOUNT TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. | Published August 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Dan Radakovich, Athletic Director for the University of Miami, speaks during a media availability press conference on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence in Coral Gables, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 2: HURRICANES AD TALKS MARIO CRISTOBAL, STATE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AHEAD OF OPENER

Ahead of the No. | Published August 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) throws the football during football practice at the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 3: 30 KEY MIAMI HURRICANES FOR 2025 SEASON: ALL EYES ON CARSON BECK FOR UM TITLE HOPES

The Miami Hurricanes kick off the 2025 season on Aug. | Published August 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Mario Cristobal, Miami Hurricanes Head Coach, speaks during a media availability press conference on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 4: MIAMI HURRICANES VS NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH: HOW TO WATCH, WHAT TO KNOW, 3 KEYS

The No. | Published August 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal watches his players run drills before playing against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their NCAA football game at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 5: HURRICANES RELEASE DEPTH CHART BEFORE NOTRE DAME GAME, GIVING CLARITY AT SOME POSITIONS

The Miami Hurricanes released their first depth chart of the season on Sunday ahead of their marquee season opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. | Published August 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) and running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) greet each other on the field before the start of the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, October 4, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 6: LIVE UPDATES: NO. 3 MIAMI HURRICANES BEAT NO. 18 FLORIDA STATE TO START ACC PLAY

The Miami Hurricanes’ latest big test in a season filled with expectations? | Published October 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan McPherson

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal flashes the ‘U’ sign after the Hurricanes defeat the Florida State Seminoles during their NCAA game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, October 4, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 7: THREE AREAS WHERE THE HURRICANES CAN IMPROVE AS THEY LOOK TO BUILD ON 5-0 START

No matter how much success his team has, no matter their dominance, no matter where they rank nationally, Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal’s approach remains steadfast. | Published October 13, 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.