Battle in the desert: ‘Canes set for Fiesta Bowl clash with Ole Miss

Shea Mcdonald
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Battle in the desert: ‘Canes set for Fiesta Bowl clash with Ole Miss

One game away from the National Championship, the Miami Hurricanes are on their way to Arizona to take on the Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl. In a battle of two teams that have been underestimated all playoffs, this might be the biggest challenge for this Hurricanes defense. 

When Ole Miss lost head coach Lane Kiffin after being hired away by LSU, many thought the Rebels and their explosive offense would struggle without the leading man. Since then, Charlie Weiss Jr. and their talented group of explosive players have been firing on all cylinders.

While some of the Rebels’ staff might now have to leave to join Kiffin during the height of the transfer portal, Weiss is still expected to continue running the offense for the remainder of their playoff run. 

This offense continuing to thrive has led Ole Miss to where it is. Explosive and deep with playmakers, everything starts with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.

When the lights were the brightest in the Sugar Bowl last week, Chambliss put on one of the greatest playoff performances in the CFP era.

With 362 passing yards and two touchdowns, Chambliss made magic happen all day against the Bulldogs. He won from both inside the pocket with touch and accuracy and outside of the pocket using his athleticism to escape and make several ridiculous on-the-run throws.

Without a prolific pass rush, Georgia was never able to corral Chambliss, and he was able to burn them when it mattered most, leading the Rebels to a 39-34 victory.

Chambliss has several playmakers he can get the football to. Ole Miss has five pass catchers with over 500 receiving yards. Last week, two of Chambliss’s downfield threats, receivers Harrison Wallace and Deshaun Stribling, went for over 100 yards each.

While the Hurricanes might not have to worry about a singular guy on the level of Jeremiah Smith, the depth of the room and the way Chambliss can find these guys when the play breaks down means that Miami’s secondary needs to stay locked in all game. 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Sophomore defensive lineman Justin Scott holds off the Ohio State offensive line against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

That could be harder given the injuries the cornerback’s room has received in recent weeks, but recent reports show promising news for Miami.

Cornerback OJ Frederique went down against Ohio State, and despite the situation looking rough given the number of injuries he’s dealt with this year, he’s listed as probable going into this game. Cornerback Damari Brown, who’s missed the last two games for Miami, is now questionable. When asked about their health, along with defensive lineman Ahmad Moten, coach Mario Cristobal was pretty positive.

“Progressing steadily,” Cristobal said. “I would say day-to-day, and we’ll have a better idea in the next two or three days, but we feel like they’re progressing at a pretty good rate.”

As for Moten, getting him back would be huge for Miami to continue having depth in the defensive line group that is going to be tested on the ground as well. Running back Kewan Lacy has 1464 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the year. He is a physical running back averaging 3.33 yards after contact and forcing 88 missed tackles on the year.

Miami has to swarm and bring him down consistently in the backfield. That being said, the Ole Miss offensive line is susceptible to being disrupted in the run game. Only averaging 1.6 yards before contact, Miami is going to have opportunities to force short or no-gain runs. Miami’s linebackers Mohamed Toure and Wesley Bissainthe need to wrap up and bring Lacy down when those chances get there and try and keep this Rebels offense one-dimensional.

If UM’s defense can force Ole Miss into airing out the football, Miami needs to make sure it can bring Chambliss down. Ole Miss has allowed one of the lowest sack rates in college football, and that’s helped by Chambliss getting the ball out on a fast 2.59 average time to throw.

Where teams have gotten Miami in points this year by going up tempo and using a quick passing game to neutralize the pass rush and tire them out. While that’s not sustainable for a full game, it could help Ole Miss get going and get the Hurricanes defense off balance. 

One of the best ways Miami could neutralize the Ole Miss offense is by keeping them off the field, and Miami’s run game could be the key. In the last two games, Miami’s rushing attack has thrived, averaging 164 yards on five yards per carry in the playoffs. Against one of the best rushing defenses in college with Ohio State, the Hurricanes, when they needed it most, were able to ice the game with the rushing attack.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. parades the ball post-touchdown during Miami’s victory against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Ole Miss this year has been susceptible to the run, allowing 146 rushing yards per game. While the run defense has been gashed at times, the defensive line also leads the nation in run stops with 140 and tackles for loss or no gain with 52.

This was seen heavily in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Georgia built its lead, averaging almost five yards per carry and 85 yards in the first half. In the second half, the Rebels held Georgia to 39 second-half rushing yards on 2.1 per carry.

Defensive tackles Will Echoes and Zxavian Harris are monsters in the middle. If Miami’s offensive interior can move those guys back, Mark Fletcher, and whether the next guy is Marty Brown or Girard Pringle, Miami’s running attack could be huge in deciding this game.

In the case Ole Miss is able to get some stops on the run, Carson Beck could be asked to do the most he has this entire playoff. The Hurricanes offensive line has held up spectacularly all playoff and should be at an advantage again. The Rebels rarely blitz and don’t have the best pass rush so Miami should be able to give Beck time to make throws.

With time, Beck could finally start to hit on some explosives downfield. While Ole Miss has been great in preventing such plays, it could be forced to come down to stop the short passing game, Beck has been opportunistic in the deep shots he’s taken and there have been some close opportunities he just hasn’t connected on yet this playoff. 

The biggest goal for Miami on Thursday is the team’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage at the level of the trenches. If Chambliss has time and the Hurricanes can’t get to him or keep him off the field on offense, it could be a long day for Miami. But, if it can dominate the trenches on both sides of the ball and limit the explosive plays, Chambliss is able to make outside of the pocket, the Hurricanes could be hoisting up the Fiesta Bowl trophy with a national championship at home on the horizon. 

Kickoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. is set for Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30pm EST. 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Redshirt junior defensive back Ahmad Moten Sr. lunges at Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Miami International Airport in chaos after Venezuelan President’s capture

Mel Tenkoff
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Miami International Airport in chaos after Venezuelan President’s capture

Flight operations at Miami International Airport were significantly disrupted on Saturday, Jan. 3 following U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Sebastian Font, UM student and sports editor of The Hurricane, was there. He was supposed to  fly out of LaGuardia Airport and land at MIA at 5:09 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, but instead arrived at 8:37 PM — more than two hours later.

“The whole thing was a mess, the attendants didn’t know whether it was weather or the situation in Venezuela at first,” Font said.

After landing, he waited at the baggage claim carousel for nearly two hours. 

“The worst part was the scene in Miami — bags everywhere, people screaming. I waited for more than two hours and only got half of my bags before I gave up and went home.”

Font is unsure how he plans to recover the rest of his luggage and will be filing claims. 

Madison Mutzman, a UM alumni, also had a similar experience at MIA, citing widespread confusion and lack of communication at baggage claim. She said carousel screens repeatedly displayed incorrect information.

“We were told our bags were on Carousel 22, then 26,” Mutzman said. “They ultimately showed up at 21 after 2.5 hours. The only way we found out was because a passenger mentioned that he found his bag there.”

As of Saturday evening, 451 flights at MIA were delayed, both within the U.S. and internationally, and 107 flights were canceled according to FlightAware. American Airlines confirmed around 8:30 a.m. that the disruptions come amid heightened airspace restrictions in the area. 

“Due to restricted airspace near Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean, some flights at MIA are being affected,” MIA said in a statement at 10:54 a.m. on Saturday. “Please check your flight status with your airline before heading to MIA. We thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The Hurricane also spoke with Miami-Dade Aviation Department Communications Director Greg Chin. According to Chin, the regional airspace restrictions created widespread delays in baggage delivery and congestion as passengers were rebooked.

“MIA is actively supporting its airlines and federal partners to assist travelers and return to normal operations,” he said. “Passengers are strongly encouraged to: check their flight status directly with their airline before coming to MIA, allow extra time if traveling today and follow airline guidance for rebooking and baggage.”

UM Swim and Dive narrowly falls to Notre Dame despite standout Senior Day performances

Bella Armstrong
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UM Swim and Dive narrowly falls to Notre Dame despite standout Senior Day performances

Miami’s women’s swimming and diving team fell to Notre Dame, 162.5–137.5, on Saturday at Whitten Pool, but the scoreboard couldn’t fully capture the emotion of Senior Day — or the flashes of brilliance that defined it. The Hurricanes’ men’s diving team punctuated the afternoon with a decisive 32–6 victory over the Fighting Irish, closing the meet with authority.

Before the meet began, Miami recognized five seniors whose careers have helped define the program this season. Swimmers Evelyn Meggesto, Sarah Sensenbrenner, Kate Sommerstad and Hana Spaulding, along with diver Mohamed Farouk, were acknowledged before the first splash.

Each was recognized for the years of work that brought them to this point — not a goodbye, but a moment to pause and reflect in the midst of a season still very much unfolding.

Ashlyn Massey set the tone for Miami with a dominant sweep of the 100- and 200-yard butterfly. Sensenbrenner added another Senior Day highlight by winning the 200-yard backstroke, while Sophie Lenze took first in the 1,000-yard freestyle and Leah Treglia captured the 100-yard backstroke. The Hurricanes’ 200-yard medley relay team also delivered, finishing first in 1:41.74.

Despite the standout performances, the Hurricanes were unable to outpace the Fighting Irish on the women’s side.

On the boards, Margo O’Meara swept the one- and three-meter events for the women, while Farouk rose to the occasion by winning the men’s one-meter. Redshirt freshman Jake Passmore followed with a victory on the three-meter to secure the Hurricanes’ outstanding 32–6 men’s diving win.

North Carolina’s men’s and women’s diving teams also competed in the meet, adding depth to a packed afternoon at Whitten Pool.

Miami returns to competition next Saturday, Jan. 10, in a tri-meet against Harvard at FIU — carrying with them the momentum of a Senior Day that wasn’t about endings, but about honoring a season still in motion.

‘Canes complete overtime comeback, defeat Virginia Tech 75-67

Ali Campbell
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‘Canes complete overtime comeback, defeat Virginia Tech 75-67

The Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team pulled off a substantial comeback on the road, defeating Virginia Tech 75-67 in overtime.  

Miami (10-4, 2-1 ACC) overcame a slow offensive start and a double-digit second-half deficit to extend their winning streak to four games, while the Hokies dropped to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play.  

The win secured a milestone victory for Head Coach Tricia Cullop, who earned the 500th win of her career.

Ra Shaya Kyle led the Hurricanes with a dominant performance, posting 23 points and 13 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season. Gal Raviv contributed 18 points, which included a clutch three-pointer late in regulation, while Amarachi Kimpson added 14 points to round out three Hurricanes in double figures. 

UM struggled early, shooting just 2-of-9 from the field in the opening five minutes and scoring only four points before Cullop called an early timeout. Miami was down 12-4 at the break, but quickly responded with three straight baskets from Raviv, Soma Okolo, and Natalie Wetzel to close the gap. Virginia Tech answered with a pair of three-pointers to maintain an 18-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Defense was the highlight of the second period, as Miami was able to force turnovers but was unable to find a rhythm offensively. Miami managed just two field goals in the quarter, both from Kyle, and relied heavily on free throws. Miami entered halftime trailing 33-19 after scoring a season-low 19 points in the first half.     

However, the ’Canes emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, shooting 60 percent from the field in the opening four minutes of the third quarter. Kimpson sparked the run, scoring six early points. The Hokies responded with a 8-0 surge to build its largest lead of the night at 49-31. Meredith Tippner’s late baskets helped Miami close the third quarter down 51-39.

And in the fourth, UM continued its momentum — as Kimpson opened the quarter with five points. After clawing away throughout, a Raviv three pointer tied up the game 60-60, with regulation ending at 62 apiece.

Miami took control of the extra period, scoring the first four points and outscoring the Hokies 13-5 in overtime to secure the victory and officially complete the comeback.

The ’Canes will return home next to host Clemson on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Watson center. The ACC duel will be streamed on ACCNX.

ACC allows UM to keep $14M CFP payout, and that’s only so far

Katie Karlson
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ACC allows UM to keep $14M CFP payout, and that’s only so far

The Atlantic Coast Conference is allowing the University of Miami to keep all of the conference’s College Football Playoff prize payout, totaling $14 million so far. 

Schools can earn up to $20 million for its conference this year: $4 million for making it to the 12-team field, another $4 million for making it to the quarterfinals and $6 million each for the semifinals and championship. 

Each conference also receives $3 million per team, per round to cover travel expenses. UM gets to keep all of the ACC’s travel money designated for the team. 

“Any net revenue from Miami’s College Football Playoff payouts would be allocated to the general operations of the athletic department,” said the University in a statement to The Hurricane. 

The ACC’s policy that allows UM to keep all of the money was enacted before last year’s playoff and ties back to the Dec. 2023 Florida State University lawsuit against the ACC. 

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sophomore Cornerback OJ Fredqerique Jr. lines up against an FSU receiver on October 4, 2025.

During the 2022-2023 year, the ACC made $706.6 million in revenue, its highest yet and a 14.5% increase from the year prior. 

Despite this improvement, the ACC still trailed the SEC and Big Ten by more than $850 million, pushing FSU to sue.

According to FSU’s newspage, the university sued “in response to years of mismanagement that has left its member schools trapped in a deteriorating multi-media rights agreement while preventing them from joining other conferences because of ‘draconian’ withdrawal penalties.”

FSU claimed that instead of fixing the revenue issues, the ACC imposed large withdrawal fees to prevent teams from leaving the conference.

Clemson University filed a similar suit against the ACC in March 2024.  

Despite coming to a settlement, these issues are not completely resolved. 

Today, the Big Ten’s media rights agreement is worth more than $8 billion and is the largest in college conference history. The SEC is in the second year of its 10-year contract with ESPN that is worth $7.1 billion. 

Comparatively, the ACC’s agreement with ESPN — which stretches until 2036 — is only worth $4.8 billion.

Granting the top teams all of their revenue from the CFP games was the ACC’s attempt to bridge the TV revenue issues and keep disgruntled universities happy.

Other conferences do not allow teams to keep the full sum of money. For example, the SEC is awarding $3 million, $3.5 million, $3.75 million and $4 million to teams for each of the respective rounds, as well as a travel allowance. Last year, the Big 12 awarded participating teams based on the higher of two formulas and the Big Ten did not award a bonus based on CFP qualification.

To put this in perspective, Indiana University, a Big Ten team, earned the conference $4 million plus travel coverage with its 2024 CFP appearance but only received $220,000. The rest of the money was divided among the other teams in the conference. 

As an independent university not in a conference, Notre Dame has its own media deals and gets to keep all of its winnings and TV revenue — upwards of $25 million annually. 

With the ACC’s current policy — part of the success incentives program — ACC teams and Notre Dame can theoretically make the most money during playoff appearances.

A night to remember: Takeaways from Miami’s upset Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State

Jayden Gonzalez
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A night to remember: Takeaways from Miami’s upset Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State

On Dec. 6, 2021, Mario Cristobal was named the 23rd head coach of the Miami Hurricanes football team, looking to take his alma mater back to national relevance after nearly two decades of failure.

Four years later, on New Year’s Eve, Cristobal and his team stood on the field at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, raising the Field Scovell Trophy as confetti rained down.

On the night of Wednesday, Dec. 31, the Hurricanes won their biggest game in 23 years, taking down the reigning National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Three weeks ago, the Hurricanes were on the outside looking in on the College Football Playoff. Today, they are two games away from their sixth National Title in program history.

Here’s what we learned about the ‘Canes after their upset victory over the No. 2 Buckeyes.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. parades the ball post-touchdown during Miami’s victory against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Miami has the best defense in college football

In 2024, the Hurricanes had a historic offense, but missed the CFP because of their inability to stop other teams from scoring. They surrendered more than 25 points per game and allowed well over 300 yards consistently.

A year later, under defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, the Hurricanes defense has put the team on its back, being the driving force to winning 12 games for the first time since 2005.

Sixth-year redshirt senior defensive back Keionte Scott made the biggest play of the Cotton Bowl, intercepting OSU’s Julian Sayin and returning it 72 yards to the end zone and giving the ’Canes a 14-0 lead.

“It was on film,” Scott said after the game. “I shot my shot, but that goes to trusting my brothers and coach Hetherman.”

The defensive line, led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, played another dominant game against an elite offensive line.

Sayin was sacked just 11 times in 13 games, with five coming in the Big Ten Championship against No. 1 Indiana. Against the Hurricanes, the redshirt freshman was sacked another five times.

Mesidor and Bain combined for three of the five sacks while the defense as a whole picked Sayin off twice and forced seven tackles for loss. 

In its last three games, the Hurricane defense has totaled 16 sacks, getting to quarterbacks at will.

Against two of the best offenses in the country — Texas A&M and Ohio State — the Hurricanes defense stifled them, allowing a combined 17 points in total and none in the first quarter of either matchup.

The unit is not slowing down and will enter the College Football Playoff Semifinals as the most feared defensive group in the country.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Sixth-Year redshirt senior defensive Lineman Akheem Mesidor hits the turf after subduing Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Carson Beck displayed a masterclass in game managing

The numbers don’t pop out of an elite performance, but UM quarterback Carson Beck perfectly executed what was asked of him.

Beck finished the game completing 73% of his passes for 138 yards and one touchdown. His longest completion was just 16 yards on a Mark Fletcher Jr. catch-and-run, yet he played one of the best games of his Miami career.

Beck was decisive against an elite Buckeye defense, making timely throws and avoiding the mistakes that have cost him throughout his lengthy college career.

On multiple occasions against OSU, Beck opted for the scramble instead of the dangerous throw, and it worked out. On a third and 11 with 12 minutes left in the fourth, the Hurricanes desperately needed a first down to keep the clock running.

Beck, instead of looking for a contested receiver, evaded pressure from his right and headed for the first down marker. To make sure he got to the 35-yard line, Beck lowered his shoulder into Leroy Roker III and pushed his way to the line to gain. 

The sixth-year redshirt senior put his body on the line and played one of his best game manager performances in the biggest game of his career.

“From 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. every single day we’re in the facility,” Beck said. “We’re grinding, we’re practicing, we’re watching film … When you get in these big time moments, you fall back on your preparation.” 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Firth-year senior defensive back Jacob Thomas celebrates with he ball during Miami’s victory against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Miami can win the whole thing

Following the David vs. Goliath-esque victory on New Year’s Eve, the Hurricanes head west to Arizona in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against the winner of Georgia-Mississippi — taking place on the night of Thursday, Jan. 1. 

No matter who the ’Canes play in the Fiesta Bowl — or possibly the National Championship —their victory against the Buckeyes gives the team all the reason in the world to think they can claim their sixth National Title. 

The Hurricanes out-toughed OSU in every phase of the game, a shocking performance against a team that many saw as the clear-cut National Champion favorites. 

The offense was steady, gashing the Buckeyes in the run game and making smart throws in the pass game. The defense was dominant, with Scott’s pick-six being the key difference in the game.

The Miami Hurricanes will play for the 200-pound Fiesta Bowl trophy and a chance to play in the National Championship on Jan. 8, 2026 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST and will air on ESPN. 

UM sophomore Shayla Stewart takes the stage at Art Basel 

Madison Block
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UM sophomore Shayla Stewart takes the stage at Art Basel 

UM sophomore Shalya Stewart wanted to be a model since she was seven years old. Now, after only one year of experience, she’s fully pursuing her dream of modeling as a full-time college student with a showcase at Miami Art Basel.

“I just started modeling at the beginning of this year. I took a six-week modeling course, starting in late January where I learned basic model etiquette,” Stewart said. “At the end of the course I was featured in a fashion show, which was my first time walking in an official show in April.”

Since then, she’s walked for designers like Archie Brown during New York Fashion Week. 

“I love New York and hope to walk in NYFW again and book more jobs up there,” Stewart said.

New York Fashion Week is often referred to as one of the “Big Four” fashion events alongside Paris, London and Milan. With only a year of modeling and one professional photo shoot under her belt, Stewart’s journey continues to develop quickly.

More recently, Stewart modeled at Art Basel in Miami, North America’s largest international contemporary art fair hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Beach with more than 80,000 visitors each year. 

“Modeling in Art Basel was a unique experience because it wasn’t a traditional runway. I modeled as ‘live art’ and posed on different platforms,” Stewart said. “I ended up loving this experience and had the opportunity to wear beautiful pieces by talented designers.”

Stewart wore designs by Prajjé Oscar, Scania McQueen and House of Lamaica Couture.

When Stewart isn’t hitting the runway, she continues pursuing her education at UM. As a sophomore studying public relations and sports administration, balancing student life and a modeling career is important to her.

“I honestly just try to keep good time management and make sure I am getting all of my work done on time,” Stewart said. “I also make sure I communicate with my professors if I know I will be missing class and ask a friend for notes or to record the lecture.”

Attending UM has given her countless opportunities that allow her to chase all of her dreams while balancing her education and a modeling career.

For Stewart, she hopes to continue to advance her modeling career in Miami, New York and more, and is open to the endless opportunities she might encounter. 

“Since Miami is one of the major modeling markets,” Stewart said. “There are so many opportunities that I can take advantage of while continuing my education.” 

Support Johan and Maria Rodaz’s GoFundMe for their daughter

Samantha Rodriguez
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Support Johan and Maria Rodaz’s GoFundMe for their daughter

John and Maria Rodaz have helped develop Miami as a hub for great artists with their Area Stage Theatre Company & Conservatory since 1989. Now, they need support from their city as they face devastating hardship.

Their daughter, Rachel Pedaux, is in a coma after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest after Thanksgiving. John and Maria take care of Rachel’s three children and stay at her bedside constantly.

Rachel Pedaux with her mother Maria Rodaz. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Gomez.

“This has been devastating for our family,” Maria Rodaz said. “But we are holding onto hope and are deeply grateful for every prayer, every message, and every act of kindness.”

Consider donating to Rachel’s GoFundLink to give back to John and Maria.

“We have faith that Rachel will be able to come back to her husband and three little children.”

Cotton Bowl ’Canes: Miami takes down Buckeyes to advance to CFP Semifinals

Sebastian Font and Jayden Gonzalez
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Cotton Bowl ’Canes: Miami takes down Buckeyes to advance to CFP Semifinals

After six straight bowl game losses, the Miami Hurricanes are bowl champions once again — defeating the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the 90th edition of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Up 10 with less than a minute to go, Miami just needed one stop to start its celebration. On first down, while trying to avoid a sack, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin lofted the ball right into the hands of Miami’s Jakobe Thomas, who slid down and took a knee.

With 71,323 fans in attendance at AT&T Stadium, the Miami sideline erupted as the ’Canes charged onto the field.

Current players and Hurricane legends alike rejoiced as confetti rained down on the field. 

The ’Canes are semifinal bound and two wins away from history.

“When the Miami Hurricanes do great things, the city comes together,” said UM head coach Mario Cristobal.

Miami played its brand of football: fast, physical and violent, taking the Buckeyes by storm in an unapologetically dominant defensive display.

The Corey Hetherman-led defense limited the Buckeyes to zero points in the first half as the Hurricanes jumped out to a 14-0 lead.

One of those key plays featured sixth-year redshirt senior defensive back Keionte Scott. 

Early in the second quarter, Sayin looked for Brandon Innis behind the line of scrimmage. Scott read the play right away, jumping the route and taking the ball the other way 72 yards to put Miami up two scores.

“It was on film for sure,” Scott said postgame. “And then as soon as the tight end motioned, shot my shot, and the ball went in my hands.”

Since making his return against Texas A&M last week, Scott has been one of the most important players on the Miami defense. In the Hurricanes’ two postseason games, the Auburn transfer has totaled nine tackles, two sacks and one interception return for a touchdown.

Other than Scott’s tremendous play, it was Miami’s trenches that ultimately won the game against the Buckeyes. 

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Redshirt junior defensive back Ahmad Moten Sr. lunges at Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Miami’s offensive line was brilliant against defensive lineman Caden Curry and linebacker Arvell Reese. The two combined for 17.5 sacks in the regular season but had none against UM.

The defensive line, led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Ahkeem Mesidor, continued their prowess that they have shown all season. Against an Ohio State offensive line that allows 0.85 sacks per game, UM’s defense had five sacks and seven tackles for loss. 

The Buckeyes nearly got on the board to end the half, as OSU kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 49-yarder — and the Hurricanes headed back into the tunnel after a dream first half.

But the defending national champions wouldn’t go down without a fight and came out firing coming out of the second half, ripping off back-to-back touchdown drives of more than 70 yards.

With just more than 13 minutes left in the game, all the momentum was on the red and silver side of AT&T Stadium only down three points as the Buckeyes followed up their touchdown streak with a crucial defensive stop.

After both sides were unable to score, the Hurricanes had the ball with 5:56 left, looking to end the game.

Throughout the next three minutes, Cristobal turned to Mark Fletcher Jr. and Marty Brown to finish the job — “The A-gap special.”

The duo combined for seven runs for 49 yards, including a five yard touchdown score from Brown to put the game on ice at 24-14 with just under a minute remaining.

“So, I guess to sum it up, incredibly proud of these guys,” said Cristobal. “They’re the absolute best human beings and best competitors I’ve been around.”

The Hurricanes will advance to the CFP Semifinals Fiesta Bowl game in Glendale, AZ at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, Jan. 8 and will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss.

Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Redshirt sophomore running back CharMar Brown celebrates his touchdown during Miami’s victory against Ohio State University on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

‘Canes open ACC play with 76-69 win over Pitt

Shea Mcdonald
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‘Canes open ACC play with 76-69 win over Pitt

Despite an early deficit, Miami Hurricanes Men’s basketball fought back to open up ACC play with a big win against the Pittsburgh Panthers, 76-69. 

Jai Lucas and the Hurricanes (12-2), open up ACC play with a statement win, showcasing resilience in a hard-fought comeback in Watsco Center. 

Miami got off to a hot start, opening the game with a 25-15 lead with Malik Reneau leading the charge. From there, though, the Hurricanes went cold, going six and a half minutes without a single point, and as the offense could not get going, Pitt’s offense started to pull away. 

Pittsburgh was able to score at ease, shooting 53% from the field and nearly 42% from three in the first half. Forwards Cameron Corhen and Barry Dunning Jr. combined for 23 points with just two missed shots in the first half. With that, the Panthers were able to pull away in a 20-0 run in the half and held a double-digit lead over the ’Canes, 43-33, at halftime. 

Going into the second half, several of the Hurricanes’ key starters found themselves in foul trouble. Miami’s leading scorer Malik Reneau only played 10 minutes in the first after racking up three fouls, and Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson notched two each.

It seemed like a hot start to the season would have been halted by a rout in the opening of conference play.

Despite the rough end to the half and the foul trouble this Hurricanes team faced, there was confidence that they could find their way back into the game.

“I knew we were struggling a little bit, but I never felt like we were out of it,” said Head Coach Jai Lucas after the game.

UM head coach Jai Lucas talks to his team during a timeout versus BYU on Nov. 27 2025. Photo Credit: University of Miami Athletics

Coach Lucas was right, as in the second half Miami started to click on both ends, led by their veteran transfers.

Out of the gate it was Miami’s guard duo that stepped up and did some damage. Tre Donaldson and Tru Washington took turns getting buckets as the two went on a 9-2 run and forced a timeout as Miami closed the gap to three. A few plays later and the Hurricanes had the lead back just about six minutes into the second half. 

Dishing to teammates and creating his own shot, Donaldson led the resurgence for the Hurricanes in the second half. His early buckets got the Hurricanes going, and as the half went on, Donaldson finished with 17 second-half points, tied for the most on the team after going 0-5 in the first half. As he got going for Miami, he and this team found the confidence that they needed. 

“Confidence. It’s what I do. That’s just plain and simple. I mean, my guys trust me. When they’re open, I’m going to get it for them no matter where it’s at,” said Donaldson.

Donaldson was just one part of the solution for the Hurricanes in that second half. 

Defensively the Hurricanes also started to click, and the Panthers started to slow down. Miami allowed just one 3-point make on 13 attempts from Pittsburgh and held them to just 36.7% shooting in the second half. 

And more so, Miami was able to stay out of foul trouble, giving up just six free throw attempts in the second half compared to 11 in the first half. This allowed Malik Reneau to play 19 of the 20 second-half minutes and dominate the game for Miami. He brought in another 17 points himself in the second half, combining with Donaldson for 34 of Miami’s 43 second-half points.

“That’s why you go find guys in the portal who’ve played big-time basketball in big environments,” said Lucas after the game. 

The Panthers fought back from the Hurricanes’ second-half surge, taking the lead, and the two teams traded blows, with four lead changes in the second half alone. With seven minutes left in the game, the Hurricanes were able to make their run to truly take over the game. Following a putback layup from Reneau, Donaldson scored nine straight points for the Hurricanes, and with a six-point lead, Miami built enough cushion to run away with the game, winning the game 76-69.

It’s the first test in what will be a long road in conference play, and through the second half we saw the identity the Hurricanes need to play with to establish themselves as a potential contender for the conference. 

“A big part of us is going to be our offensive rebounding. It’s always going to be our points in the paint. We did a great job tonight of free throws,” Lucas said. 

“We saw that was the difference.” 

Miami is going to need to play physical, effort-filled basketball and continue to win games on the boards and in the paint. The ’Canes next ACC matchup will be at Wake Forest to take on the 9-4 Demon Deacons. Tip-off is Jan. 7, at 7:00 p.m. EST.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer/Senior Forward Malik Reneau takes the tip-off for the Hurricanes against Elon on November 20, 2025.
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