National Day of Unplugging, a holiday created to bring awareness to the hold that technology has on the everyday person, is next Friday, March 5. A holiday you may not have heard of, participants in this annual tradition bathe in a digital detox for 24 hours– no cell phones, no laptops…just mindfulness.
The holiday originates from a Jewish nonprofit called ‘Reboot,’ an organization that started in New York City but is rapidly growing in cities across the country. If you’re thinking, “I’m not Jewish,” don’t worry. The holiday is for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
In recent years, the event has had hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, and it is looking to be a major hit again this year. According to the celebration’s website, it aims to help participants “start living a different life: connect with the people in your street, neighborhood and city, have an uninterrupted meal or read a book to your child.”
Audrey Cleary, a University of Miami licensed clinical psychologist, spoke with The Miami Hurricane about why putting your phone down for a bit to focus on the world around you might not sound as bad as you think.
“Mindfulness can be as simple as becoming aware of what is around you– experiencing the sounds, sensations and your senses as a whole,” she explained. “You can deliberately become mindful in the moment with effort, but in general, focusing on one thing helps. Also, focus on gratitude and appreciation. Take time to focus on what you’re appreciative for. It can improve your happiness and overall well being.”
Cleary also spoke about the negative side effects of cell phone overuse, often seen in college students across the nation.
“Cell phone usage can be too much when it starts causing problems in your life. The distraction from academics it brings, and conflict in relationships. Not being present with the people around you can be a sign,” she said. “Social media can also bring on negative comparisons to other people. You don’t want to compare yourself to the negative, edited versions of someone else.”
According to Cleary, the benefits of unplugging can be monumental. Breaking the habit of always having to check your cell phone over and over again for notifications can be a positive experience. Yes, technology has provided many benefits into everyday life, but no one should want to feel locked down by their cell phone.
“It can be healthful to not have to focus on your cell phone and other technology. Kicking away that demand on your attention can help a person get reconnected with their natural environment. Getting aware of your emotional experiences can make the urge of your cell phone less powerful. Even just being present and aware of the negative emotions in your mind like sadness or anxiety can help you feel better about them since you know they are there.”
She continued to list the specific benefits of unplugging, saying that the awareness and physical contact with other people around you to be especially powerful. She says that when you are face to face with a person, your communication can often feel way more authentic. According to Cleary, an improved sleep schedule is another benefit worth mentioning.
Psychologists and researchers have begun identifying disorders that exist when individuals are unable to go lengths of time without their cell phone. One such disorder, known as ‘phone separation anxiety,’ is a struggle that many students deal with every day.
This disorder may sound funny or peculiar, but according to Cleary, it is not a joke. It is defined as “a sense of fear and panic when separated from a mobile phone and the overwhelming fear of anxiety coming from the inability to immediately respond to a notification or have your device in your hand.”
“If having immediate contact with your cell phone is something you’ve learned to depend on, it’s definitely real,” she explained. “If students are feeling anxious about not having their cell phone, it’s important to really think about why. Identify what the fear is, and challenge your fears associated with the phone.”
She listed several questions that students who think they may have this disorder might want to consider in order to try and cure their separation anxiety.
“What do you think you’re missing out on? Do you feel like you’ll really miss out on those things? Are the consequences really as bad as you think they are?”
Whatever the case is, she assured that phone separation anxiety does not have to be permanent. It can be overcome with a little cognitive work.
So, whether you unplug or plug in, make sure to think again about your technology habits. While 24 hours away from a cell phone may not immediately cure problems, everyone has to start somewhere.
For just the third time in program history, the Miami women’s volleyball team traveled to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans.
After a hard-fought affair which marked the season-opener for Miami, the Canes ultimately fell to the Spartans in five sets.
The match was a back-and-forth affair throughout, but Michigan State rode the momentum from its fourth set win into the fifth set to clinch.
To start, the Spartans took an early lead with a 25-19 first set win. But the Hurricanes quickly struck back.
Filled with new faces, Miami evened up the match with a 26-24 victory in the second set thanks to a 5-0 run, and took the lead in the third set with another narrow 25-23 set win.
Offensively, Asia Harvey led the charge for the Canes, racking up 17 kills for a .263 hitting percentage and a .447 hitting percentage in her debut with the Hurricanes. Sonja Danilovic also recorded double-digit kills with 11 and Billie Reiter dropped 38 assists.
Reiter also led the team with 11 blocks on the night, followed by Danilovic with nine.
The remaining two sets of the match were all Spartans as Michigan State rallied with their backs against the wall in a commanding 25-19 set win. Their momentum continued, demonstrated in a 9-0 run which essentially put the game in their hands in the fifth set, winning 15-6.
Miami will continue their road trip with a test against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, Aug. 29.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, expectations are sky-high for Canes football as the program pushes for its first title in more than 20 years.
With another transfer quarterback at the helm in the form of Darian Mensah and superstars littered around the roster for Miami, the mix of fresh faces and returning talent sparks plenty of national debate on where the Canes stand.
As buzz around the Hurricanes continues to mount with UM’s season-opener one week away against Stanford on Sept. 4, read some “hot takes” from the TMH Sports Staff on what this season will hold for the Canes.
Sebastian Font, Co-Sports Editor – Miami will boast more first-rounders than last season
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Hurricanes had three of its biggest stars walk across the stage and shake commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand in the first round.
The trio of OT Francis Mauigoa (Pick 10), DE Reuben Bain Jr. (Pick 15) and DE Akheem Mesidor (Pick 22) marked the most Hurricanes selected in the first round since 2004 — a draft where UM set the record for first-rounders with six (for those keeping score at home).
And while their talent will be missed, the Canes reloaded in the portal and retained homegrown talent.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see four or more Hurricanes selected in the first round of the 2027 Draft, including the likes of: QB Darian Mensah, DT Ahmad Moten Sr., DT Justin Scott, CB O.J Frederique and DE Damon Wilson II.
There’s premier talent scattered across the field for this Hurricane side, which has come a long way since Jonathan Ford was the Miami’s only draftee in the 2022 NFL Draft.
From begging for a single pro talent to overflowing with it — proof of Mario Cristobal’s concept.
Jayden Gonzalez, Co-Sports Editor –Miami’s defensive line will be better than last year’s group
It’s hard to imagine the Hurricanes pass rush somehow getting better while losing two of the best defensive lineman in the country to the NFL Draft, but the 2026 iteration of the Canes have a chance to do that in the aggregate.
Missouri transfer Damon Wilson is coming off his best year — hoisting 10 sacks against SEC talent. His style of play is what Miami needs to replace the sack production of Mesidor, who led the Canes with 12.5 sacks last season.
Junior defensive ends Marquise Lightfoot and Armando Blount are also poised for strong seasons after being rotational pieces behind Bain and Mesidor.
On the interior, Ahmad Moten and Justin Scott are two of the best nose tackles in the nation, both having chances to become first round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Entering his fifth season and slowly working his way up the ranks, Moten made his presence felt in 2025, tallying 4.5 sacks and 31 tackles and making his biggest impact in the postseason.
While Scott hasn’t put up the flashiest numbers — with just 26 tackles and one sack in 2025— he has incredible speed and twitchiness for a 303-pound defensive lineman, he just needs the production to put it all together.
Makena Wong, Photo Editor, Junior Defensive End Rueben Bain Jr. celebrates after interception on Sunday, Aug. 31st, 2025.
Bella Armstrong, Senior Staff Writer – Malachi Toney will win the Heisman.
Call it Miami bias if you want, but Toney has everything necessary to turn a breakout season into a Heisman campaign.
He’s explosive, versatile and ultimately the kind of player who can completely change a game every time the ball touches his hands. More importantly, Miami’s offense gives him the opportunity to produce the highlight-reel moments Heisman voters remember.
The award has become increasingly quarterback-dominated, but that makes Toney an even more interesting — almost dark horse — candidate. If the Canes remain nationally relevant like they’re expected to and Toney becomes the centerpiece of its offense (and we all know he will), don’t be surprised when he ends up in New York.
Come December, I’ll call it proper foresight.
Luca Mucciardi, Staff Writer –“Mali-cat” returns in a bigger role
One of the staples of last year’s Miami Hurricanes offense was Shannon Dawson’s self-proclaimed “Mali-Cat” offense.
Malachi Toney, a high school quarterback for a time at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., was often utilized in this wildcat scheme last season for the Hurricanes. He attempted seven passes, completing four of them for a total of 82 yards and two touchdowns.
With the effectiveness/threat of Toney with both his legs and his underappreciated arm, the “Mali-Cat” has all the possibility of being an integral part of this Hurricanes offensive scheme, leading me to believe that Malachi Toney will throw for over 250 yards and 5 touchdowns this season through the air.
Who needs Air-Jordan, Miami’s got Air-Mali.
Brendan Cafferty, Staff Writer –Cooper Barkate leads team in receiving yards
Cooper Barkate will outshine Malachi Toney … in one general stat.
Malachi Toney’s versatility will not go unnoticed on the playing field, but when it comes to receiving yards, Barkate will prevail as Darian Mensah’s favorite. The two former Blue Devils showed a deep connection in 2025, with Barkate tallying 1,106 of Mensah’s 3,973 passing yards. In comparison, Beck threw for 3,813 yards last year, with Toney being responsible for 1,211 in the air.
With similar statlines in the 2025 regular seasons, there is reason to believe both will have outstanding seasons with Mensah at the helm, but Barkate will break past Toney in receiving for a couple of reasons. One, the previously mentioned connection with Mensah, even being referred to by the quarterback as his “best friend.” Two, Toney’s ACC Rookie of the Year season will make him a target for defenses, often leaving Barkate isolated on the deep route.
Contingent on the offense run by OC Shannon Dawson, and the accuracy of Mensah’s deep ball (which has proven efficient in the past), it seems Barkate could be in for a large downfield presence this season.
With all that said, it’s still impossible to contain Mali, so his YAC could exceed the already high expectations set for this season.
UM Freshman Malachi Toney rushes for the game winning touchdown versus Texas A&M on Dec. 20 // Jake Sperling.
Olivia Attalla, Staff Writer –Miami will win the National Championship
The Miami Hurricanes were only a few seconds away from clinching the College Football Championship against the Indiana Hoosiers until Carson Beck threw a costly interception at the end of the game.
Now, the Canes are back and fully loaded, led by Quarterback Darian Mensah, who had 3,973 passing yards in 2025, leading the ACC, and good for second-most in the country.
Mensah also finished with 34 touchdowns, and set a Duke single-season record. Now, all eyes are on him to see if he can deliver when the pressure is at its highest.
Can the Hurricanes quarterback carry that same high energy and bring the Canes back to the Natty?
I think he will.
Riley Donner, Contributing Writer –Bain and Mesidor Are Gone. So is Miami’s Margin for Error
While The ‘U’ may have more overall talent on paper in 2026, the loss of first round draft picks Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor means losing two players each capable of wrecking a game by themselves. Bain and Mesidor totaled 22 sacks on the season, with 10.5 coming during the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff run, along with 40 combined pressures.
When Miami needs a big defensive play late in the game, who is the guy now? Last season, blown coverage or a missed assignment could be erased by one of the two elite-level pass rushers.
Replacing the production of two First Team All-ACC pass rushers is difficult; replacing their ability to take over a game is even harder
Talia Eckles, Contributing Writer – Darian Mensah will raise the standard set by Carson Beck
After Carson Beck led the Miami Hurricanes to the National Championship, it may seem bold to say his replacement will be even better. But Darian Mensah has already shown his immense talent at the ACC level, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns with only six interceptions at Duke last season.
Beck finished his Miami season with 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Double the amount of interceptions as Mensah last season.
However, Mensah will have to do it without the same key defensive players Beck had with him last season. Miami’s loss of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL gives Mensah a disadvantage over Beck.
Regardless, I think Mensah will not only succeed, but outperform Beck. By the end of the season, I would not be surprised if Canes fans look back at Beck’s numbers and realize Mensah is an upgrade.
Ricky Browne, Contributing Writer – Miami will average the most PPG in its history
In 2024 with Cam Ward under center, the Hurricanes set a program record with 43.9 points per game.
While this prediction marks a big leap from the 30.9 points per game the Hurricanes averaged last year, I truly believe the 2026 Hurricanes have a chance to do it.
Malachi Toney returns after an historical freshman year in which he recorded 109 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns and lining up on the other side from him will be senior transfer Cooper Barkarte who had 72 receptions for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns last year.
Darian Mesnah also joins from Duke who himself had an incredible year, and now has the best supporting cast of his career.
The Hurricanes also bring back their entire running back room including Mark Fletcher Jr.
If everything falls in place, the Miami Hurricanes could look at an historical scoring offense this season.
Mark Fletcher Jr. carries the ball as Miami’s offense pushes forward against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 19, 2026. // Photo credit: Jake Sperling, Ibis Yearbook
Former Miami Hurricanes wideout Cam Vaughn has officially dropped his lawsuit against the University according to On3.
The move comes after the University’s submission of a relief request to allow his entrance into the transfer portal — with such a waiver being at the core of the original suit filed earlier this week.
Vaughn’s original lawsuit alleged the Hurricanes “refused to submit the waiver request the NCAA requires so that he can enter the transfer portal,” following his dismissal from the program earlier this August.
Other claims included “promises of a multi-year scholarship and revenue-sharing and NIL compensation” that were not met.
The West Virginia transfer’s dismissal was announced by head coach Mario Cristobal on Aug. 17, who did not give a direct reason for his departure.
“Cam Vaughn has been dismissed from the team,” Cristobal said. “We wish him the best … the Canes will press on.”
The Miami Hurricane has reached out repeatedly for comment on the situation, but has not received a response.
Vaughn came to the program as a highly-touted transfer from WV, but his place in the depth chart slid following additional transfers such as Cooper Barkate and the rise of emerging homegrown talents.
Miami will kick off its 2026 season in a week’s time on the road against Stanford on Sept. 4.
Click here for more on Vaughn’s original lawsuit, and here for further information on his dismissal from the program.
When UM senior Destyn Storm Zarate ran the Madrid Marathon while studying abroad, he initially saw the race as a personal challenge. He spent his semester preparing for what he expected to be the greatest challenge he had faced, working training into his busy class schedule.
“I thought to myself, it’s good to run a marathon for yourself. But how good would it be if you did it for other people at the same time?” Zarate said.
Zarate gave himself just seven days to raise $10,000 and reached his goal the day before he was set to run 26.2 miles.
“It was the greatest accomplishment in the world, and I didn’t even run the marathon yet,” he said.
After completing the race, Zarate began thinking about scaling up his fundraising. He knew about the Miami Marathon, which attracts University of Miami students.
He also knew he wanted to raise much more than $10,000 this go-around.
And so, Run For The U was created.
UM students can join the organization and run the Miami Marathon, half marathon or 5K while raising enough money to fund a full scholarship to the University.
Zarate estimates that the group will need to raise $400,000 to cover four years of tuition and fees. The team plans to raise money by encouraging donations through a GoFundMe link and by securing local community sponsors.
With that goal in mind, Zarate began looking for members for his founding team and recruited senior Lauren Margerison as his director of marketing.
“He ran the Madrid Marathon and said, ‘Look, a lot of people raise money for the New York Marathon. A lot of people raise money for the Boston Marathon, but nobody raises money for the Miami Marathon to that extent,’” Margerison said.
Interest in the organization has grown quickly, with about 200 students already involved.
The organization is not limited to experienced runners. Members of the founding team come from different levels of experience, and one of the group’s major goals is to have group training sessions, recovery days and dinners together to cultivate a close community.
“We really are just a mixture,” Margerison said. “The point is not just to run. It is to raise money and to have a good time.”
Students are also encouraged to participate without running in the official marathon. Margerison said the race’s lottery system created an unexpected challenge for the organization. She said more than 150 students expressed interest in running the race, but only about 40 have received a spot so far.
Run For The U is considering having non-runners volunteer to help with a water station, a table at events, promoting the fundraiser and supporting the team.
The founding team already includes students involved in Greek life, student government, ROTC and club sports. Margerison said those connections could help the organization reach students who may not consider themselves runners but still want to be involved.
“The more people we have, the more fun and the more energy there is to raise the money,” Margerison said.
The scholarship selection process remains a work in progress, but one thing is clear.
Both Zarate and Margerison said the group wants the eventual recipient to demonstrate financial need and be passionate about UM.
As Run For The U prepares for its first Miami Marathon on January 31, 2027, the organization is continuing to recruit members and build its fundraising network.
Whether students run 26.2 miles, participate in a group training session or share the fundraising link, Zarate hopes the effort can eventually help another student attend UM.
“When you know you’re a part of an organization whose goal is to fund a UM student’s tuition. [It’s] unheard of. It’s never been done before here,” Zarate said.
In this episode, we break down the latest developments at the University of Miami, including housing changes, hazing allegations involving Phi Delta Theta, and the arrest of Jordan Lyle. We cover what happened, the key details, and what students need to know.
Miami Hurricanes Soccer (4-0-1) secured its fourth consecutive victory Thursday night in a 2-1 win over Incarnate Word (3-0-2).
The Hurricanes were back at home at Cobb Stadium for the first time this season after starting their first four matches on the road, and they gave the home crowd much to cheer about.
The game started with a scoreless first half with both teams trading chances, the best of which was a strike from outside the box from Incarnate Word, forcing Hurricanes keeper Atlee Olofson to stretch across the net to keep the game level.
Her heroics were short-lived, as the Cardinals struck first 10 minutes into the second half.
Winger Kianna Villa was able to whip a cross into the box from the right wing, where striker Taylor Kish waited to flick a header past the outstretched Olofson to give Incarnate Word a 1-0 lead.
Less than six minutes later, Miami would level the tie with a moment of brilliance from Cissel Akguel, who took on her defender one-on-one before curling a shot over the head of the Cardinals keeper and into the back of the net.
With five minutes remaining in the match, Abigail Casey would be dragged down in the box, winning the Hurricanes a penalty. Incarnate Word would challenge the call on the field, and after video review the call would stand, giving Miami a chance to find a winner in the dying moments.
With a win on the line, the goalkeeper Olofson stepped up for the Hurricanes from the spot, and after 85 minutes of brilliant play in front of the Miami net, she buried a rocket into the top of the Incarnate Word net to put Miami up 2-1.
The Hurricanes would see the game out and go on to win their fourth consecutive game, and their first of the year at Cobb Stadium.
Miami controlled the game on the stat sheet, outshooting the Cardinals, 16-2, and took 13 corners compared to Incarnate Word’s one.
Canes Soccer returns to action Thursday, Sept. 3 at Cobb Stadium to host App State.
Progressive Insurance is now the presenting sponsor of the Miami-Florida State rivalry matchup.
Miami Athletics announced the multi-year deal on Thursday, marking an innovative partnership between the in-state rivals
The insurance company will focus on activating and generating engagement in South Florida ahead of this season’s game which will take place at Hard Rock Stadium.
However, this partnership isn’t solely limited to when the sides square off in week 7 on Oct. 17.
Starting this season, Progressive logos will be displayed on the field during every home game at both the Hurricanes’ Hard Rock Stadium and the Seminoles’ Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
“Few rivalries in college sports carry the passion, history and statewide significance of Miami vs. Florida State,” UM Chief Revenue Officer Jesse Marks said. “Progressive’s partnership allows us to build on that tradition while creating an innovative model for how brands can engage with our fans.”
In a college football landscape that’s routinely becoming business oriented, Miami is selling from a position of strength.
The Canes played for a national title in January, beating Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss on their path in the College Football Playoff before losing to Indiana 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami participated in five of the 17 most-watched college football games last season, with its national championship and quarterfinal games ranking as the first and third most watched games respectively.
David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Quarterback Carson Beck leads the Hurricanes to a 28-22 win over FSU on Oct. 4 2025
There is a reason behind the move to add more sponsorships.
On July 1, 2025, schools began to pay their athletes directly as a result of the House settlement, with a cap around $20.5 million per school this year and projections to rise to $33 million by 2035.
The cap is determined based on what schools’ average in media, ticket, and sponsorship revenue — prompting schools to find new ways to generate revenue to compete.
Field sponsorship itself is new territory.
The NCAA only recently approved sponsor logos on the playing surface for regular-season games. Each school gets three spots: one at midfield and two smaller ones wherever the program chooses.
This month alone, Progressive has purchased logos for 13 other programs, most of which are for one school at a time.
Legends Global brokered the deal alongside both schools, which has become a pattern with the University of Miami.
The first few weeks of the semester are not just about finding your classes or struggling to learn Canvas; they are also the best opportunity to find communities, make connections and explore opportunities outside of the classroom. Getting involved and finding your place at UM can be as simple as showing up. Sometimes, going to the event you almost skipped is how you meet your closest friends or find your favorite organization.
From student organizations to volunteer opportunities, these events give students a chance to explore and find their passions outside of the classroom.
Here are a few events worth adding to your calendar:
Green U Tour
For those hoping to grow more familiar with campus, you can take part in theGreen U Tour on Sept. 9 from noon to 1 p.m.
The tour, hosted by the Office of Sustainability, will take students beyond the classrooms to explore some of UM’s environmental initiatives, including its mangrove restoration site, butterfly gardens and sustainability buildings. The tour gives participants a closer look at how these initiatives contribute to UM’s overall sustainability efforts.
Meet in the Admission Office lobby at Stanford Circle to explore the greener side of the U.
Business School Coastal Cleanup
Students looking to meaningfully spend more time off campus to help the greater Miami community can check out theUniversity of Miami Business School Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event allows students to spend time outdoors and help keep South Florida’s coastline clean.
The bus will depart from Cesarano Plaza at the Miami Herbert Business School at 8:15 a.m. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.
BreakThru Career Mixer & Fall Job and Internship Expo
For students thinking about their long-term goals or future after graduation, theFall 2026 BreakThru Career Mixer will take place Sept. 22 at the Toppel Career Center. Here, you can network with companies brought in by UM and begin making professional connections.
While these career events may sound daunting to incoming freshmen, they help boost self-confidence and allow students to become more comfortable introducing themselves, asking questions and getting themselves out there professionally.
Family Weekend
Later that week isFamily Weekend. From Sept. 24 through Sept. 27, the University offers various events that give students the chance to show their family members around the campus they call home. One of the main events is the Miami vs. Central Michigan football game at 6:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
Engineering Career Day
Engineering Career Day 2026 wraps up the month on Sept. 30, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Lakeside Village Expo Center & Pavilion. Although this event is geared toward students interested in engineering-related fields, it is another reminder that career exploration can start long before junior or senior year.
While the first few weeks of college can feel like a race to get settled, your entire college career does not need to be all figured out right at once. Sometimes finding your place starts with showing up to an event or just introducing yourself to someone new.
At a campus with as many clubs and events as UM, the hardest part may not be finding something to do; it may just be deciding what to join first.
Audiences coming together to the movie theatre is seemingly becoming obsolete. That was, until this summer, when box office releases were so intriguing that no one could resist the trip.
Every big release was carefully crafted — visually, with intentional use or absence of CGI; editorially, with meta-metaphorical scripts; and sonically, with unforgettably immersive soundtracks.
According to The Washington Times and Reuters, the box office earned $4.2 billion this summer, a 10 to 15% increase from last summer.
There was something for everyone, but below are a few fan favorites that you want to see if you haven’t already.
For the horror fans
Indie films are on the rise — especially in the horror genre. This summer, “Obsession” and “Backrooms” had back-to-back releases and found success. Both directed by young filmmakers, they each possess an originality and newness that horror needs right now.
University of Miami junior Pearl Amromin said the success of Obsession and Backrooms “shows that people are ready to transition away from remakes of things and they’re ready to transition into watching smaller indie films.”
She believes “it could encourage indie filmmakers to make more films because that’s what people really want.”
Their psychologically grounded elements don’t let you move from your seat even when the credits roll, placing greater emphasis on sustained unease than on short-lived jump scares.
IMDb reports that “Obsession” led box office sales between the two movies, earning $400 million. “Backrooms” wasn’t far behind, however, grossing $350 million.
For the film buffs
Christopher Nolan is a household name for anyone who loves film, and his new movie “The Odyssey” adds itself to his list of box office hits.
For those who know and love the original story, the movie is a modernized adaptation that offers new perspectives and themes. For those less familiar with the Greek epic poem, it’s still a captivating story. Through practical shots and an IMAX camera, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland star in the three-hour blockbuster.
Deadline names “The Odyssey” the “highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, amassing $1.352 billion worldwide.”
For the Marvel enthusiasts
The Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t gripped its audience as it did in the Infinity Saga. The story of Peter Parker and Spider-Man gives you no choice but to tune in. It’s a classic superhero story with the kind of heart everyone craves.
Spider-Man has the power to re-captivate an audience that was growing detached.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” preceded “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” in the MCU’s filmography. Its opening weekend earned $218 million, as opposed to “Brand New Day’s” impressive $360 million cited on Box Office Mojo.
“I think people did start to lose interest, but Spider-Man definitely brings back the audience,” said UM junior Sajida Simrin.
For the nostalgics
If you grew up in the past two decades, you know there’s nothing like bright yellow, goggle-eyed, gibberish-speaking minions. Although it’s a children’s movie, the new “Minions & Monsters” movie targets the same audience it always has — even if they’re grown up now. Minions are timeless.
“Toy Story 5” also debuted this summer and appealed to the same audience.
The two family-friendly films went head-to-head at the box office, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting earnings of $36 million for the latest “Minions” installment and $31 million for “Toy Story 5” in their opening weekends.
Although many of this season’s releases are completing their theatrical runs, they’re all still worth a watch when they make their way to streaming services.
A major network isn’t producing the next big reality series coming out of Miami — it’s being built by a University of Miami sophomore who wants fellow Canes at the center of it.
Christian Yeagley, founder of Miami Influence Magazine, is launching a new competition-based reality show, “Miami Influence: The Reality Series.” The show will follow 10 young creators through the fast‑moving, high‑glamour world of Miami’s influencer scene. More than 500 creators have already applied, including over 100 UM students eager to represent the University on screen.
“One day I was making a magazine for old people, and the next I was doing a yacht shoot with influencers looking over the Miami skyline,” Yeagley said.
Yeagley is producing the series through his magazine, which has highlighted Miami’s creator community for the past five years. He’s now expanding that mission into a full-blown reality competition.
Yeagley said he plans to outsource filming to Miami production companies, using multiple camera crews to follow contestants rather than building a traditional set. He’s funding the project through revenue from his magazine, self-funding and additional support from UM students, whose involvement will help offset production costs while giving them hands-on experience.
The series is designed to showcase personality, ambition and the real lives of emerging influencers. Contestants will be selected later this year, with Yeagley emphasizing that UM students are not just welcome but actively encouraged to apply.
While Yeagley is keeping many details under wraps, he describes the show’s vibe as “‘Entourage,’ but make it Miami influencers.” Viewers can expect a mix of high-energy events, brand collaborations, influencer cameos and the kind of spontaneous, chaotic moments that reflect Miami’s social scene.
Instead of manufactured drama, the series will follow contestants through their day‑to‑day lives — the friendships, the hustle, the nightlife and the work behind content creation. Multiple camera crews will capture each storyline as it unfolds, highlighting the authenticity of Miami’s influencer world.
Yeagley emphasized that the show won’t rely on scripted conflict or exaggerated tropes.
“These people are living lives that are already so crazy,” he said. “I don’t have to fabricate anything.”
Yeagley launched Miami Influence Magazine at just 19, despite never having read a magazine from cover to cover. What started as a publication aimed at Miami’s luxury market quickly evolved into a platform for the city’s booming influencer scene.
As he began collaborating with creators, hosting shoots on yachts and private jets, and partnering with Miami businesses, Yeagley realized he wasn’t just documenting a lifestyle — he was embedded in it.
“Miami’s the influencer capital of the world right now,” he said. “There’s more influencers per capita in Miami than LA or in any other big city.”
That pivot from traditional luxury media to creator‑driven storytelling sparked the idea for the reality series. If the magazine could capture Miami’s influencer culture in print, why not bring it to life on screen?
His entrepreneurial path is unusually accelerated for a college student. While most sophomores are building résumés, Yeagley is building franchises. He recently launched a second publication, Naples Influence, and is now raising funding, securing production partners and planning a multi‑season reality competition — all while taking classes.
Yeagley’s decision to center the show on UM students isn’t just sentimental; it’s strategic. In the past few years, UM has not-so-quietly become a hotspot for breakout creators across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Bigger social media stars like Alix Earle and dozens of micro‑creators that focus on fashion, wellness and campus humor have built loyal audiences that extend far beyond Coral Gables.
UM’s student body is uniquely positioned to make an impact: diverse, entrepreneurial, plugged into Miami’s culture and fluent in digital storytelling. Many students treat content creation as a legitimate career path, balancing brand deals and managing schedules alongside coursework.
Yeagley has already collaborated with several UM creators through the magazine, which is why so many students recognized his casting call immediately.
“Our actual audience is UM,” he said. “We’ve worked with so many UM influencers already.”
The result? A flood of applications, over 100 from UM alone, making the University one of the most represented groups in the casting pool.
For UM creators, the series represents something rare: a platform built by one of their own. Yeagley isn’t an outside producer parachuting into campus culture; he’s a student who understands the rhythms, personalities and chaos of UM life. And he believes those stories deserve a bigger stage.
“We’re looking for personality,” he emphasized. “We want people with interesting lives … not just a bunch of followers.”
The show promises visibility, collaboration and a chance to break into Miami’s creator ecosystem — a space that can be notoriously hard to enter without connections.
The winner will be flown out on a private jet to the Bahamas for a magazine cover shoot, but Yeagley insists the real prize is the chance to be seen.
UM students can apply at influencemia.com/show; the form takes less than two minutes to complete. Casting closes at the end of the year, and contestants will be announced on the magazine’s Instagram. Filming begins in 2027, and the series is expected to release in 2028, just in time for Yeagley’s senior year.
If the early buzz is any indication, UM students won’t just appear in the show — they might define it.
