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UM’s influencer dilemma

Liza Gilca
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UM’s influencer dilemma

The list of influencers who attend, or have graduated from, the University of Miami only seems to grow each semester. The U is a magnet for content, but popularity can come at the expense of its reputation.

In addition to the nearly $100,000 it costs to attend UM for a year, students also pay for the reputation and prestige of the degree they will earn. In the professional world, a university’s reputation can weigh heavily on hiring decisions. 

Although social media content can devalue UM by highlighting some students’ materialistic, party-focused lifestyles, content creators are not automatically bad press. Unfortunately, the most polarizing figures are often the ones who blow up online. 

Last year, social media feuds between UM students became mainstream. Arguments ended up in the Washington Post and the New York Post and were even aired as Peacock microdramas, each giving a blow-by-blow of the content-creator chaos. Students’ online comments have portrayed them as being out of touch, petty and embarrassing.

For prospective students and parents, such arguments may create the false impression that campus life is toxic.

“I just wish we wouldn’t be confused with an online persona anymore,” said George Dragulin, a sophomore at UM. “The U is so much more than an influencer’s 15-second TikTok.”

One of the most famous genres of short-form content is the “Get Ready With Me.” 

At UM, students’ GRWMs revolve around getting ready for clubbing or partying. This could leave a negative impression on parents and students, reinforcing the idea that UM is not academically focused while promoting what some may consider shallow lifestyle values.

“There is little substance to their content if all they promote is party culture,” said Ara Bolarinwa, a sophomore at UM.

With influencers all over campus, an increasing number of students also report harassment linked to Meta smart glasses. These devices are the newest craze on social media: sunglasses that are both an accessory and a recording device.  

Off-campus influencers who are aware of the University’s popularity deliberately come to campus to ask questions intended to embarrass students while filming on Meta glasses without consent, or to harass them. This includes live-streaming events on campus. 

All of this creates the impression of an unsafe campus, where students’ comfort is not prioritized.  

“I didn’t know what my footage was being used for … the magnitude of it really freaked me out,” a sophomore who wishes to remain unnamed said about being filmed without consent. 

However, content creators are not a PR nightmare by default. They could easily be considered a marketing tool for UM — and a very effective one, at that. 

Success stories like Alix Earle serve as a testament to the quality of UM’s education. The accomplished businesswoman and content creator is not only a walking advertisement for the Business School, but she also gives back to her alma mater through the Alix Earle scholarship. 

Founded in June 2023, it eases the financial burden on aspiring entrepreneurs. Social media played a huge role in her success, and now she is using that success to empower ambitious students. 

A few decades ago, making money from social media posts seemed borderline impossible; nowadays it is a tangible reality that approximately 60% of children strive for, according to research conducted by the University of Wisconsin. 

An increasing number of people trust social media for news, fitness and wellness advice and a sense of connection. Goldman Sachs’ research predicts that in 2027, the influencer industry will be worth half a trillion dollars. 

The School of Communication just introduced a minor in strategic social media communication, focusing on mastering social media strategy. Along with it, the Academic Bulletin now includes a major in digital storytelling and content creation for students looking to work in “news, sports, content creation and media storytelling positions.”

These are strides the University is making to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the job market, and UM influencers are simply a product of those changing times.

Christian Yeagley, a sophomore at UM, is working on a new reality show called “Miami Influence: The Reality Series.” The series will focus on student influencers and their lives in a bustling city such as Miami. With more than 500 applicants already, there seems to be no shortage of ambitious influencers in Miami.

“Influencers are here to stay on campus, but branding ourselves as an ‘influencer school’ may be a step in the wrong direction,” said Parker Osth, a fifth-year architecture student. “Regardless of the individual influencers, the culture serves to portray an unrealistic and uniform flashy lifestyle for UM students to measure themselves against. What current influencer content neglects is the diverse paths and personalities outside of that lifestyle that make UM such a uniquely special community.”

At this point, influencers are a core part of the University’s image, just as Sebastian the Ibis and the colors green and orange are. UM does not need fewer influencers. 

Instead, our campus would benefit from no longer confusing influence with representation. Viewers need to critically analyze the content and images that some influencers post and determine whether that content accurately represents the entire University.

UM Richter Library extends hours following Student Senate Bill

Hannah Brown
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UM Richter Library extends hours following Student Senate Bill

University of Miami students now have more time to study, research and collaborate at the Otto G. Richter Library after its hours were extended for the fall semester.

The library now opens one hour earlier each day of the week, following the passage of a bill by the University of Miami Student Government Senate advocating for expanded library access.

Under the new schedule, Richter opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, compared with its previous 7:30 a.m. opening. On Saturdays and Sundays, the library now opens at 9 a.m., an hour earlier than its previous 10 a.m. opening.

The change comes nearly three years after library hours became a major concern among students. In November 2023, the University announced that Richter would no longer remain open 24 hours during final exams and would instead operate from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. The change was part of overall budget reductions that also affected library resources and database subscriptions.

Students pushed back against the decision, circulating a petition calling for the restoration of 24-hour access during finals. Following the student response, 24-hour finals-week access was restored.

This semester’s expanded hours represent another change driven in part by students advocating for greater access to campus study spaces.

Alexandria Espineira, FEC senator and author of the Student Senate bill, said the idea began after hearing concerns from her sister, Gigi, a pre-med student who struggled to use Richter before her 8 a.m. classes. 

“The issue was that the library opened at 7:30 a.m., which only gave students a 30-minute window to study and walk to class,” Espineira said.

Turning that concern into a change in library operations took nearly an entire academic year. Espineira researched library hours at other universities, including Clemson University and New York University, and worked with the Student Senate Academic Affairs Committee to draft and revise the bill.

During the spring semester, she also met with Richter Library administrators and helped create and distribute a university-wide survey to demonstrate student interest in earlier hours. The finalized bill eventually passed the Student Senate before moving through additional University approval.

“Although the process was lengthy to say the least, it was incredibly rewarding and taught me a lot about how much student government makes an impact on how the university operates,” Espineira said.

Espineira said the additional hour is intended to serve a range of students, including commuters, students with 8 a.m. classes and those looking to complete work earlier in the day. The expanded hours may also provide additional opportunities for federal work-study students employed at the library.

For Espineira, seeing the new schedule implemented is especially meaningful because the library initiative was the first bill she worked on as a senator.

“This was my baby,” Espineira said. “I didn’t let myself get discouraged by the lengthy process or small setbacks, so it does feel incredibly rewarding to see that I made an actual change on campus.”

The new hours are:

Sunday: 9 a.m.–2 a.m.

Monday–Thursday: 6:30 a.m.–2 a.m.

Friday: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Whether students use the extra time for early-morning studying, group projects or simply a quiet place before class, the expanded schedule gives students more flexibility in how and when they use one of the University’s primary academic spaces.

Miami moves up to No. 5 in the AP Poll

Omar Pinto
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Miami moves up to No. 5 in the AP Poll

The Miami Hurricanes moved up to No. 5 in the AP Poll this week following their 77-7 route of Florida A&M.

The Canes showed no mercy on Thursday night, racking up a program-record 856 yards of total offense despite pulling the starters at the start of the second half.

Miami already has two Heisman candidates early in the season, with QB Darian Mensah and WR Malachi Toney garnering national attention.

Mensah has 653 yards and 8 TDs through the air to start the year, whereas Toney has 330 receiving yards and 4 TDs. Both players have only actually played 4 quarters of football as they were pulled early in both blowouts.

The Hurricanes are yet to face a real test so far, which will hold them back from the No.1 spot in the nation until they face some greater competition. 

The Canes will play the schedule in front of them, starting with Wake Forest (2-0) on Friday evening in Winston-Salem. After that, UM will host Central Michigan (1-1) before heading to Death Valley to face the Clemson Tigers (1-1) on Oct. 3.

Miami’s Week 3 matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will begin at 7:30 EST and will air on ESPN.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Senior Runningback Mark Fletcher celebrates with Sophomore Receiver Joshua Moore after a touchdown on September 10, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.

Miami gets swept by St. Thomas, eclipses last season’s loss total

Gaby Collazo
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Miami gets swept by St. Thomas, eclipses last season’s loss total

The Miami Hurricanes concluded their trip to Minnesota for the Diet Coke Classic with a matchup against St. Thomas on Saturday.

Despite establishing early leads in the first and second sets, the Canes ultimately fell short as the Tommies swept Miami 3-0.  

The Hurricanes and Tommies traded points in the first set, keeping the score close. 

Miami gained a six-point lead early on, but St. Thomas fought their way back, tying the set at 12. Both teams continued to battle, later tying the score at 20 before the Canes tallied three points, making it 23-20. The Tommies however went on a run, scoring the next five points to win the first set 25-23. 

The second set began with another close score, but St. Thomas broke free again — this time with a six-point run. Both teams continued to trade points down the stretch, but the Tommies maintained their lead and won the second set 25-17. 

St. Thomas continued its momentum in the third set, pulling an early 4-1 lead.

But following an error from the Tommies, a Gaby Arroyo ace, and key kills from multiple UM players, Miami tied the set up 4-4.

During the set junior Logan Wiley and freshman Denitsa Angelova recorded timely kills, keeping Miami within one point, but the Tommies closed the final set on a nine point run to win 25-19. 

Sophomore Asia Harvey led the Hurricanes with nine kills and redshirt junior setter, Ariana Rodriguez had 10 assists. Sophomore setter Billie Reiter contributed seven assists. 

Defensively, Arroyo had 14 digs and sophomore Sonja Danilovic tallied four blocks. Angelova contributed three blocks as well. 

The Miami Hurricanes will return home after their three-game road trip to compete in the Canes Classic where they will host both Louisiana State University and Tulsa.

Miami enters its next match against LSU on Friday Sept. 17, at 0-7.

No.13 Minnesota overpowers Miami in straight sets

Vivian Amoia
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No.13 Minnesota overpowers Miami in straight sets

Miami volleyball opened the Diet Coke Classic with a straight-set loss to No. 13 Minnesota on Friday evening. 

The Hurricanes started each set with a surge of momentum, but ultimately fell short after several scoring runs allowed the Gophers to secure the efficient sweep victory. 

True freshman Ruth Martinez paced Miami with 10 kills and a .400 hitting percentage. Redshirt junior setter Ariana Rodriguez recorded 21 assists and one block, while senior Lal Akin and freshman Denitsa Angelova also recorded a block each.

Miami came out strong against Minnesota in the first set, but fell flat after the Gophers scored four consecutive points giving them an 8-3 lead. The Canes cut into the deficit, but they couldn’t keep up as the set progressed.

Minnesota continued to widen its lead before winning the set 25-15, taking an early advantage in the match. 

The Hurricanes found their strongest start of the night in the second set. 

Back-to-back points from true freshman Ella Thompson and a block from Angelova gave Miami an early advantage. With the score tied at 3-3, three straight Miami points gave the Hurricanes a lead until Minnesota responded with three consecutive points of its own.

Neither team created much separation through the middle of the set before Minnesota turned a 14-13 advantage into a commanding lead with seven unanswered points, before securing a 25-16 victory. 

Minnesota continued its drive going into the third set, taking an early lead they would not relinquish. 

Miami remained within striking distance as best as possible, pulling within two points three separate times. Each time the Hurricanes threatened, however, Minnesota prevented them from completing the comeback.

In the end, Minnesota ultimately closed the match 25-14. 

Miami will wrap up play at the Diet Coke Classic against St. Thomas on Saturday at 1 p.m. EST.

25 years later, and another reason to never forget

Madison Block
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25 years later, and another reason to never forget

2,977 names were read aloud at the National September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City this morning, an annual tradition commemorating the lives that were lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks 25 years ago.

Names were read by friends, children and grandchildren of victims, some who never got the chance to meet their mothers, fathers and so many more.

An additional moment of silence was held near ground zero to honor those who have been impacted by the health-related effects in the aftermath of the attacks.

It’s estimated that around 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants in the air after the attacks. First responders who worked tirelessly in the rescue and recovery efforts and survivors in Lower Manhattan began reporting a series of illnesses in the weeks, months and years following the event. 

More than 9,400 people have died from 9/11 related illnesses according to recent data published by the WTC Health Program, a federal initiative designed to monitor treatment for health conditions linked to the attacks.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration released more than 170,000 pages of records in a new 9/11 records portal on September 8, just days before the 25th anniversary. The portal contains information involving reaction and recovery efforts, some of which revealed that officials misled residents about the toxic air quality levels following the attacks. 

More documents are set to be released later this year.

“For too long, information about the aftermath of September 11th has not been provided to the public, said 83rd Corporation Counsel Steven Banks. “For years, families, city workers, and survivors have been crying out for more transparency from their government.” 

Additional documents show discussions between New York City officials around minimizing the city’s legal liability relating to the attacks, listing “some of the types of potential lawsuits against the City.”

While most students at the University of Miami weren’t alive during the attacks, many understand the different ways it has impacted Americans everywhere, and do their best to honor the tragedy in different ways.

The Political Science Association and Veteran Student Organization came together on Wednesday, September 9, and carried on the annual tradition of planting 2,977 flags behind the “U” statue.  

The flags are a striking image, and a reminder of not just how many lives were lost, but the ripple effect it had on millions of communities and families that were shattered as a result.

“Together, we placed 2,977 flags — one flag for each life lost,” said Francesca Orozoco, Vice Marketing Chair of the Political Science Association. “The flag continues to be a symbol of unity and a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can continue to stand together, remember together, and rise together.”

Inside the promise of Daisy Chain Fields

Victoria Cohen
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Inside the promise of Daisy Chain Fields

Olivia Rodrigo brought 45,000 people to Irvine, California on August 29, for Daisy Chain Fields, a one-day music festival featuring an all-women lineup. She aimed to raise money for organizations supporting women and girls.

The lineup includes Bikini Kill, Chappell Roan, Devon Again, Die Spitz, Doechii, Eli, Garbage, Mitski, Not for Radio, Olivia Rodrigo, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, Santigold, The Breeders and special guests: Karen O, Sarah McLachlan and Stevie Nicks. 

For Caroline Levin, a triple senior majoring in psychology, creative writing and motion pictures, the motivation was simple: “Honestly, I originally wanted to go to see Chappell,” Levin said. 

She also looked forward to seeing artists like Mitski and Stevie Nicks, whom she never expected to see in the same place. But once she was there, the festival’s larger purpose became harder to ignore.

Together, they raised $20 million for 10 charities focused on issues affecting women and girls. The organizations work across a range of causes, including reproductive rights, gender-based violence, children’s welfare and indigenous health. Among them are Planned Parenthood, The Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Women’s Law Center and Baby2Baby.

Before attending, Levin knew the proceeds would benefit organizations supporting women and girls, but she didn’t know much about the individual charities. 

That changed during the festival. 

Signs, infographics and representatives from the organizations were present throughout the space, integrating the causes into the festival as a whole. “The charities were one of the biggest focuses of the festival,” Levin said.

Rodrigo isn’t the first artist to aspire to use music as a tool to support a greater cause. The singer said she was inspired by the Lilith Fair, a similar music festival created by Sarah McLachlan in 1997, which drew significant misogynistic backlash for centering on women artists. To show appreciation for her predecessor, Rodrigo invited McLachlan to her set at the Daisy Chain Fields festival. Those central ideals showed up in every aspect of the festival.

Yoko Ono invited festivalgoers to write down their personal hopes and dreams during her song “The Wishing Tree.” The Guerilla Girls, an anonymous feminist artist collective, brought their art into the space. The lineup also reflected the festival’s ideals by listing acts in alphabetical order rather than by popularity, contrary to what is usually done. 

“The festival felt like a concert but it had a much more positive and supportive energy than other shows I’ve been to before,” Levin said. For her, the distinction between music and activism was not necessarily clear-cut. The music remained at the center, but the cause changed the atmosphere surrounding it. 

Levin said there were moments when she was “moved to tears by the power of what was being accomplished,” particularly when speakers reflected on how far women had come since Lilith Fair and how far they still had to go.

Daisy Chain couldn’t fix the problems these organizations are trying to solve in one day, but it inspired people, gave these charities a platform and united artists from different generations for one cause. 

Maybe music cannot create change by itself, but it can create a space for people to listen.

What commemorating 9/11 looks like at UM

Gaby Collazo
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What commemorating 9/11 looks like at UM

This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a shattering event whose effects are still felt nationwide. Although many of today’s college students were not alive when the attacks occurred, the University of Miami continues to honor the day, providing students with lasting awareness of its impact. 

The year 2001 in the United States is remembered as a year of tragedy, but also regrowth. After the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, people came together to rebuild. The aftermath created a strong sense of the importance of remembering those who were lost. 

“I was here on campus in the morning when the event started to unfold,” said Jon Baldessari, director at the Veterans Resource Center.  

“It seemed so far away, [but] I remember how quickly people were interested in trying to support others and work on how to move forward,” he said.

Every year at UM, different activities honor the victims of the attacks. 

On Wednesday, Sept 9, the Veteran Student Organization, led by junior President Griffin Dubose, placed mini American flags around the “U” statue on campus. In addition to the smaller flags, VSO hung a larger flag alongside the group Flags of Honor. It listed and recognized the 2,977 lives lost that day. 

For Dubose, commemorating  9/11 is not only about remembering the lives lost on that day, but also the lasting impacts the attacks had on the country and its service members. 

“Not only were civilians massively affected by the events of that day, but it also sparked a major change in US history,” said Dubose. “We discovered we [could] be attacked on our soil, prompting mass military involvement and affecting the lives of all our service members who responded to the call.”

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Miami Ruck Club held their seventh annual “Ruck to Remember,” a commemorative march where participants, not limited to just UM, walked 9.11 miles while carrying a weighted backpack to honor the fallen service members, first responders and victims of 9/11.

The last activity was Sept. 15, organized by the Office of Civic Engagement. A screening of the film “Reclaiming Ground Zero” took place. The film captures the aftermath of what happened that day and the plans for how not only the city but the nation will regrow from it. Afterward, the director, producers and other staff will hold a question-and-answer panel. 

At the University of Miami, where thousands of students are from the Northeast, many students’ communities back home were affected by that day. 

Dubose has a personal connection to that day. His father was due for a meeting while working for Bloomberg on the 75th floor of the North Tower on Sept. 11, 2001. He was running late. 

While paying for his taxi cab on the street outside, he saw the Twin Towers get hit. If he had not been late that day, he would not have met his son, Griffin Dubose, who was born 16 days later.

He used that day as motivation for his future. Understanding the gravity of the attacks helped shape his decision to serve in the Coast Guard as a Marine Science Technician for five years.  There, he responded to oil spills and regulated the environmental impact of oil and hazardous-material companies such as Shell and Marathon. 

As president of the Veterans Student Organization, Dubose said the group’s goal is clear. 

“Our mission is to assist veterans in the next chapter of their lives by providing information and transition assistance for veterans adjusting to student and civilian life,” said Dubose. 

The organization holds various events throughout the year such as tailgates, watch parties and paintball with fraternities, but their main event is “Sweat with Vets,” a timed obstacle course in the middle of campus held in the spring. 

By collaborating with organizations such as Miami Ruck Club, G5 Athletics, and the Wounded Warrior Project, VSO creates engaging events for its members and allows the student population to participate. 

“I think it is important, particularly for our student population, to participate in these events,” said Baldessari. “ I am glad to have both our Veterans Student Group and other organizations like the ROTC to come forward with their ideas [and make] positive engagements for our students to take part in.” 

As the nation moves forward from 9/11, the anniversary remains a day to remember those lost and honor the first responders and service members who helped ensure their memories are not forgotten. 

Takeaways from No. 7 Miami’s 77-7 win against FAMU as freshmen shine

Zach Cohen
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Takeaways from No. 7 Miami’s 77-7 win against FAMU as freshmen shine

It wasn’t a question of whether No. 7 Miami was going to win its week two matchup. Instead, it was a question on how many points the Hurricanes would score against the Florida A&M Rattlers. 

Even the most optimistic Canes fans wouldn’t have predicted a 77-7 win, but the Hurricanes went out and did exactly that late on Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium.

With 16 different receivers catching a pass, 11 total touchdowns and a program-record 856 total yards — a clinic was put on display in Miami Gardens.

Easy as you like

It doesn’t matter who was under center, the Hurricanes drove down the field with ease every drive. 

Seven touchdowns, seven drives in the first half alone, all led by quarterback Darian Mensah.

From Mark Fletcher Jr. running 55 yards down the sideline to a Malachi Toney touchdown grab and Girard Pringle Jr. shifting his way into the endzone, the Hurricanes got it done in all facets on offense. 

Miami’s offense racked up 453 yards in just 30 minutes of football as Mensah left the game throwing 14-for-15 with 252 yards and three touchdowns.

Young bucks can ball

By halftime, every starter was out of the game. 

Redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Nickel made an immediate impact throwing a 47-yard touchdown pass to freshman Somourian Wingo.

Sticking with freshman wideouts, Vance Spafford made an unreal one-handed grab in the back left corner of the endzone while getting held by a FAMU defender.

Nickel was perfect in his one quarter of action, completing all eight of his throws for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Thursday marked the first time the Hurricanes had two quarterbacks with multiple touchdown passes since 2005 when Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman combined for five touchdown passes against Duke. 

Mensah and Nickel combined for six.

In terms of the running backs, freshman Javian Mallory led the running back room with 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In the third quarter, he broke a tackle and ran down the left sideline for 52 yards in an impressive display of balance and control. 

Mallory was one of nine running backs to see action in Thursday night’s victory.

On the defensive side of the ball, freshman and former four-star recruit JJ Dunnigan led the team with five total tackles. Additionally, Eziekl Marcelin Jr. put pressure on all three of FAMU’s quarterbacks all night with three tackles and one pass breakup.

Depth already tested

It doesn’t matter who you play, allowing zero points is an impressive feat.

Not to mention Miami did it without key defensive players in OJ Frederique Jr, Xavier Lucas, Dylan Day, and Ja’Boree Antoine.

At this point, it’s unclear how long Miami will be with some of their key guys on defense. But, if the second and third string guys can make an impact already, the Canes defensive depth will be more than capable of handling a solid Wake Forest offense next Friday. 

One thing is clear, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal knows how to recruit elite talent. 

Miami will shift its focus back to ACC play, hitting the road again to play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. 

Kickoff is set for Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. EST.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Senior Runningback Mark Fletcher celebrates with Sophomore Receiver Joshua Moore after a touchdown on September 10, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.

Canes tie program scoring record with 77-7 blowout win over Florida A&M 

Bella Armstrong
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Canes tie program scoring record with 77-7 blowout win over Florida A&M 

234 days after the Miami Hurricanes heartbreaking defeat in the national championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium, the No. 7 ranked Canes returned to “the Rock” for their home opener Thursday night against the Florida A&M Rattlers Sep. 10.

After annihilating the Stanford Cardinal in last week’s matchup on the road in a brutal 45-6 rout, Miami’s faithful welcomed the Rattlers into its house — just to remind them they were not welcome with a 77-7 trouncing. 

The scoring outburst tied a program record for the Hurricanes, matching Miami’s 77-point high set against Savannah State in 2018, and set a single-game record for total yards with 856, eclipsing the record of 750 yards previously set against Ball State in 2024. 

After getting control of the ball with 13:32 remaining in the first quarter, the Canes exacted immediate control over the game. On the third play of the opening drive, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. ran 46 yards to carry the ball past the Rattlers loose defense for the first touchdown of the game. 

Fletcher scored again later in the quarter, climbing up Miami’s all-time leaderboard as the sixth-highest career rushing yards and fifth-highest for rushing touchdowns — he ended with 105 yards and two touchdowns.

In the same quarter, it took quarterback Darian Mensah only one play to score again — launching a 55 yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Joshua Moore.

In only his second game wearing Miami’s signature orange and green, Mensah’s chemistry with this team so far this season cannot be understated. The Duke transfer has completed 41 of his 46 attempted passes, alongside 653 passing yards and eight touchdowns.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Redshirt Junior Quarterback Darian Mensah winds up to pass on September 10, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.

“I want to play well,” said Mensah. “Canes fans were super supportive of me when I first got here, so to kind of give that back to them on the field means a lot to me.”

Two of those touchdowns fell to the hands of Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate, who combined for 413 yards and six of Mensah’s touchdowns. 

Named ACC’s Preseason Player of the Year back in July, Mensah has been hailed as the man to lead Mario Cristobal’s offense back to the Natty at the end of the season. Tonight’s carnage against FAMU further supported that belief. 

Mensah finished his night completing 14 of his 15 throws for 252 yards and three touchdowns before sitting out in the second half.

“It’s pretty effortless,” Mensah added. “We’ve got a bunch of studs in the back field.”

Upon exiting halftime up 49-0, the Hurricanes opted to test the depth of their bench. 

“We had an opportunity to play a lot of our guys  and see how they fit and what their roles will be going forward,” Head Coach Mario Cristobal said.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Nickel had a big night, throwing three touchdown passes and 144 yards. 

The first, to freshman Samourian Wingo — who scored his first collegiate touchdown — and the second to South Carolina transfer Dre Jacobs. 

“He’s an explosive guy, an elite human being,” said Cristobal about Wingo. “He’s one of those guys we have identified that in critical times of the game, he can be counted on.” 

Miami added two more touchdowns courtesy of a 21-yard receiving touchdown from Vance Spafford and an impressive 52-yard rushing touchdown from Javian Mallory.

Mallory, a freshman from West Boca High School, made the most of his opportunities with two rushing touchdowns and a team-leading 142 rushing yards.

“No one can slack in this running back room,” said Mallory postgame. “We want each other to be the best.”

This fall, the Canes are no doubt eager to return to the national championship stage. Their performance so far this season shows they see that path to redemption clearly and intend to prove that their appearance in last year’s final game of the post-season was no fluke. 

With the way Mensah is meshing with his fellow Hurricanes, it’s clear that the Canes are shaping up to be quite the threat to the other teams they’re set to face off against this season.

And to those teams, it might be time to bolt your doors and install some storm shutters — the Hurricanes are ready to tear down your house. 

Miami travels to Wake Forest on Friday, Sep. 16 to take on the Demon Deacons. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Winston-Salem, N.C.  

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Freshman Runningback Javian Mallory runs in the open field on September 10, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.

Review: It’s an old song, but we will never stop playing “Hadestown” 

Martina Pantaleon
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Review: It’s an old song, but we will never stop playing “Hadestown” 

Muse or artist—everyone falls into one of the two categories. And there is no better-known tragedy of the two archetypes than Eurydice and Orpheus, whose live theater capture grossed $20.7 million this August, breaking box office records.

Set in a railroad town ravaged by extreme temperatures—a harsh winter or blistering summer, “Hadestown” sings this old tune with the voice of a new storyteller: Hermes (André De Shields). 

Do not be fooled by the wrinkles on his face, Hermes is as lively as the young couple he counterparts; the cheering from the crowd is well-deserved.

Accompanying Hermes’ incredible performance are the protagonists: Eurydice (Eva Noblezada) and Orpheus (Reeve Carney), whose love story becomes tangled with the divine entities of their world—Hades (Patrick Page) and Persephone (Amber Gray), rulers of the underworld.

Reluctant to fall in love after a life of disappointment, Eurydice is tormented by the voices of the Fates (Bella Brown, Madeline Charlemagne and Allie Daniel). They were the only exception from the original Broadway cast, played entirely by the West End performers, but it does not take away from the experience. 

The contrast between their vocal ranges makes for a haunting performance. Every moment they are on stage becomes a battle between wishing they would leave Eurydice alone and hoping they will sing one more line. 

The girl herself is not lost in the entourage. Eurydice gives her heart (and life) in every song. She is more than half of a duet—she steals the show. 

Unfortunately, her better half is outshone by her performance. Orpheus embodies the “hopeless romantic” heart-wrenchingly, but his style makes parts of the songs fall flat. You are left craving the long note he cut out too soon. 

The naive persona also takes away from the character’s role in the second act, turning him into a passive actor rather than a hero.

The same cannot be said for the antagonist, Hades, who was an imposing figure on stage despite having a torn Achilles tendon. Although his lines feel more like monologuing than singing, it works. Among a cast full of life, he is a man closed off to the world. He said his pain “was real,” but so was the danger of his presence.

The queen of the Underworld, Persephone, is the opposite. Channeling a repressed ‘50s housewife, Persephone deals with her decaying marriage in the best way she knows: alcohol. 

Still, the wine did not stop her from dancing the night away. Her expressive body language and facial expressions make up for her stoic husband, making it all the more tragic when she becomes quiet and bitter. 

It all comes together with the work of stylists, choreographers and cameramen.

The glittering suits and dresses worn by the gods are more than decoration; they mark the divinities’ place above men. To match, stylists carefully chose the humans’ tattered and simple clothes to show their lesser power.

Despite the small West End stage, the scenery is effective. Paired with impressive cinematography, the angles make the production feel on par with Hollywood. 

Instead of the abstract conception of the Underworld common in Greek mythology, “Hadestown” presents a known entity: capitalism, the class divide. By the second act, the love story takes place amid a workers’ uprising. The stakes increase and the inevitable downfall becomes even more heartbreaking.

The ending is expected, but you still find yourself hoping against hope for a different outcome, and then it repeats. 

It is an old song. A never-ending song. And you will want to tune into it every single time, even with bloodshot eyes.

Canes volleyball falls to Florida in three-set sweep

Gaby Collazo
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Canes volleyball falls to Florida in three-set sweep

Hurricanes Volleyball began its three-game road trip, with a matchup against the University of Florida on Wednesday night, Sept. 10, in Gainesville, Fla. After three competitive sets, the Canes were ultimately defeated by the Gators in a three-set sweep. 

In the first set, Miami started strong with two back-to-back kills by sophomore outside hitter Asia Harvey.

However, the Gators responded with an eight point run, taking the lead 9-2. The two teams went back and forth, with the Canes going on a 5-0 run, but Miami could not match the Gators, who ended the set with a 25-15 win. 

UF started the second set fast, taking an early lead over the Hurricanes. Miami kept the score close, capitalizing on Florida’s playing errors and getting multiple blocks. Florida then extended its lead to 9-5 before the Canes then scored five straight points, cutting the deficit to three points. Despite the run, Florida ended the set winning 25-19. 

The third set was again competitive as Miami tried to stay in the match against Florida. Beginning with an early 2-1 lead, the Hurricanes came out ready, but the Gators took the four-point lead early in the final set. The Canes then posted an 11-4 run, taking a three-point lead over UF and extended it to 19–14. However, the Gators gained momentum, outsourcing the Hurricanes 11-3 to end the match 25-22. 

Harvey carried the offense for Miami, recording 11 kills. Freshman Ruth Martinez followed with eight kills, while freshman Ella Thompson recorded six. Redshirt junior setter Ariana Rodrigeuz posted 25 assists and three kills. 

Defensively, redshirt senior Gabby Arroyo recorded 19 digs and three assists. Junior Arianna Bridges, freshman Denitsa Angelova and Rodriguez also contributed multiple blocks. 

In the games ahead, Miami needs to limit scoring runs, improve consistency after taking leads and clean up their errors in hopes to secure their first 2026-2027 season win. 

Miami’s next match is against Minnesota for the Diet Coke Classic on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. EST.

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