Miami defeated Wake Forest at the LVJM Coliseum to extend their win streak to eight consecutive games, improving their overall record to 13-2 and remaining undefeated in conference play.
With both squads tied at 77 a piece late in the fourth quarter, Miami freshman forward Shelton Henderson tipped in a missed Malik Reneau missed three pointer to give the ’Canes a two-point advantage.
A pair of missed Juke Harris free throws on Wake Forest’s following possession forced the Demon Deacons to foul, sending Hurricane senior guard Tre Donaldson to the charity stripe with just nine seconds left on the clock.
Donaldson went two for two from the line, sealing a Miami road victory and sinking Wake Forest to 10-6 on the year.
Both Donaldson and Reneau put up strong offensive performances for UM, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively to account for nearly half of Miami’s points.
The game opened up tightly contested and stayed that way throughout the first half, with the largest lead of the first being just a 17-10 Wake Forest advantage about halfway into the period.
A 20-9 Miami run late in the first put the ’Canes up 30-26 thanks to a Reneau three pointer.
However, Wake Forest continued to fight back and the half finished with Miami holding a narrow 39-38 advantage over the Demon Deacons.
The second half was just as heated as the first, with neither team marking a clear advantage until Miami extended their lead to five with just over two minutes left in the game.
A pair of Harris buckets tied the game at 75 with the half winding down, but UM maintained their composure to scratch out the 81-77 victory.
The Hurricanes shot a highly efficient 50 percent from the field while also outrebounding the Demon Deacons 37-20.
Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr. was particularly outstanding on the glass, racking up five offensive and eight defensive rebounds for Miami.
Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr. grabs the rim against Bethune Cookman on Nov. 6, 2025.
A sophomore guard and North Carolina native, Harris led the Demon Deacons with 28 points on just fifteen shots, while senior guard Nate Calmese chipped in a valuable 19 points in the loss.
Despite the victory, Miami will look to improve their defensive prowess as the season progresses, as Wake Forest shot over 50 percent from the field while shooting 52 percent from behind the arc.
The Hurricanes themselves had a rough day from the three point line, knocking in just four of their 18 three point attempts.
It’s been more than two decades since the ’Canes had the chance to play in the National Title game.
And after their 31-27 Fiesta Bowl win over Ole Miss, the Miami Hurricanes sit one win away from returning to national glory.
The pinnacle is in sight, and the elusive ‘Number six’ could finally return to Miami after a long, long wait.
Here’s what we learned from Miami’s all-time classic Fiesta Bowl win over No.6 Ole Miss.
“Cristo-ball” always finds a way
Miami football isn’t pretty, it’s gritty, tough and physical — but ultimately a winner.
The Hurricanes dominated the stat sheet, racking up more than double the time of possession compared to Ole Miss, alongside 459 yards of offense.
At first glance the stats tell you this game should’ve been a rout, yet momentum swung back and forth all night between the sides, and it just felt like one of those games where Miami was letting it slip.
Penalties, missed tackles, failed drives in the opponents half — the ’Canes shot themselves in the foot all night which culminated in Ole Miss taking the 27-24 lead with just more than three minutes remaining.
’Canes fans sat shell shocked at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, hands on their head in utter despair.
It felt like Miami was going to relive the same nightmare its lived for the past 20-plus years:
“Always the bridesmaid and never the bride.”
But UM head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Carson Beck had other plans, looking to not only save the season, but save the logo and the hope for the program.
What followed was a surgical drive where Beck drove down the field using all three of his wideouts and culminated with him scampering into the endzone to take the lead with under 20 seconds to play.
This isn’t the U of old, but this is the U of now.
The ’Canes have lived by this mantra all year, and while they may not be the swag-filled fireworks show of the old national title sides, they’ve made their own path — one that has righted the wrongs of the past decades.
Legends fill the sidelines, fans travel around the country to cheer their team and there’s hope once again in South Florida.
Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Members of the Miami Hurricanes celebrate in front of the Fiesta Bowl Trophy on Jan. 8, 2026
Boots Laced
Whenever one thinks about Miami wide receivers, typically the first players mentioned are freshman phenom Malachi Toney and spectacular catch specialist CJ Daniels.
And while the two are undoubtedly stars on this Hurricane roster, the unsung hero all season has been BYU transfer Keelan Marion.
The senior wasn’t expected to be crucial to the passing game — seen as more of a kick return threat as he was named an All-American last year at the position.
Fast forward to 2026 with more than 700 receiving yards under his belt, Marion has proved key to this ’Canes passing attack.
In the biggest game of the season the Georgia native racked up 114 yards and a touchdown, giving Ole Miss defenders fits all night.
“Keelan [Marion] is such a talented wide receiver,” Beck said postgame. “Our chemistry really started to increase in that middle part of the season and ever since then, we’ve been locked in. He had an unbelievable game tonight … I’m just super proud of him.”
Whether it was 30 yards down the field or quick seven-yard out routes, Marion consistently found himself open as a go-to target for Miami — and when he wasn’t open, he was drawing penalties from the Rebels’ defensive backs.
For those who pay close attention to the ’Canes, his performance was no surprise.
Marion went viral last month with his reaction to Miami’s CFP berth, telling his teammates to “lace their boots.”
It’s safe to say his boots are laced for a National Championship opportunity in just over a week’s time.
Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Miami wide receiver Keelan Marion celebrates against Ole Miss on Jan. 8, 2026
Give Beck his flowers
He’s a sixth-year redshirt senior whose collegiate career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and yet the one consistent factor in Beck’s career is winning.
Across his three years of being a starter, Beck is 38-5 with his team always in contention for a national title.
Sure you could put it down to the great rosters he’s played on but at the end of the day the ball is in the quarterbacks hands every play — and he’s one of the best in the country when it matters most.
Down three with the season in his hands, Beck led a legacy drive which concluded with his three yard scramble into the endzone to send the Miami faithful into a frenzy.
“I told them we got three minutes for the rest of our lives,” Beck said postgame. “Nothing else matters.”
Beck’s impressive night included three total touchdowns and 268 yards passing — honored with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Offensive Player of the Game for his efforts.
And one can’t help but think back to the Hurricanes two losses in the middle of the regular season, where the blame could largely be placed on Beck for his interceptions.
“There was a lot of adversity that not only I faced individually, but that we faced as a team,” Beck said. “We really banded together and showed that we believe in connection; that we just don’t fake it. This team is really a family.”
He could’ve crumbled, he could’ve given up, he could’ve let the season slip away, but the veteran put his pads on and went to work, leading the ’Canes to 7-0 following the SMU loss.
Beck was the man when it mattered most, and it sure would be poetic if number 11 can emulate Ken Dorsey and bring a championship home back to Miami.
On theme for this ’Canes side, the road won’t be easy, taking on No.1 seed Indiana with 60 minutes left to decide the 2026 National Champion.
Kickoff for the National Championship is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Jan. 19.
Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Miami quarterback Carson Beck rushes into the end zone in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss on Jan. 8, 2026
With just more than three minutes left in regulation at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the Miami Hurricanes went down three to the Ole Miss Rebels following a 24-yard touchdown from Dae’Quan Wright.
It came down to Carson Beck to lead his Hurricane team to their first national championship appearance in 23 years.
On second and goal from the Ole Miss three-yard line, Beck avoided pressure, rolled to his left and found nothing but green grass as he scampered into the end zone untouched to give the Hurricanes a five-point lead with 18 seconds left.
“Seeing ‘Vanilla Vick’ go into the endzone was amazing,” Jakobe Thomas said after the game.
With five seconds left at the Miami 35-yard line, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss sent a prayer into the back of the end zone, looking for a miracle.
Chambliss’s throw intended for De’Zhaun Stribling fell in between the receiver, Zechariah Poyser and Ethan O’Connor and landed on the ground.
The clock struck zero and the Miami Hurricanes rushed the field as they claimed their first ever Fiesta Bowl in a 31-27 win over the Rebels — securing a place in the 2026 National Championship game.
Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // Miami quarterback Carson Beck rushes into the end zone in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss on Jan. 8, 2026
“I think it’s more a reflection of our players and their DNA and the way that they’re wired,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said after the game. “It almost seems like the tougher it gets, the better we play.”
The game was back and forth from the off, with nearly every offensive player on both sides making plays.
Miami leaned heavily on running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown in the first half, with the pair combining for 187 yards on 36 carries on the night.
Ole Miss also featured an impressive rushing attack as Kewan Lacy ripped a 73-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter — a run aided by a missed tackle by UM’s Poyser.
Despite having the ball for 41 of 60 minutes, 459 yards of offense, and going 11-for-19 from third down, Miami was neck-and-neck with Ole Miss during the entire game.
And while part of that was thanks to some incredible play by the Ole Miss offense, a large part was due to Miami’s own mistakes.
False starts, personal fouls, offside penalties — the ’Canes consistently shot themselves in the foot throughout the night.
The worst of it came in the fourth quarter after an 11-yard catch from Cayden Lee. While Lee went down to the ground, Miami’s Xavier Lucas launched himself at Lee and was called for targeting.
Lucas was ejected from the game and will miss the first half in the National Championship. With Damari Brown ruled out before the game, Miami’s defensive back room was thin and relied on freshman Jaboree Antonie to step in.
On that same drive with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Lucas Carneiro drilled a 21-yard field goal to put the Rebels on top 19-17.
The Hurricanes offense was in desperate need of points, and true freshman Malachi Toney stepped up when they needed it the most.
On second and 11 from the Ole Miss 36-yard line, Beck hit Toney for a screen pass on the left side. Toney made his move, turned on the jets and took it to the house, allowing Miami to retake the lead at 24-19.
Toney finished the game with five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, including 77 yards coming after the catch. The 18-year old looked like a seasoned vet, making the biggest plays when it mattered the most.
Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Photo Editor // True freshman receiver Malachi Toney runs into the end zone against Ole Miss on Jan. 8, 2026
Another ‘Cane wideout who proved crucial was senior Keelan Marion.
The veteran was Beck’s go-to all night, consistently moving the chains during Miami’s game-winning drive, reigning in a 52-yard touchdown in the first half and led the team with 114 receiving yards.
Beck himself finished the game with 268 yards, three total touchdowns and one interception. Following the game, the sixth-year redshirt senior was named offensive player of the game.
When asked about how it felt to be a part of this team after transferring from Georgia a year ago, Beck didn’t hold back.
“It feels real good don’t it?” Beck said during the trophy presentation. “Feels real good to be a ’Cane baby.”
Thomas was named defensive player of the game, tallying up five tackles and two pass breakups in a stellar Fiesta Bowl performance.
But for the Miami standout safety, all focus immediately turned to the next game.
“Tomorrow I get back to work,” Thomas said. “We made a promise to each other that we were going to get to this point … and we’re coming.”
The Hurricanes will return to South Florida to play in the CFP National Championship game in front of a home crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Jan. 19.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m on ESPN with both players and fans eager to win the sixth title in program history.
After the ’Canes defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in an exciting New Year’s Eve matchup, UM will face the Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
For Mercer Peakes, a junior finance major from Texas, having the first two playoff games in his home state was both convenient and exciting.
Peakes attended the first playoff game against Texas A&M but did not attend the Cotton Bowl in Dallas because he was unable to get a student ticket.
“Being from Houston, I have quite a few friends at A&M so I had them get me a ticket through their portal for cheap,” Peakes said. “So I actually ended up sitting in the A&M student section which technically isn’t allowed but I was able to get in without too much trouble from stadium security.”
Although his method was unconventional, Peakes was able to experience the game at Kyle Field, a stadium that holds more than 100,000 people and is often referred to as the “Home of the 12th Man.”
“The game itself was insane. I have never experienced a stadium that loud and it makes Hard Rock Stadium look quiet and relatively tame,” he said.
For other UM students like Ashton Weissman, a public health major from California, attending every UM playoff game has been a top priority.
“I got a ticket for the Fiesta Bowl as well and have excellent seats,” he said. “As a huge Miami football fan I wasn’t going to miss a game especially because Arizona is only a five-hour drive from me.”
UM students are not the only ones excited for the CFP. UM alumni and their families are feeling the hype too.
“My experience getting tickets was relatively straightforward,” Paschke said. “When Miami was selected for the playoffs a portal was opened where members could indicate interest that they had in being able to buy tickets for each round of the playoffs, up to the natty.”
Paschke’s father indicated interest in four tickets for the first round game, but they were not drawn, forcing him to purchase them from a friend who had two free tickets. For the Fiesta Bowl, his interest in two tickets was selected and he purchased them directly from the Hurricane Club.
Unlike the Cotton Bowl, tickets for the Fiesta Bowl were still available days after student priority ticket access started on Jan. 2.
According to University Athletics, when Fiesta Bowl tickets were initially offered for sale, the UM ticket office received 158 student requests for tickets and all requests were fulfilled. After Miami advanced to the semifinals on New Year’s Eve, the ticket office received a limited number of additional student tickets to sell as student priority access starting at noon on Friday, Jan. 2.
Some students point to travel accommodations, ticket costs and accessibility as reasons why ticket sales did not move as quickly this time.
“I suspect the hard core Miami fans who are willing to travel did go to the Cotton Bowl and the A&M game,” Peakes said. “The Fiesta Bowl is in an awkward spot where people already spent a bunch on travel and tickets because not many expected us to make it this far.”
For Weissman, part of the challenge with Fiesta Bowl comes down to accessibility, seating options and the student experience.
“We could easily sell out the student section if they made guest tickets available. I have a bunch of friends who aren’t students that want to go but couldn’t sit in the most fun section,” Weissman said.
Still, for both teams, the chance to play in the Fiesta Bowl is an unforgettable experience.
If the ’Canes defeat Ole Miss, they will play the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium, giving UM students and fans a chance to cheer for a national title on their home turf.
George Zilkha, a third-year finance major at the University of Miami, originally from Vermont, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3. He was pursuing a degree in finance with the goal of entering the finance industry, driven by a strong interest in business and mathematics and a commitment to academic rigor.
Zilkha was known for forming deep connections with those around him, leaving an impression that extended beyond individual friendships. His peers said his confidence, warmth and ability to make others feel seen allowed him to move effortlessly between different communities on campus. That sense of belonging and leadership carried into every space he was a part of.
Zilkha was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity at the University of Miami, where his brothers stated on their Instagram tribute, “George was the epitome of kindness and joy,” known for his smile and the warmth that made everyone feel seen and valued. A member of the Spring ’24 pledge class, George embodied true servant leadership, leading with humility, compassion, and genuine care for others.
Beyond the classroom, Zilkha also found creative expression through modeling, a space where friends said his confidence and authenticity shined. He appeared on the cover of Boylicious magazine and modeled for House of Contra, an invitation-only platform that brings together brands, creatives and influential individuals to launch events in a tasteful way.
Those closest to Zilkha described him as someone whose presence was impossible to overlook. In a tribute shared on Instagram, his best friend Lauren Webster reflected on the depth of their bond and the impact he had on everyone around him.
Webster described Zilkha’s spirit as “magnetic, one of a kind and beloved by all,” writing that there was “no greater joy than being friends with him.” She added that Zilkha knew her “better than I knew myself,” a reflection of the closeness and trust they shared.
Friends and classmates echoed those sentiments, remembering Zilkha as a presence that brought light and comfort to those around him. Coco Lou Aroch described the effect he had on her and others.
“George was unlike anyone I had ever met,” Aroch wrote. “He was passionate, intelligent, kind, caring, and creative. He was the definition of work hard, play hard. He made everyone feel loved, special and wanted.” Aroch said honorably, “I’ll never be able to express the impact he had on me and everyone else who was in his presence.”
That sense of love and admiration was shared by many who knew Zilkha personally. Kayla Boggs reflected on the joy he brought into the lives of those around him, describing him as someone whose presence was impossible to forget.
“George had it all: the family, the friends, the ambition, the fashion statements, the laugh and his unforgettable smile,” Boggs said. “No one could forget his smile. It made my days better, all of our days better. I’ve never met a friend like George, and it warms my heart knowing so many can say the same. An iconic, one-of-a-kind human. Today, and moving forward, I smile for George. I carry his light with me and bring light into my days for him.”
Claire Millisor, said these qualities were felt by nearly everyone who crossed Zilkha’s path.
“George is someone who lights up every single room with his sense of humor and kindness,” said Millisor, a close friend. “He is so loved by so many people, and his loss will be felt by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He was such a beautiful person both inside and out. He will always be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest.”
Sophie Aanes Claire also reflected on those sentiments, remembering Zilkha as someone who embodied authenticity and encouraged others to embrace the present.
“George will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind soul full of confidence, kindness and authenticity,” Claire said. “He showed everyone how to live in the present and make the most of each day.”
Brooke Styka described Zilkha as someone whose presence inspired others to live more fully and authentically.
“George is one of the brightest souls I’ve ever met,” Styka said. “He was so unapologetically himself and cared deeply for everyone around him. He was full of life and vibrancy, the type of person who made others feel excited about life. His confidence lit up every room, and he always made people feel special and seen. Being around him made me want to be the best version of myself, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
As an openly homosexual student myself at the University of Miami, I did not know Zilkha personally, but I recognized his presence on campus. He was not only confident, but always seemed genuinely happy, carrying himself as a bright light wherever he went. It is heartbreaking to know he is no longer here, but from a distance, he was someone I admired. It was clear how proud he was to be himself, and that quiet pride left an impact even on those who never formally met him.
Zilkha’s death has left a profound void within the University of Miami community. Friends say his legacy lives on in the joy he shared, the confidence he inspired in others and the way he chose to fully embrace life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available. University of Miami students can contact the Counseling Center at 305-284-5511, which provides 24-hour crisis support through on-call clinicians. Additional support is available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, a free and confidential service available nationwide. Help is always within reach.
As the Miami Hurricanes prepare for the Fiesta Bowl, Adidas football surprised players with new apparel and Climacool footwear following Tuesday’s practice in Arizona.
The gifting comes as Adidas shows its support for a partner university while the brand pursues its first College Football Playoff national championship.
Adidas and Miami are entering year 11 of their 12-year partnership. Throughout the partnership, Miami has debuted exclusive uniforms, including the military appreciation uniforms worn in a 42-7 rout of Stanford on Oct. 25, as well as shoe models branded in UM colors.
The Hurricanes are not the only team helping increase Adidas’ exposure during the postseason. Indiana, also partnered with Adidas, will play Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9.
One of the items the players received was 3D-printed shoes.
According to Adidas, “Climacool is innovation at play — a major milestone in redefining how we create footwear. Using a 360-degree approach, we crafted Climacool by reducing the materials we use, transforming each shoe into something effortlessly comfortable but with revolutionary simplicity.”
Climacool shoes were not the only footwear gifted, as the Adidas “Superstar” model was also included. In addition, players received curved black hats featuring the Adidas Originals logo, flat-brimmed hats with the brand’s iconic three stripes, and a gray tracksuit displaying the Miami “U” logo.
Miami will look to bring that postseason swag onto the field when it takes on Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Photo by Mikayla Oliveira // Adidas merchandise given to the Miami Hurricanes football team before the Fiesta Bowl
Miami WVUM radio broadcaster Luca Mucciardi and Liam Hickey recap the most impactful win for Hurricanes football in the last 24 years. The two break down Miami’s overwhelming physicality and dominance at the line of scrimmage that led to the U’s historic upset win and what the victory means for the program on the national stage. The Hurricanes now take on Ole Miss and their turbocharged high-octane offense led by D2 transfer QB Trinidad Chambliss. Roman from the famous Orange Bowl Boys podcast joins the show to break down what Miami needs to do to contain one of the best offenses in the country.
The University of Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team (10-5, 2-2 ACC) fell to the Clemson Tigers at Watsco Center Sunday 70-55, putting an end to the Hurricanes five-game victory run.
Clemson (11-5, 2-2 ACC) leaned into its spacing and ball movement, drilling 12 three-pointers while point guard Mia Moore posted a career high 12 assists and Raven Thompson poured in a season high 24 points.
Miami came out sharp early, with Ra Shaya Kyle opening the scoring and controlling the defensive boards with seven rebounds in the first five. But, Clemson responded immediately with a 8-4 burst after the quarter’s first and only timeout. The Hurricanes stayed within striking distance and trailed 16-14 after one.
The Hurricanes’ Natlie Wetzel opened the second quarter with a 24 ft. three-pointer just 10 seconds in, reclaiming the lead for Miami, and Ahnay Adams followed with a driving layup to flip the score to make it 19-16. Miami stayed in front for the rest of the period as Wetzel scored seven of the Hurricanes’ 14 second quarter points. The Canes took a 28-26 lead into halftime after holding Clemson to three made field goals in the quarter.
Clemson opened the second half quickly on an 8-2 run to make it 34-30. Miami briefly trimmed the deficit to a single possession, but two threes from Clemson’s Rusne Augustinaite and Raven Thompson gave the Tigers a 42-37 lead which was their largest so far. Even after forcing six Clemson turnovers in the quarter, the Hurricanes went into the fourth trailing 46-41.
Lorelei DiSanto @loreleis_lens, Contributing Photographer// University of Miami Women’s Basketball huddles up mid game to discuss strategy against Hofstra University in the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.
The Hurricanes responded immediately with a Gal Raviv jumper from 14, two Amarachi Kimpson free throws, and then an Amarchi Kimpson three to tie things up 48-48. Then, Clemson went on a game-breaking 17-2 run to seize a 65-50 lead. During this run the Canes shot 1-for-5 from the field to go along with three turnovers, which put the game out of reach.
For the afternoon, Clemson finished 12-34 from deep to Miami’s 5-14, capitalized on the Hurricanes’ turnovers for 17 points and outrebounded the Canes 32 to 25.
12 points from both Raviv and Kyle wasn’t enough for the Canes as along with the others starters, totalled 48/55 (87%) of the Hurricanes’ total points.
Miami stays home at the Watsco Center on Thursday, Jan. 8 for its fifth ACC game, tipping off at 3 p.m .against No. 13 Louisville. The matchup will stream on ACCNX.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
