Home Blog Page 77

Why Gen Z is using Apple Watches instead of apples for wellness

Keira Faddis
-
0
Why Gen Z is using Apple Watches instead of apples for wellness

Sanvi Gudaru, a freshman at the University of Miami, has been consistently working out for more than three years. 

“I usually go [to the gym] like five to six times a week,” Gudaru said. “I use my Apple watch to count my steps and I usually try to get around 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day, so I think it’s useful for that.”

Her Apple Watch is not the only type of electronic device that she uses in the gym. While she learns some workouts through trial and error with gym equipment, Gudaru often turns to online fitness influencers to learn new workouts and to find others who share her fitness goals. 

“Especially with different dumbbell workouts and finding out what works for me, I think it’s useful to look for people online that have my body type and see what workouts they’re doing,” Gudaru said. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, Gudaru is among the 47%  of college students who meet physical activity guidelines. She is also part of the one in three Americans who wear a fitness tracker. 

Gudaru’s relationship with social media reflects a larger Gen Z trend — using digital platforms not only to track progress but to find community and inspiration. Gudaru said spaces like “GymTok,” a TikTok subculture for gym-goers, can be both motivating and overwhelming. 

Gudaru  noted that these communities can become toxic when people begin comparing themselves instead of looking for inspiration.

Melina Kalamatianos, a certified spin instructor at the UM Wellness Center, shared a similar belief. As an instructor, she said she tries to remind riders that what they see on social media isn’t always realistic. 

“I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself and in others by recognizing what I am capable of,” Kalamatianos said. “I remind myself and my riders that what others post may not be realistic for our personal fitness goals.”

While students like Gudaru rely on tech for motivation, startups and researchers are pushing wellness innovation even further. 

Zach Yedigari, a UM freshman and co-founder of Cal AI, an artificial intelligence-powered calorie-tracking app with more than 10 million users, believes new technology — particularly AI — is making fitness more accessible than ever. 

“I think the reason we’ve had so much success is because we built something that actually solves a problem people have,” Yadegari said. “Everyone’s trying to lose weight, become healthier and AI just makes that process faster and simpler.”

Dr. Brian Biagioli, graduate director of applied physiology and kinesiology and sport sciences at UM, has worked in the program since its creation in 2009. He said that he has also noticed his classes becoming increasingly tech-focused, especially compared with his own generation, Gen X.

“Gen Z has the highest level of interest in overall wellness because you guys grew up in a digital age,” Biagioli said. “The Gen Z group definitely prefers the interactive, more personalized approach. They are more responsive to engagement. They also want to be part of the social movements and be part of something.”

Biagioli said Gen Z uses the gym as not only a wellness space but also a space for socialization, which he attributed to them growing up on social media. He believes social media has contributed to Gen Z’s growing emphasis on health outside of the gym as well.

“There is a lifestyle balance that didn’t exist before,” Biagioli said. “Because of the exposure that comes from being constantly online, there’s greater awareness of nutrition, stress management and how lifestyle habits affect overall health.”

Looking ahead, both Kalamatianos and Yadegari believe that ongoing tech innovations will only accelerate the wellness industry. 

For Kalamatianos’ spin career, she is hopeful that technology will “continue to transform the fitness space by introducing new equipment that is better, smarter and faster.” She said that advancements in bike technology will significantly enhance the riding experience. 

Yadegari agreed, emphasizing AI’s growing role in personalized health. 

“Traditionally, you’d have to pay for a trainer, but now AI can personalize everything for you,” he said. “It’s making fitness and becoming healthier easier for everyone.”

As Gen Z continues to merge wellness and technology, the future of fitness looks brighter than ever, with young people taking charge of not only their health, but their electronics.

Is this the end of the Motomami era?

Ana Sofia Rodriguez-Garcia
-
0
Is this the end of the Motomami era?

Spanish-born, experimental artist Rosalia has finally announced her new and anticipated album titled “LUX.”

This album will feature 18 tracks, three of which are available only in physical form, as well as collaborations with many artists, including Björk, the Montserrat choir, Yves Tumor, and more. Her album will also feature songs in more than 5 different languages, including Portuguese, Ukrainian, and German. 

Just three years after the release of her Latin Grammy-winning album “MOTOMAMI,” Rosalia has been consecutively working on new music despite her very public separation from her ex-fiancé Rauw Alejandro. 

MOTOMAMI was an album that revolutionized the music industry.  In contrast to her first two albums, “Los Angeles” and “El Mal Querer,” “MOTOMAMI” was a piece of work that was completely different from the Flamenco sounds of her first albums. “El Mal Querer”, was actually her senior thesis in college. 

Rosalia used a very minimalistic sound for her 3rd studio album. She emphasizes that “MOTOMAMI” allowed her to create an album that let her talk about her experiences rather than tell someone else’s story. 

“MOTOMAMI” blended sounds of R&B, Flamenco, Reggaeton, and hyperpop, which are present in each of her tracks. Her album was proof that pop music and Hispanic singers no longer had to adhere to a conventional formula to become popular. 

But it had been years since the album’s release and fans were waiting for her to drop more music.

On Sept. 25 2024, the day of Rosalia’s birthday, she released a track titled “Omega.”

Alpha and Omega signify the beginning and the end, so, based on the song’s name, fans assumed she was referencing the end of a moment in her life and bringing in new beginnings.

A notable lyric she sings is “Tu eres mi Omega”, which translates to “You are my omega.” 

Rosalia states, “Omega represents the end. It’s the celebration of finally finding what you’ve been searching for and the certainty in love that makes you not want to be anywhere else.”

Following the release of her song “Omega,” Rosalia gained more online popularity, was spotted out more in public and even departed from her former producer El Guincho.

In March of 2025, she attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. She also attended the Christian Dior Women’s Wear Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week and announced that she will make her acting debut in the upcoming season of Euphoria. 

She interviewed with Elle two months prior to her new album release and she spoke about how she was working on new music. 

This interview highlights how she works as an artist. Rosalia speaks about how she likes to take her time and make sure she’s not feeling rushed with her music. I think this speaks volumes about her as a person, because she wants to deliver an album to the best of her abilities. 

During my performance class. I asked friends what they thought of her and what they felt about her new music. 

“I think it’s amazing, she has an amazing artistry. She’s so thoughtful but so natural.”

But in Sept. of 2025, Calvin Klein released a sneak preview of their newest model for their campaigns, and fans immediately pointed out the model looked a lot like Spanish singer Rosalia.  

The next day, Calvin Klein released their collaboration with Rosalia, and the music playing in the background of the video was a song that fans hadn’t heard in a while. It was a beautifully sung Flamenco song that repeated the same words, “De Madruga,” which translates to “At Dawn”. This song was supposed to be featured in her second studio album, but never made it and was never studio-produced. Hearing this version of the campaign made fans go wild.

So what was next?

Since the release of her collaboration, Rosalia has been spotted out in public, wearing many white outfits with black accents. She made an Instagram post of her wearing a white dress and a black veil that shields her eyes just slightly. She was also seen in Warsaw filming a music video. 

The most exciting moment since her teasers has been when she released two pages of sheet music on her story titled “BERGHAIN”. Immediately, fans started playing their instruments to the sheet music that Rosalia would share on her story, people playing what fans assumed was a new song off her album. 

This united artistic people from all over the world who were united by Rosalia’s music. The interesting thing about this Spanish singer is how she teases her music. She does it in such a unique way that allows artists to interpret however they want.

Rosalia released a clip of her in a recording studio with a full orchestra and then playing a song that hasn’t been heard of hers yet. In the video, she’s seen kissing a rosary, and then she flips the camera to show the orchestra.

Lastly, Oct. 24 2025, Rosalia went on live and shared her upcoming new album called “LUX”. While she was in a theater, a screen was counting down minutes and even seconds until the visual was released. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for. 

Fans reposted and shared the post; they even translated the album’s description. The day after her release, she published the tracklist of the songs on the album and that’s all we know so far.

I am excited to see what Rosalia graces our ears with. Whether you’re a fan of hers or not, you can’t deny that she has a passion for her work. 

Listen to “LUX” on Nov. 7th.

Are cozy video games the cure for college stress?

Emil Salgado Vazquez
-
0
Are cozy video games the cure for college stress?

After a long day at school, dealing with the usual drama and anxieties of college, I sit down at my desk, wondering what game I can play to cool down and relieve some stress. I open “Kind Words 2,” a charming game about exchanging letters with strangers, accompanied by lo-fi music.

I’m greeted by an adorable deer, notifying me of some mail to catch up with from the last time I played. Strangers across the internet have reached out with touching messages and advice and I return the same to them.

Cozy games like “Kind Words 2” have been taking over the gaming space lately, especially as independent developers have gained more attention by using social media and sales tactics on platforms like Steam.

Cozy games are by far the most versatile genre, with themes ranging from farming to power washing (yes, that is not a typo).

A long-time master of this genre is the famous Japanese gaming company, Nintendo, with its franchise, “Animal Crossing,” having existed in this space for over two decades. “Animal Crossing” sets you in a village inhabited by curious cartoon animals that speak in a funny gibberish language. Your role is to develop the town, giving you free rein to use your creativity to make a pretty village of your own, home to many adorable animal residents.

With eight games released since the first installment in 2001, “Dobutsu no Mori” (“Animal Forest”), the “Animal Crossing” franchise has sold more than 70 million copies in total. Its latest game, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” has racked up most of these sales, reaching more than 40 million copies sold. “New Horizons” was a game-changer for the franchise, putting you on a deserted island instead of a cozy village and it seems that fans received the experiment well.

Many cozy games, however, exist within the space as “independent games,” or familiarly called indie games (made by indie developers or indie devs). The most famous, by far, is farm-life simulation and open-ended role-playing game (RPG) “Stardew Valley,” made by indie dev ConcernedApe. Released in 2016, the game continues to be popular and loved today, having over a million active players.

Another strong attraction and feature of cozy games is their soundtrack. Cozy game soundtracks tend to mirror their game perfectly, with lo-fi, classical and jazz genres of music a strong favorite in the space. Devs tend to release the soundtracks for fans to buy and listen to outside of gameplay, too.

Of course, the “independent” aspect of many of these games ultimately means they remain very niche, with relatively small communities and not so much fame as large AAA games (games with high-budget, high-profile development and published by large, well-known companies) like “Super Mario Bros.,” “Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto V.”

Still, the communities of these games tend to be fiercely loyal, maintaining consistent player numbers, unlike the fluctuating player counts of larger games, which often have up-and-down lifespans. The revenue isn’t too bad, either, with even recent games like “Tiny Glade” and “Little Kitty,” “Big City” raking in $5.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

The developers, typically small and dedicated teams, are also very active within their community, something not usually seen with bigger games. It’s common to see the devs appear in-game or leave you messages using in-game features.

So, as I sat down to play “Kind Words 2” for the 10th time this week, I sent a request for help with this article: “Any recommendations for cozy games?” Here are some of the suggestions I received from other players, who are identified by their initial (all letters sent have only your initial on them, as the “Kind Words” devs take great care not to allow personal information to be exchanged):

1.       “Stardew Valley.” As already mentioned, this game is one of the most popular in the cozy game space. Set in a town in the middle of nowhere, you have a vast variety of options for how you want your story to go and what relationships you want to build with the different residents of the town. Build your farm, explore the town and develop your own story. “‘Stardew Valley’ is a must-have, but it’s also one everyone’s heard of,” said S #1 (as stated above, players are only identified by their initials. Players with the same initials have been numbered in the order they responded).

2.       “Tiny Glade.” An adorable free-form building game, with not much else to it. Sit back, relax and build whatever you want with the tools the game gives you. The game is gridless, allowing you to paint and build freely. There is no combat, no mistakes, only your imagination, a quality emphasized by the developers, Pounce Light. “We’re making a stress-free game focused purely on building,” the Swedish indie studio said on its LinkedIn. “There will be no management, no fiddling with resources, no combat – just kick back and make something pretty and chill.”

3.       “Spiritfarer.” A mellow take on the cozy game genre from Canadian studio Thunder Lotus Games, “Spiritfarer” makes you the ferrymaster to deceased souls traveling to the afterlife. Build your boat to explore the game world, care for your spirit friends and release them into the afterlife. “‘Spiritfarer’ is a pretty cozy game, although in a sad way,” S #1 said. “You’re helping spirits to the afterlife.”

4.       “Tunic.” A puzzle-solving RPG, “Tunic” is set in a ruined fantasy world, where the player controls a fox hero on its journey to free a fox spirit trapped in a crystal. Inspired by 1980s Nintendo Entertainment System games like “The Legend of Zelda,” it won Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game at the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. “A very cute puzzle game full of wonder, secrets and such incredibly satisfying puzzles,” said S #2.

5.       “Mini Metro/Mini Motorways.” Developed by New Zealand studio Dinosaur Polo Club, “Mini Metro” and its follow-up game, “Mini Motorways,” are simple puzzle strategy games where you must make the most efficient public transportation routes. The design is extremely simplistic, featuring a light gray background and grids for building fast and efficient routes using colored blocks and lines on the screen. “I play this to unwind on particularly hard days,” said S #2.

6. “GRIS.” A platform-adventure game by Spanish developer Nomada Studio, “GRIS” follows the female protagonist of the same name on her journey to regain her singing voice and come to terms with the passing of her mother. As of writing, “GRIS” has sold over three million copies and won several awards, including Best Indie Game at the Italian Video Game Awards and Games for Impact at The Game Awards 2019. “‘GRIS’ is a beautiful and meditative game,” said S #1.

Raye’s transcendental ‘Where is My Husband?’

Valentina Lo Cane
-
0
Raye’s transcendental ‘Where is My Husband?’

In a world where electronic beats, frat boys turned DJs and recycled tunes dominate the stage, Raye’s new single “Where Is My Husband?” feels like a breath of fresh air. With powerful vocals and vibrant instrumentals, the track combines humorously relatable lyrics, showcasing Raye’s undeniable star quality.

First performed as the opening number of her Glastonbury 2025 set, the song was officially released on Sept. 19. Since then, it has become her most-streamed track and climbed onto the Billboard Hot 100 by mid-October. As if anticipating the wave of excitement her new song would create, Raye released “Where Is My Husband?” as the first single from her upcoming 2026 album — a move that has only heightened the expectations surrounding her next era.

When I first heard the song, it felt like the kind that could transcend fleeting trends and short-lived catchy tunes. It has the same theatrical energy of “Bohemian Rhapsody;” the kind of song that could unite an entire crowd, whether performed on a grand stage or by a lone artist in a train station with nothing but a guitar and a dream. 

Much like Adele’s unmistakable tone, recognizable within a single line, Raye’s vocals possess that same instant familiarity and emotional pull. There’s also a touch of Amy Winehouse in her delivery: the rawness, the chaos and the unapologetic honesty. All these comparisons converge in “Where Is My Husband?”, delivering more than just a song, but an experience. It doesn’t simply play; it takes over the listener.

The song captures both amusement and a touch of desperation through a mix of rap-like verses and dramatic pauses, all while Raye flaunts her diverse vocal range. Singers online have taken on the challenge of covering her single and few have succeeded. 

While the vocals alone could carry the song, Raye doesn’t stop there. Calling herself  “a maximalist when it comes to music production and vocals,” she takes listeners behind the scenes in her TikTok “Break Down” series, revealing the layers and meticulous details woven throughout the track. These snippets uncover hidden harmonies, instrumental flourishes and lyrical nuances that make the song an intricate masterpiece.

Raye remains a refreshing voice in both lyricism and musicality. Her vocals are as powerful as they are versatile, mirroring her genre-bending style. Having evolved from R&B and pop roots, she’s carved a distinct space for herself through her bold embrace of jazz and blues influences. 

In a musical landscape that may sometimes be bland and repetitive, Raye’s “Where Is My Husband?” proves that maximalism, personality and pure musical craftsmanship can still steal the spotlight.

Becoming that Girl: Sienna Sacco Unfiltered

Jamison DeLaine
-
0

Welcome Miami’s It Girl, Sienna Sacco, for an exclusive sit-down with host Jamison DeLaine.

Sienna’s career began right here in Miami, and as a student, she’s continued to expand her influence — from appearing in a Bad Bunny music video to walking the runway, navigating social media fame, sorority recruitment, and her overall journey at the University of Miami.

Tune in and share this episode with your friends!

Watch on Spotify

TMH Staff predictions for Miami-SMU

Contributing Writers
-
0
TMH Staff predictions for Miami-SMU

Sebastian Font, Co-Sports Editor

This weekend marks the first time the Miami Hurricanes will leave the state of Florida for a game this season. 

The No.10 ’Canes head to Dallas to take on SMU, with both teams on opposite sides of the momentum spectrum.

Miami comes into this one fresh off a 42-7 beatdown of Stanford, in which Miami scored 35 unanswered in the second half. SMU, however, comes into this one staggering off a 13-12 loss at the hands of Wake Forest.

Expect the ’Canes to continue their momentum, utilizing the early ground game to open up their passing attack later in the game against an SMU side that has struggled against the pass.

But don’t count out the Mustangs just yet — with some familiar faces leading the charge for them. 

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has continued his offensive wizardry from his time as Miami OC, and will likely capitalize on some scripted drives to keep this one closer than many think.

Final Score: Miami 30, SMU 20

Zach Cohen, Senior Staff Writer

Coming off a much needed win against the Stanford Cardinal, Miami needs to carry over its winning energy as they are set to face the SMU Mustangs.

The Mustangs have a formidable run defense, ranking fourth in the ACC. If Mark Fletcher Jr. and his fellow backs can get going, it can play a big role in a Miami victory.

For the offense, it will be one of its toughest matchups of the season but Carson Beck is a proven winner and if he get multiple guys other than CJ Daniels and Malachi Toney involved in the passing game, it’s set to be a good day in the office.

On the side of Miami’s defense, they should force Kevin Jennings out of the pocket and into pressure as he has been pretty banged up forcing him to not be mobile. 

Final Score: Miami 24 SMU 21

Bella Armstrong, Contributing Writer

After losing to then-unranked Louisville 24-21 two weekends ago, the Hurricanes found redemption this past weekend against Stanford in a brutal 42-7 beatdown that felt personal.

And now, with its eyes still on the College Football Playoffs, Miami is determined to keep that momentum alive as the Hurricanes roll into Dallas to face SMU. 

The Hurricanes will rely on the same formula that fueled last week’s win — a dominant defense and a revitalized run game led by Mark Fletcher Jr., who’s fresh off a career-high touchdown performance. Freshman sensation and phenom Malachi Toney also continues to light up teams’ defenses, proving to be one of the nation’s most electric young playmakers.

With Fletcher finding his rhythm and Toney emerging as a breakout star, the Hurricanes’ offense is shaping up to be one of the sharpest and most dynamic cavalries this season.

It’s SMU’s Homecoming, and the Mustangs will be desperate to defend their honor on home turf — but Miami’s defense, which held Stanford to just 52 yards in the second half, looks more than ready to crash the party.

It’s Miami’s first trip out of state this season, and with confidence restored and rising stakes, the Hurricanes look poised to make another statement deep in the heart of Texas.

Final Score: Miami 38, SMU 16

Olivia Attalla, Contributing Writer

It’s SMU homecoming weekend, but the Hurricanes do not care as they storm into town. Miami had a great win against Stanford last weekend and are ready to do it again on the road. 

Carson Beck and Malachi Toney are one of the dynamic duos in college football, as the pair have connected for 43 receptions on the year so far.

Toney’s speed has been magnificent the whole season and only continues to get better, able to consistently separate from opposing defensive backs.

On the other hand, the Mustangs are coming off a loss against Wake Forest where their offense sputtered in a 13-12 loss against the Deacons.

It will be tough for SMU to bounce back against the Hurricanes, as Miami will take the W back to the Sunshine State.

Final Score: Miami 31, SMU 17

Miami WBB is all about communication heading into season opener

Olivia Attalla
-
0
Miami WBB is all about communication heading into season opener

The Hurricanes women basketball team are eagerly getting ready for their opening game against Hofstra on Nov.3 and held their media day earlier this week.

“I am really excited about this team, we have depth, we have height, we have speed, and that is a very welcome commodity,” said head coach Tricia Cullop.

When asked about what are the key elements she been using to motivate the team, Cullop emphasizes communication — something crucial with almost a completely new team.

“I think of the hardest things when you have this many new players is to get them to communicate at the winning level, its one thing to talk, but are you talking loud enough that we are able to hear you in a loud gym,” said Cullop. “We are really working on that level of communication and it’s getting there.” 

Danielle Osho, a freshman forward, has enjoyed her time at the U and is excited to get the season underway.

“[Practice has] been really fun, very intense, competitive, and trying to learn about each other,” said Osho.

The Georgia native concluded that she knew she wanted to come to Miami thanks to her relationship with coach Cullop.

“She is a great coach and has a great coaching staff, and the team she brought in, they are nice with each other and I’m very excited” 

Meanwhile, transfer Ra Shaya Kyle is very excited to be playing in a different conference. The Indiana native who have previously played at Purdue and University of Florida praises the connection between her teammates.

“They work hard for each other and play really hard,” said Kyle.

Fellow veteran Ahnay Adams is also focused on her teammates, trying to lift them up before the season.

“I’ve been trying to give them a boost, make sure they understand they have somebody behind them to push them and that I’m a shoulder to lean on whenever they need any help,” said Adams.

Above all, both the players and the coaches shared one message — they want the fans to be loud and proud for all their games this season.

Stanford takeaways, SMU preview and recruiting with ‘Locked On Canes’ host Alex Donno

Liam Hickey and Zach Cohen
-
0

Zach and Liam are joined by Alex Donno from “Locked On Canes” to discuss the state of Hurricanes Football and preview the SMU game on Saturday. Zach and Liam also recap last weekend’s game against Stanford and give their thoughts and takeaways. They both have Miami winning against SMU.

Watch on Spotify

Hurricanes are set for first out of state road test against SMU

Zach Cohen
-
0
Hurricanes are set for first out of state road test against SMU

After a 42-7 win over Stanford at home, No. 10 Miami is set to take on the SMU Mustangs in Dallas for its first out-of-state matchup of the season. 

The last time Miami played a road game out-of-state was on Nov. 30, 2024 against Syracuse where the ’Canes lost 41-38, a game that knocked UM out of the ACC Championship game and a chance to make the College Football Playoffs.

Miami (6-1, 2-1 ACC)  and SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC) have only played each other one time. In 1965, the Mustangs beat the Hurricanes by a mere score of 7-3.

Despite losing 13-12 to Wake Forest (5-2, 2-2 ACC) this past weekend on a game-winning field goal, SMU is a win-hungry team with talent on both sides of the ball.

Redshirt junior quarterback Kevin Jennings is in his second season as the Mustangs’ starter. He currently has amassed 2,119 passing yards, which is second best in the ACC. However, his accuracy has been erratic, leading all ACC quarterbacks in interceptions with eight. The Mustangs lead the nation in turnovers, with 13.

Jennings and the SMU program are coming off an historic 2024 campaign. Ranking top five in pass yards and touchdowns offensively, the team made the CFP in its first year as a member of the ACC.

SMU has many former Hurricanes on its roster and staff. Leading the way is graduate backup quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who played at UM from 2020-2023. Other names include wideout Romello Brinson, running back Chris Johnson Jr., and offensive lineman Zion Nelson 

Head coach Mario Cristobal and third-year sophomore quarterback Tyler Van Dyke leave the field after Miami’s 24-27 loss to the University of North Carolina at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 8, 2022. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

On the coaching side of things, former Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee is the head coach of the Mustangs, boasting a 34-15 record in his fourth year in Dallas. In 12 ACC games as head coach, he has only lost one. Additionally, De’Eriq King is the quarterbacks coach, having played for Miami in the 2021-2022 seasons. 

Look for the Jennings-led offense to spread the wealth. In Winston-Salem, seven wideouts caught passes and it’s been a continuing trend all season. Brinson leads the group with 515 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, sixth-year redshirt senior quarterback Carson Beck and the Miami offense will have to look out for SMU’s preseason All-American safety Isiah Nwokobia. On Saturday, the senior safety Wake’s Deshawn Purdie and has 65 total tackles on the season.

“I’ll tell you they’ve got great eyes, great eye discipline,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said prior to this weekend’s matchup. “When they get to the football, they get there with a disposition to force that thing to come on out. I feel like just watching them on film, they have a great feel for what the guy next to them is doing,”

After a dominant second half showing against the Cardinal, this weekend’s matchup is pivotal in Miami’s quest for the playoffs.

It will be key for Beck to get the ball into more hands than just true freshman Malachi Toney and Sixth-year redshirt senior CJ Daniels. The involvement of fifth-year senior Tony Johnson played dividends, resulting in him being the leading receiver last weekend. 

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Senior Wide Reciever CJ Daniels celebrates with teammate Tony Johnson after a big play on October 26, 2025.

Look for Johnson or other wideouts such as Joshua More and Keelan Marion to have a big presence in this game against an SMU team that allows the second most passing yards in the nation, surrendering 303.5 per game.

Junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr will play a big part towards Miami success. After a slow first half start against Stanford, Fletcher got going in the second half, finishing the game with 106 yards and three touchdowns. He needs to get out of the gate strong against a strong SMU run defense that allows 95.5 rushing yarder per game.

A key for Miami, and something that Cristobal has preached is minimizing the penalties. Against Stanford, UM had five total penalties, which was down from its nine penalty performance against Louisville. The Hurricanes should strive for clean football against a SMU team that has the ability to drive down field.

Wake Forest’s defense did a great job in stopping SMU’s run game. That is a point of emphasis Miami’s defense can focus on this weekend. Stifling the run and making Jennings, who can be turnover-prone, throw the ball and into pressure. 

“It’s always about a 1-0 focus,” said Cristobal. “It’s making sure that we take care of our business, making sure that we are preparing in the manner of whether it be a walk through, a meeting, a practice, that we’re preparing to our standards so we can execute to the best that we possibly can.”

The Hurricanes will look to spoil SMU’s homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 1. Kick-off at Gerald J. Ford Stadium is set for Noon EST and will air on ESPN.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Junior Defensive End Rueben Bain Jr. rushes the Stanford Right Tackle on October 26, 2025.

Love Island Contestant Elan Bibas visits UM Hillel

Hannah Valdivia
-
0
Love Island Contestant Elan Bibas visits UM Hillel

The University of Miami Hillel welcomed Love Island season seven contestant Elan Bibas on Monday, Oct. 27 to share his experience on the show, his faith and mental health. 

With more than 18 billion streams, Love Island USA’s season seven has gained the attention of millions of fans globally, which probably means you are no stranger to its contestants. 

Drawing in over 250 students to register for the event, Bibas’ message was able to inspire a large audience to prioritize community, self-development and remaining true to ones’ values. 

Bibas centered his message on the importance of finding community and taking risks to discover who you truly are, even with a strong TV personality. One idea that resonated deeply with him is that “life boils down to the risks you take.” 

His biggest piece of advice for college students is to try everything as early as possible and begin figuring out who you are beyond academics or relationships.

“I realized that I really didn’t know how to define myself,” shared Bibas. “I made a list of everything I was interested in or had ever wanted to try and began checking things off, adding what I enjoyed and removing what I didn’t care for.” 

Elan Bibas posing for a selfie with a UM student at Hillel on October 27, 2025. // Photo credit: Daniella Krasney

It was in this way that he discovered his love for running, and it has now become an important part of his life, especially as he transitioned from being in the villa to returning to the outside world. He shared that “it’s a time in the day where my head is the most quiet.” 

“We are constantly stimulated, and there’s very little time where we sit and process our own thoughts and feelings.”

Bibas also touched on how important his family and friends have been throughout the entire transition. From working a nine-to-five job  to having a very large social media following and online presence, his family has been essential to making him feel like he’s still leading a somewhat normal life and providing their support.  

“He is the most important person in the world to me; I have an incredible amount of love for him,” said Bibas in reference to his younger brother and manager Tal.

While he did not expect to come home to almost 100,000 new followers, Bibas has remained close to family and friends as he goes back to his “new normal,” and he even said the first thing he did when he returned home was call the friends and family he hadn’t spoken to in months. 

Bibas touched on what his faith means to him, stating that he never thought he would leave the villa being known as “the Jewish bombshell”. 

“I didn’t realize coming off the show that I would be viewed as the Jewish person, and it has become a huge part of who I am now, especially in light of recent events,” he shared with the audience. 

Elan Bibas speaking at UM Hillel on October 27, 2025. // Photo credit: Daniella Krasney

He stated that it is extremely important for him to use his platform as a way to share the parts of himself the show did not properly showcase, and this includes his faith as well. Bibas said that being a proud Jew is significant to him, and he wishes to uphold the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam or “making the world a better place.”

“Whether that be in your community, among your friends- even loving yourself and who you are — it’s something that has really stuck with me.”

At the end of the interview, many attendees swarmed Bibas to take selfies, record videos and FaceTime friends to say hello. 

Bibas will be in New York City this weekend for the New York City marathon, where he hopes to inspire others to be bold and step out of their comfort in order to find parts of themselves they didn’t even know existed. You can find more information on him and his marathon journey on his Instagram, @elan.bibas. 

Phi Delta Epsilon stands for the kids, raises nearly $2,500

Ariana Glaser
-
0
Phi Delta Epsilon stands for the kids, raises nearly $2,500

The University of Miami’s chapter of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity celebrated its biggest event of the year, “Stand for the Kids,” on Oct. 22, 2025.

The annual tabling event serves as a fundraiser for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami’s only exclusively pediatric healthcare system. The Foote Green turned into a carnival, completely decked out with a dunk tank, bounce house, inflatable bull ride and many other activities. 

“It’s just so wonderful seeing everyone come together for a certain cause, like to support the children,” said Sydney Litten, one of PhiDE’s event planning chairs who helped to organize the event. “You really see the community that we have built when we all come together.”

PhiDE member “pied” to benefit Nicklaus Children’s Hospital at Stand for the Kids on October 22, 2025. // Will Skinner, contributed photo

“Stand for the Kids” is one of the fraternity’s internationally trademarked events, meaning that each chapter worldwide has their own annual version of the fundraiser on the same date. Last semester, PhiDE’s Anatomy Fashion Show raised over $10,000.

PhiDE CEO Karen Katz notably made an appearance. Though she “can’t have favorites,” she shared that the University of Miami’s chapter is definitely near the top of the list.

“When our headquarters was in Miami, we chose five chapters to beta test ‘Stand for the Kids’ in 2012 before it became the international philanthropy day,” said Katz. “The University of Miami was one of those.” 

The fundraiser was fostered in part by the Children’s Miracle Network, which serves as a liaison between PhiDE and children’s hospitals across the United States. 

“We chose Children’s Miracle Network because we were and are their current physicians,” said Katz. “We wanted a charity or philanthropy where we could not only raise money, but also take part in making a difference daily.”

Through this event and others, Phi Delta Epsilon has raised more than $2 million for children’s hospitals worldwide. 

“I believe this philanthropy does a lot for our hearts because when you become a physician, you are always in the hospital but you can leave at the end of the day,” said Katz. “When you’re a patient, you [can’t] necessarily do that. So this is a reminder of how important it is to remember that these children are not just patients. They are someone’s child. They are the future of the world.” 

Shelton Henderson: The next true freshman star at Miami

Liam Hickey
-
0
Shelton Henderson: The next true freshman star at Miami

In only his first year on campus, receiver Malachi Toney’s meteoric rise to the top of college football stardom has spotlighted him as one of the most electrifying talents to watch in the country. Already establishing himself as Miami’s leading wideout, his breakout season has cemented him among the nation’s most elite playmakers and catapulted him to instant celebrity status in Coral Gables – just a month after his 18th birthday. 

On the hardwood for the Hurricanes, five-star freshman recruit Shelton Henderson could be on a similar trajectory. 

With the NCAA men’s basketball season slated to begin on Nov. 3, Henderson, the No. 1 ranked player from Texas in the class of 2025, looks poised to make an immediate impact and be the next young star in line at the University of Miami.  

Originally committed to Duke, the powerful 6 ‘6, 240 lb forward transferred to UM in April to follow new head coach Jai Lucas, who was formerly part of the Blue Devils’ staff. Lucas and Henderson’s relationship dates back to when Henderson was in fourth grade – both are Bellaire High School alums from Bellaire, Texas. At the team’s media day on Tuesday afternoon, Lucas lauded him for his versatility and as someone that will make waves for the squad instantly. 

“His impact on the game will be seen right away.” Lucas said. “People will see him and think he’s just some downhill physical presence, but his basketball IQ and his ability to pass and make reads will be something that surprises a lot of people…He’s a guy that will play four positions for us.” 

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X // Miami Hurricanes basketball coach Jai Lucas speaks to reporters on Oct. 28, 2025

Associate Coach Charlton “C.Y.” Young also showered the coveted recruit with high praise. With 30 years of Division I coaching experience, Young already considers Henderson as an NBA-caliber athlete, stamping him next to some of the league’s current stars. 

“I think he’s a pro,” Young said. “My alarm goes off just like when I had Scottie Barnes, Patrick Williams, and Devin Vassell. It’s just a matter of when.” 

Shelton Henderson’s raw talent is undeniable. With unprecedented size and strength for his age, the 2025 Houston High School Player of the Year has been touted as one of the most physically imposing freshmen in the country. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing players, being both an unstoppable force when attacking the basket and a lockdown defender. 

But just like Toney, what separates him from others in his class is his relentless work ethic and desire for greatness. 

Each morning, Henderson arrives early at the Watsco Center before his scheduled team lift to work on his shooting. Then, after an entire day of workouts and practices, Henderson will come back at night to continue putting up shots. 

Discipline and consistency are the pillars of his success. Built on routine and repetition, that foundation has given him the self-belief and conviction to trust his work and chase the high standards he’s set for himself. 

“I want to win ACC Freshman of the Year,” Henderson said. “I have the utmost confidence in myself to do that.”

Photo Credit: @CanesHoops via X /// Miami Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson speaks to reporters on Oct. 28, 2025

The Miami hoops prodigy has the tools and tenacity to thrive at the collegiate level in his first season. His phenomenal talent, work rate, and competitive edge puts him on another level – which is why perhaps his most remarkable quality is his complete devotion to UM’s success. 

Since his commitment to the program, Henderson has always displayed a selfless, team-first mentality. Personal goals and expectations aside, the number one priority remains unchanged: win. And after an abysmal 7-24 finish last season, the true freshman pledges 

to restore excitement to Miami men’s basketball.

“Seeing what they’re doing on the football field…I want to do the same exact thing and bring an excitement to the campus,” Henderson said. “I know it’s been rough last year, so I just want to change the culture around here and have fun while doing it.” 

Henderson promises ‘Canes fans will see results fast. 

“I think we have a chance to be one of the best defensive teams in the country,” he said. “People are going to see that we’re a legit team very early in the season.”

Henderson’s long-awaited arrival will come on Nov. 3, when men’s hoops tips off their season at 8 p.m. against Jacksonville University at the Watsco Center. Until then, Hurricanes guard Tru Washington says NCAA basketball can only brace for impact. 

“He’s ranked a five star for a reason. He’s gonna come in and show the world what he can do.”

1...767778...2,126Page 77 of 2,126