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Video games for the winter season

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Video games for the winter season

It’s that time of year again. Daylight savings is over, Mariah Carey is defrosting for the millionth time, and winter is coming back to gaming. 

As I turn on my computer and finally get to play games after a long day of college, I start up my favorite game: Overwatch 2, a competitive first-person shooter. I’m welcomed by the beautiful sight of the winter season taking over the previous Halloween decorations of the game.

Across the gaming world, there are many winter-themed games. Players could drive snowmobiles in 2023’s “Sledders,” survive a permanent winter dystopia in 2019’s “Frostpunk” or do some wild snowboarding tricks in the classic “SSX” series from the early 2000s. 

As the industry evolved over the years, even games that aren’t necessarily winter-themed have managed to stay relevant as the snow. These games do it in two ways: in-game weather mechanics and seasonal updates. 

Through in-game weather mechanics, developers can create gorgeous environments that reflect real-world snow days. With seasonal updates, even games that aren’t necessarily able to create in-game winter environments can still give players winter-themed cosmetics and rewards.

Open world winter

Many of the industry’s biggest open-world games, such as “Red Dead Redemption 2” , “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” and “Minecraft,” feature areas or biomes filled with snow. 

In RDR2, players might want to explore the rugged snow-covered mountains of the fictional Ambarino region, inspired by the real-life Rocky Mountains and rugged terrain of Wyoming. Even after seven years, the game still holds up as a modern classic, and the area looks beautiful thanks to RDR2’s amazing graphics.

“RDR2 is the best game in history,” Miguel Valdez Padilla, a student at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, said. “While you leave the Ambarino area very quickly at the start of the game, you can return to the snowy mountains whenever you want to participate in various activities.”

RDR2’s success speaks for itself.  According to the video game sales-tracking website VGChartz, RDR2 has sold more than 77 million copies as of 2025 and earned over 175  awards.

“Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” features recreations of medieval Norway, England and other unique areas of Northwest Europe. Whether players explore the snow-covered fjords of Norway or travel through Jorvik, modern-day Yorkshire, England, players will enjoy the feeling of being a Viking in the winter. The game is also one of the best in Ubisoft’s history, becoming the second-most profitable Ubisoft title and making over $1 billion by 2022.

In “Minecraft,” players might have to explore its randomly generated world before finally coming across some winter-themed biomes. However, there are many varieties players might come across.

There’s the ice hills of the snowy tundra, populated with scattered polar bears and hostile undead skeletons. Or the rolling snow-covered hills of the snowy mountains biome, populated with the occasional cozy village. 

And the rare ice spikes biome, packed with ice spikes that shoot up from the ground. At any rate, players will have a multitude of options for creative builds and constant exploration.

“Minecraft is a very entertaining game, and the perfect game to play alone or with friends,” Emilio Cordero Valenzuela, a high school student from Mexico, said. “You can find all sorts of biomes in the game, including snowy environments.”

Game-changing events

A lot of games, especially live-service games (games that receive ongoing updates and monetized content over time) get complete makeovers as the holidays roll in.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and “Overwatch 2” are just two examples of this.

In ACNH, the game’s cozy island will receive snowfall and cloudy weather starting in late November, as winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere. Once the snow settles in mid-December, snowballs can be found and rolled up to make “snowfolks” or to discover and catch Dung Beetles. 

All existing cedar trees will be covered in flashing lights, auroras can be seen in the sky and catchable snowflakes  fall. It’s a perfect game when staying in to avoid the dreary winter weather.

The game has been very successful for Nintendo. . ACNH grossed an estimated $2 billion as of March 2021 and has sold almost 50 million copies as of this year. On Nov. 9, 2022, it was reported that ACNH became the best-selling game of all time in Japan.

OW2 gets its seasonal “Winter Wonderland” update around mid-December, letting players access previous years’ cosmetics in the shop and releasing new ones as well. 

Event challenges will be available during the season as well, allowing players to achieve exclusive rewards, along with unique game modes like Mei’s Snowball Offensive, where players wage an all-out snowball war.

The community and the developer team are very active, and updates and events are consistent for the game. Most of its profits come from in-game cosmetics that players can purchase.

The permanent winter

If you’re missing the winter during any other time of the year, don’t worry the gaming world has something for you, too. 

Players might be trying to keep their settlement alive in “Frostpunk,” exploring the hostile, icy depths of “Subnautica: Below Zero” or slaying gods of Norse mythology in “God of War: Ragnarök.” Be warned: these games might be challenging for the inexperienced.

“Frostpunk” is Polish developer 11 Bit Studios’ 2018 city-building survival game, where players take the role of a leader in an alternate history of the 19th century gone wrong. 

A worldwide mass cooling event has plunged the citizens of New London into a permanent winter. Players must grapple with internal conflict and societal turmoil in a divided city, survive a great storm that threatens to overwhelm it and make morally grey ethical decisions along the way.

If you can’t get enough of “Frostpunk,” consider also trying the sequel, “Frostpunk 2.” Set 30 years after the first game, the sequel allows players to take control of New London’s new leader, “the Steward,” who replaces the leader players saw in the first game, “the Captain.” 

This time around, the advent of the petroleum industry creates new challenges for players, along with a simulation of a fledgling democracy filled with factionalism and divided ideals. 

If you can’t get enough of the main game, “Frostpunk 2” also features a sandbox mode called “Utopia Builder,” so you never have to miss the winter season.

If you still can’t get enough of “Frostpunk’s” permanent winter, don’t worry. 11 Bit Studios already announced a remake of the original game: “Frostpunk: 1886.”

“The original ‘Frostpunk’ experience is being reimagined and expanded with new events, mechanics, and laws within a new Purpose Path,” the developers announced on their website. “Return to your role as the ruler of Earth’s last city, manage its citizens, weigh up your choices and ensure your society’s survival.”

“Subnautica: Below Zero” is San Francisco developers Unknown Worlds’ spin-off of its wildly popular “Subnautica” game. As players land in this 2021 masterpiece’s alien ocean world, they’ll have to survive as xenologist Robin Ayou and solve the mysterious death of her sister. 

Collect resources, construct tools, build bases and submersibles, interact with the planet’s wildlife and somehow survive long enough to get out. Have a blanket handy for this one, because the game’s Antarctica-esque setting will have you feeling the freeze.

Last, but definitely not least, “God of War: Ragnarök” is the perfect game for a long winter playthrough. 

Set in mythical ancient Scandinavia, Sony’s ninth installment of the highly praised “God of War” series follows its protagonist, Kratos, on a journey to prevent the destruction of the nine realms by Ragnarök, the doomsday event central to Norse mythology. 

Fight mythological monsters, solve puzzles and role-play as a god-slaying warrior as you travel through Midgard, which has become a frigid wasteland due to the three-year-long winter of Fimbulwinter, as well as other icy realms like Helheim, the land of the dead and Jötunheim, the land of the Giants.

“God of War: Ragnarök” is one of the greats in gaming, with the franchise selling over 76 million copies, 15 million of which come from Ragnarök, according to VGChartz. It has won many awards over the years and been nominated for Game of the Year several times.

“God of War: Ragnarök’ is an amazing game with a good story and gameplay,” Valdez said. “A large part of the game’s setting is snowy, and due to the events of the previous game, you can see how all the characters are progressing and changing, and how Ragnarök is making them cold.”

Go Greek Yogurt brings Greek flavors to Coconut Grove

Talia Gorelick
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Go Greek Yogurt brings Greek flavors to Coconut Grove

Go Greek Yogurt recently opened in Coconut Grove, right by the new Carbone Vino. The chain, which started in Beverly Hills in 2012 and has since expanded to several U.S. cities, is known for its frozen Greek yogurt and clean, Mediterranean aesthetic.

I went around 5 p.m. on a Tuesday and the shop was almost empty. There were one or two other people, no line and a calm, bright atmosphere. The space is simple and fresh, with white walls, blue accents and pink bougainvillea-style flowers that make it feel airy and coastal. 

It’s self-serve, so you grab a cup, swirl your yogurt, add toppings and check out. The whole process took about five minutes.

I tried the Greek honey and original tart flavors, while my friend went for peanut butter and chocolate. 

The yogurt itself was the highlight: smooth, rich and creamy, with a light tang that felt fresh without being too sour. The honey flavor had just the right sweetness and felt a little more elevated than a typical fro-yo chain.

Where it falls short is the price. My bowl came out to around $16, which is definitely on the high end. Maybe that’s because it’s Greek yogurt, which tends to be thicker and higher in protein, or maybe it’s just the newness of the location but still, it’s a lot for frozen yogurt. 

The toppings were decent but not very exciting: granola, chocolate, fruit, yogurt pretzels and candy. I heard you can ask for pistachios, though I didn’t see them the day I went. 

I wish they leaned more into the Greek sideThings like phyllo crumbles, honey drizzle, olive oil and sea salt or different nut butters would make it feel more unique. 

Even so, Go Greek is a nice addition to the Grove. With its airy vibe and smooth, tangy yogurt, it’s the perfect stop after dinner or a walk around the neighborhood. Even though it’s a little pricey for every day, it’s absolutely worth a try.

I give it four out of five stars for taste, freshness and atmosphere. Point off for the price, but still a spot I’d go back to once in a while.

How blending reggaeton and tradition have reinvented the latin music scene

Valentina Lo Cane
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How blending reggaeton and tradition have reinvented the latin music scene

Bad Bunny has redefined what it means to make Latin music in the 21st century. 

After being named the most-streamed artist on Spotify for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), it seemed his blend of trap and reggaetón had found the perfect formula for Grammy nominations and Billboard Music Awards.

Nonetheless, with his latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” he proves he can do it all. 

The record weaves salsa, plena, bomba and jíbaro rhythms into his signature contemporary style — a heartfelt tribute to Latin American identity.

More recently, Rosalía’s latest album “LUX,” released on Nov. 7, 2025, blends orchestral arrangements with multilingual tracks. It earned more than 42 million streams on its first day. 

In contrast to Bad Bunny’s return to tradition, Rosalía offers a unique exploration of music as a vehicle for feminine identity and spirituality. 

Her album, particularly the track “Reliquias,” embodies the series of contradictions that define identity in a world that is constantly exposed to new cultures and blended traditions.

Surprisingly, Bad Bunny is not the first mainstream Hispanic artist to turn inward and pay homage to his roots. We saw a similar ode to tradition in C. Tangana’s masterful “El Madrileño,” where flamenco and Iberian folk rhythms pulse through his urban rap and pop crossover. 

Although he may not dominate streaming charts like Bad Bunny, his work has not gone unnoticed. “El Madrileño” earned the Latin Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, along with multiple other nominations.

Another rising artist redefining this cultural movement is Milo J. The Argentine prodigy has carved out a name for himself with his recent album “La vida es más corta.” Here, he reimagines the language of Latin music by weaving chacarera, tango, samba, milonga and murga into trap; a powerful blend that bridges generations and genres. 

The album features Mercedes Sosa, Soledad Pastorutti and Silvio Rodríguez, alongside Argentine hip-hop icon Trueno, making Latin identity the emotional core of its sound.

Together, these artists are reinventing reggaetón and trap by reviving the creativity and depth often overshadowed by the genre’s commercial side. 

They remind us that the true power of music lies in uniting tradition and innovation. In the end, they’ve proven that paying homage to one’s roots can be just as powerful and earn just as much recognition in the music industry.

Five days, five classes: A Wellness Center review

Alyssa Brown
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Five days, five classes: A Wellness Center review

While many people always rave about workout classes at Tremble, TruFusion and Body Hot classes, some of us wonder how to get in a great group workout without spending hundreds of dollars on a membership.

The Herbert Wellness Center classes are completely free to students, so let’s test how they compare with five days of different group workout classes.

Day 1: Cycle & Jam at 7:30p.m.

A great workout, but it felt like maybe I was in the wrong skill bracket.

Instructor Deirdre encouraged us to stay in the 70 – 100 cycles per minute range for the entire class. I personally think it’s not the right call if you’re just getting into cycling. The pace was challenging, and at times it felt like my legs were fighting for their life.

The vibe was all very 2010s: Tumblr-eqsue motivational screensavers projected at the front, plus songs by Maroon 5 and the Black Eyed Peas.

The only thing that saved me from giving up was when “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z came on for our final push.

I left feeling sweaty and very humbled, but I’d say it’s a rewarding session.

Day 2: Yoga sculpt at 6p.m.

Full body movements and core work was the focus of this class, but don’t let the word “yoga” fool you.

This was not a slow, stretchy session. Yoga Sculpt mixes traditional flows with light weights and bursts of cardio, like the surprise mountain climbers towards the end of class.

The music was energetic and modern, which helped keep the energy high even during the tougher sequences. 

You’re constantly switching between balance, strength and endurance, which makes the workout fly by. If you want something that feels athletic but still rooted in yoga form, this class hits that middle ground perfectly.

Day 3: ReggaeTONE at 5p.m.

This class absolutely gets your heart rate up.60 minutes of intensity, ReggaeTONE combines the core, stability and muscle toning elements of pilates with upbeat songs.Surprisingly, though, none of which were reggae.

The instructor keeps things fun with easy-to-follow combos, but the constant movement means you’re sweating almost immediately.Expect squats, lunges, planks and pulses that sneak up on you.

Day 4: Mindful Yoga at 7:30pm

Mindful Yoga with instructor Henry.You’re encouraged to go at your own pace, and our class had a mix of all skill levels: from beginners to people who were practicing advanced sirsanas.

This session felt very focused on balance, breathing and strength, but didn’t push too hard to the point of discomfort. We began and ended with slow, controlled stretches, with faster-paced movement in between.

Mindful Yoga leaves you feeling calm and renewed, like you finally unclenched your shoulders for the first time this week.

Day 5: Cycle & Jam at 5:30p.m.

In the words of instructor Melina, Friday’s Cycle & Jam session “sucks so good.”The packed class had so much energy. With fellow cyclers whooping and celebrating, it really makes you feel like you can keep going.

We stayed at a more manageable range of around 50-80 rpm, which was accompanied by throwback songs everyone knows.

Melina’s passion for cycling is so infectious. She encourages everyone to sing along- which is a sweet idea that would work better if everyone wasn’t so out of breath.

Melina says that, “it’s this part, seeing everyone afterwards… it fosters such a beautiful community” that makes her love being an instructor. 

“You meet all these people that I would’ve never met.” She even has plans to go to a concert soon with someone she met through teaching.

“It kicks your ass too,” she added. 

At the end of the session, she handed out cold, lavender scented towels for everyone to cool off while stretching.Overall, you can tell that she has a genuine love for being an instructor, and asks everyone to send song suggestions to her instagram, @melina.spins. 

She teaches these Cycle and Jam sessions every Wednesday at 7p.m., and Fridays at 5:30p.m.

After five straight days of these classes, I can absolutely say I’ll be joining again. Classes are usually pretty full, but going with friends makes the energy even better.

For workouts that are fun, challenging and cost literally zero dollars, the Wellness Center classes hold their own against the big-name studios people brag about on social media.

Safe to say, you get more than what you pay for.

Have a holly jolly coffee with the best drinks on Starbuck’s holiday menu

Marissa Levinson
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Have a holly jolly coffee with the best drinks on Starbuck’s holiday menu

Going to a university in South Florida means winter looks a little different for us. Snow days and sweaters may be out of the question, but something we can always count on for a little holiday cheer is Starbuck’s holiday menu. 

From November to January, customers can purchase a variety of coffee, teas and treats with signature holiday flavors. 

As a latte-lover, I focused on coffee when making my rounds to Starbucks this season. These were my thoughts.

Sugar Cookie Latte: 10/10

My absolute favorite option on the holiday menu. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. Though it undertakes the flavor of a sugar cookie, the syrup doesn’t overpower the signature coffee and milk taste of a classic latte. 

The red and green sprinkles are the cherry on top that don’t go unnoticed. Somehow, they make it all the more better. For an extra-milky, sweet addition, ask for the sugar cookie cold foam on top. You won’t regret it. 

Hot White Mocha: 8/10

This drink feels like a spin on the beloved hot cocoa that accompanies every cafe and every celebration during the coldest months of the year – the twist of this beverage being a shift from milk or dark chocolate to white chocolate. 

This change makes the drink less intense, more smooth and almost buttery. Although this drink includes espresso, the taste isn’t prominent. 

Had I not known it included it upon placing my order, I would have never known. If you’re craving a strong coffee drink, keep looking, but if you’re looking for a subtly-sweet treat to stay warm, this one is for you. 

Snickerdoodle Latte: 6/10

When I took my first sip of this drink, I was confused. Did I just order something new off of the holiday menu, or am I tasting last season’s Pumpkin Spice Latte? 

As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of Starbuck’s pumpkin spice flavor, this beverage isn’t my favorite. Someone else, who is, might enjoy it, but my opinion that it isn’t a winter drink still stands. 

I recommend getting all of the drinks hot for the full winter experience. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier substitute for these drinks, try them with almond milk. If you like your coffees more thick and creamy, oat milk is the way to go. Happy holidays, and enjoy.

There are over 100 ‘Wicked: For Good’ collaborations, here are our top ten

Avery Simon
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There are over 100 ‘Wicked: For Good’ collaborations, here are our top ten

With the “Wicked: For Good” release right around the corner, it’s time to go over some of the most memorable brand collaborations from this year. 

Last year’s collabs went viral before the first “Wicked” hit theaters. Thanks to the film’s  massive marketing team and budget — this year’s lineup is just as fun 

Starting off strong, the Stanley x Wicked collab is a fan favorite. Stanley cups have become so popular, so why not get a Glinda or Elephaba-themed one. The Glinda cup might be the prettiest one yet. 

For anyone that loves to cook, Le Creuset X Wicked is one of the most beautiful collaborations. With Glinda and Elephaba etched into the top of the pots, they each have their own unique look. 

Le Creuset even has a quiz on their website to see which pot fits you best. It is definitely a splurge, so maybe add it to your holiday wish list.

Pink and green are definitely fans favorite colors right now and Pottery Barn ran with that.  Their collection includes everything from bedding to glassware, turning Wicked’s signature colors into elegant home decor. The pillows, with their detailed embroidery, are standout pieces. 

One of the most unexpected, but oddly adorable collabs is Swiffer x Wicked. Their classic green sweeper has turned pink for the movie. It’s available on Amazon, so if you like pink, why not get it? 

Looking at a more detailed collaboration that resonates with many of our childhoods, American Girl x Wicked is definitely one of the smartest collaborations. 

For all the kids that love dolls, they can now get beautifully crafted Glinda and Elphaba dolls. These dolls are so cute, I would have definitely owned them if I was younger. (Also — were American Girl dolls always this expensive?) 

If you want to honor the movie in a small, understated and affordable way, check out Essie x Wicked. With six new shades, you can watch the movie with your new manicure, without committing to bright green or pink.

An everyday essential just got a magical update. Wet Brush x Wicked  released five gorgeous sets, each including a hairbrush and a matching hair accessory. Just like the nail polish line, there’s a design for every kind of Wicked fan.  

Everyone knows Pillsbury sugar cookies are a holiday staple, so of course they had to do a Pillsbury x Wicked collab. Have your pick at a green witch hat cookie or a pink crown.

Like last year, Voluspa candles collaborated once again with “Wicked” to make  a beautiful collection, ranging from bigger candles to diffusers and mini candles. The signature candle lid doubles as a decorative stand, making the collection feel luxurious and giftable. 

I couldn’t make this list of collaborations without mentioning Ariana Grande’s cosmetics brand. Wicked x r.e.m. beauty has over 20 magical products with Glinda and Elaphaba themes. The products include metallic eyeliner, fragrances,blushes and brushes. I think I might need the whole collection.

Whether you’re channeling your inner Glinda with pink and sparkle or tapping into your Elphaba era with bold green magic, these collabs prove there’s room for a little good and wickedness in everyone.

UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club fosters holiday cheer with a passionate performance of ‘The Nutcracker’

Olivia Pretto
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UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club fosters holiday cheer with a passionate performance of ‘The Nutcracker’

UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club brought a classic holiday tradition to campus for the first annual performance of  “The Nutcracker” at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall. 

The student-run club encapsulated the ballet’s sense of togetherness, holiday cheer and the timeless magic that makes “The Nutcracker” so beloved. 

What made the performance even more heartfelt was the true passion that radiated from each performer. The club began last spring and has grown significantly over the past semester. 

Members are welcome at any level of ballet experience, including those learning ballet for the first time. The time, energy and dedication poured into the production reflected the love of dance that inspired the club’s creation. 

The founders were eager to share their appreciation for ballet with the UM community. Ava Byrne, a co-founder of En Pointe, described why the performance carried such impact.

“I think ballet is important to share with the UM community because it promotes creativity and expression and makes the arts accessible to everyone on campus,” Byrne said. “En Pointe has fostered a community who loves ballet by bringing people together who missed doing what they love. Everyone is just happy to be there, to dance again and to be around like-minded people.”

As a viewer who cherishes “The Nutcracker,” this performance felt especially meaningful. The nostalgia of the familiar music and story, combined with the excitement of watching talented students bring the ballet to life, created an experience that was both heartwarming and inspiring. 

Seeing dancers who share a love for ballet create something so impactful was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The sense of community between the audience and performers highlighted the power of the arts to bring people together. 

With the success of this holiday performance, UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club has not only brought the magic of  “The Nutcracker” to campus but also created a space where students of all experience levels can reconnect with their love of dance. 

The passion, dedication and joy evident on stage promise even more enchanting performances in the seasons to come.

See lawyers rock out at Law Rocks

Nicole de Leon
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See lawyers rock out at Law Rocks

Law Rocks, the nonprofit organization of legal professionals performing onstage, comes back to Miami on Nov. 20, 2025 at Gramps Wynwood. The event will be an unforgettable night of music and performances for a great cause. 

There will be five bands competing this year to raise money for a charity of their choice.  The bands this year are Amperband, The Meltones, Sin Red, Sustained and Touch of Grey. These bands select a charity their performances fundraise for. This year’s organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, Miami Music Project and Young Musicians Unite. 

Law Rocks itself will also participate in awarding the Music Matters grant for music education. This year’s recipient is Guitar Over Guns, a free, after-school music program for young students. As part of the event, Guitars Over Guns band,  The Atomic Lollipops, will start the show.

The winning band will be determined by their total amount raised in donations, total amount raised in sales and the Rock Panel of Judges scores. Performers and judges will feature professionals from the Department of Justice, Greenberg Traurig, SMGQ Law and many more 

Come out to rock out in support of your local community by supporting these multi-talented professionals in fundraising money for our Miami charities. Click here to get tickets.

Lauren Barnwell Breaks Her Silence (Miami, Don’t Be Mad)

Jamison DeLaine
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Our hour-long episode sees influencer Lauren Barnwell sit down for her very first in-depth interview, and she does not hold back. She’s raw, funny and unapologetically herself as she opens up about Miami nightlife, adjusting to a new city and the mess and magic of dating in Miami.

Listen on Spotify

Hurricanes MBB unable to overcome shooting woes vs No. 10 Florida in 82-68 defeat

Anirudh Kannan
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Hurricanes MBB unable to overcome shooting woes vs No. 10 Florida in 82-68 defeat

Miami struggled to find the bottom of the basket in Jacksonville against the reigning national champions, marking the team’s first loss of the 2025 season.

In addition to shooting an abysmal 33.8 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from three, the team also had issues at the free throw line, hitting just 15 of their 27 attempted free throws.

Even with these inefficiencies, Miami still found themselves in striking distance midway through the second half down three, but a Florida 23-9 run flipped the momentum of the game and the Gators never looked back.

Forward Malik Reneau led the Hurricanes in rebounding and scoring with 11 boards and 22 points respectively, but was not absolved from the team’s shooting deficiencies with a field goal percent of under 35 percent for the game.

Miami guard Tre Donaldson only hit four out of 16 shots but racked up six assists, while his backcourt partner Tru Washington had a relatively efficient six for fourteen shooting performance on a day where it seemed like the Hurricanes couldn’t get anything to fall.

The game opened up tightly contested, tied at 19 a piece at the nine minute mark of the half. 

However, sparked by an Alex Condon three pointer from the top of the key, the Gators scored a late flurry of buckets while locking up defensively to finish the half with a 39-29 lead. 

The Hurricanes started the second half strong by riding the offensive efforts of Donaldson, who had 12 points in the first eight minutes of the second half to narrow the gap between the two Florida squads.

However, the Gators began to slowly extend their lead in the later stages of the second half, regaining control of the game flow while stifling the Miami offense.

Florida put the ’Canes to bed off of a deep Urban Klavzar step back three, extending their lead to 16 with just 2:04 left in the game to set up a 82-68 victory.

Miami never led in the second half.

The Hurricanes’ poor shooting has been an issue throughout the first four games of their season, shooting over 35 percent from three just once this year.

It will be up to new Miami head coach Jai Lucas and the rest of his staff to figure out how to get their team’s shooting from behind the arc on track, especially in a modern era of basketball where the three ball has become imperative to offenses.

Aside from shooting the ball poorly, UM was also outrebounded on the glass, with the Gators recording 42 rebounds in comparison to Miami’s 34.

Photo credit: Makena Wong, Photo Editor. // Ernest Udeh Jr. (8) runs back up the court after scoring against Jacksonville on Nov. 3, 2025 at the Watsco Center.

No.14 Miami Falls to No.7 Louisville in Five-Set Thriller

Omar Pinto
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No.14 Miami Falls to No.7 Louisville in Five-Set Thriller

No. 14 Miami (22-5, 12-4 ACC) was taken down by No. 7 Louisville (22-4, 14-2 ACC) in five sets this past Sunday at the L&N Federal Credit Union Arena.

The Hurricanes came into their matchup with the Cardinals on a seven game winning streak, but it ended in crushing fashion, as the Cardinals emerged victorious 3-2.

The ’Canes recorded a season-high 76 kills in the loss, as they were led once again by standout senior Flormarie Heredia Colon. 

Once again this season Heredia Colon broke the single-game program record with a whopping 43 kills on the day, while also tallying nine digs and three aces.

Miami started off hot, as they took a 2-0 set lead. Set one was capped off by a Logan Wiley block to give them a 25-22 win, while set two ended with a score of 29-27, the last three points all coming by the hands of Heredia Colon.

The third set was do-or-die for the Cardinals, and with the score tied at 20, they were able to pull away, winning 25-23. They did the same in the second set, as they were bolstered by a 6-0 run which helped them to a 25-19 set win.

The Cardinals held their momentum into the fifth set, going up 8-3. Miami clawed back, cutting the lead to just 11-9, but they were unable to seal the deal, as the Cardinals ultimately won 15-12, completing the reverse-sweep.

The Hurricanes return to Miami to play Duke and North Carolina on Friday and Sunday at the Knight Sports Complex.

Takeaways as Miami steamrolls NC State 41-7 in senior night game

Lazaro Chavez
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Takeaways as Miami steamrolls NC State 41-7 in senior night game

In its final home game of the regular season, Miami demolished the NC State Wolfpack 41-7 in what UM head coach Mario Cristobal called its most “complete game.”

Miami quarterback Carson Beck and the offense dominated in every aspect with freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. making the most of his first start. On the defensive side the ’Canes had Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey uncomfortable all night, with impressive pass rush schemes and disguises.

Miami must remain in this groove going into its final two games to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Senior night spectacle

Beck threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns in 27 attempts, one of his stronger performances so far this season. 

And while a quarterback can elevate a wide receiver room, it also works vice-versa, and that’s exactly what happened Saturday afternoon.

10 different Hurricanes caught passes on the night which totaled to 367 yards of pass offense — a positive performance for a team that was struggling to find explosiveness just a few weeks ago.

Senior Keelan Marion led the way for the group with 96 yards on seven catches and has quietly established himself as one of the top options in this Hurricane offense. 

True freshman receiver Malachi Toney had two touchdowns on five receptions, but that wasn’t the most notable thing he did tonight. 

He also got the chance to flex his muscles as a quarterback.

During the second quarter, Toney threw an absolute bullet to JoJo Trader to put the ’Canes within scoring distance. UM capped off that drive with a Marty Brown touchdown run.

Toney’s pass is now back-to-back weeks in which Miami has opened the playbook to include “trick plays” which has taken the offense to new heights. With veteran wideout C.J Daniels looking to make his return next week, things could get even more interesting for this Miami offense.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer // Redshirt Senior Keelan Marion looks to stiff arm an NC State defender on November 15, 2025.

Pringle pops off

Despite being a freshman, Pringle executed a brilliant game in his first start as the lead back for the ’Canes. 

The Tampa native tallied 32 yards receiving and ran for 116 yards, leading all players in rushing.

Pringle’s performance may not have found the endzone, but he didn’t need to. He ripped off runs of 12, 15, 17 and a game-long 23 yards, repeatedly breaking through the Wolfpack front which set up short-yardage situations for Beck and the passing game. 

And despite only growing into this role with the season nearing a close, Pringle had no shortage of confidence heading into the game.

“I got a great team around me,” Pringle said. “I knew when I got the chance I’d take it.”

With lead back Mark Fletcher Jr. sidelined for the foreseeable future with an injury, expect Pringle to continue to carry the workload for this Hurricane run game

Keep up the momentum

With the ’Canes set to face two tricky opponents to close their season, they must continue to play aggressive on both sides of the ball. More Jakobe Thomas interceptions and more playtime for strong freshmen like Toney and Pringle will contribute to big wins.

Beck must also continue to play as consistently as he did in this game, should the ’Canes want to move up in the playoff brackets — the “eye test” will be a key term moving forward for Miami discourse.

Under Cristobal, Miami has notoriously struggled in the month of November — dating back to last season’s inexcusable collapse to Syracuse which wiped out the ’Canes postseason hopes. In the months of November and December, Cristobal is 6-11 at UM. That needs to change if the Hurricanes have any chance to make the College Football Playoffs.

Miami cannot afford to continue that pattern this year, and as both the staff and players reiterate: 

“1-0 every week.”

The Hurricanes will head north as they get set to face their rival Virginia Tech Hokies (3-7, 2-4 ACC) in Blacksburg, Virginia. Saturday’s kickoff is set for noon at Lane Stadium and will air on ESPN.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer/Freshman Running back Girard Pringle Jr. makes an NC State defender miss on November 15, 2025.
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