Miami crushed USF 49–12 in their most dominant ranked win since 2001, with Carson Beck throwing for 340 yards and four total TDs, Mark Fletcher running for 120 yards and two scores, and the defense holding Byrum Brown to just two rushing yards while forcing multiple turnovers. True freshman Joshua Moore stole the show with two first-quarter TDs, while Miami’s O-line continued its streak as the nation’s best in pass protection. The only concern: nine penalties for 69 yards, which Cristobal’s staff will aim to fix before Saturday’s primetime showdown with Florida. With ESPN’s College Gameday coming to Coral Gables and recruiting stakes sky-high, the Canes have a chance to cement themselves as a national title contender under the brightest lights yet.
Miami and Florida set to battle in primetime Florida clash: What to know about the Gators
The Alligator sports editor Luke Adragna previews Florida football ahead of its matchup against the Hurricanes (@lukeadrag on X)
Time is ticking for the Florida Gators and head coach Billy Napier.
After an offseason characterized by confidence within the program and lofty expectations from outside, none of what many anticipated has come to fruition. The Gators are 1-2, suffered an upset loss to South Florida at home, and just recently lost to the No. 3 Louisiana State Tigers 20-10 in a five-interception performance by quarterback DJ Lagway.
Despite that, Napier has continued to harp that the Gators are “close”, and Florida players are embracing the challenge as the team heads south to play No. 4 Miami (3-0) on Saturday.
“We want all the smoke,” said Gators defensive back Jordan Castell. “We’re ready to play. It don’t matter who it is.”
The Hurricanes have looked like one of the most talented teams in the country. Miami is led by a cohort of veterans on each side of the ball that will pose a significant challenge for Florida. Here’s what to look out for on the Gators’ side of the field:
Florida X-factor of the week:
RB Jadan Baugh
After an impressive freshman season earning Freshman All-SEC honors, Baugh was named to the Paul Hornung and Doak Walker award watch lists heading into this season. However, in just three games, many are questioning Napier’s lack of usage of the talented running back.
Baugh heads into Miami with 37 carries for 243 yards and a touchdown. His impact has dwindled slightly throughout each game. After logging six carries in the first drive against South Florida, Baugh carried the ball just 12 more times that contest. Against LSU, he finished with just 10 carries.
The Atlanta, Georgia, native is quick-footed, has elite breakaway speed and can also be utilized in the passing game when schemed.
Against Miami’s talented defensive line, Baugh’s opportunities could be difficult to come by. Factoring in Florida’s recent offensive line struggles, the Gators could elect to use Baugh and backup running back Ja’Kobi Jackson as run-blockers and target them in screen plays in order to alleviate pressure on Lagway.
Gators’ key matchups:
Florida’s front seven vs. Miami’s offensive line
The Gators’ defensive line features a strong veteran presence along with a young, talented core. However, several questions have arisen throughout Florida’s first three games of the season.
The unit produced 19 sacks in its final four games of the 2024 season. But without redshirt senior Caleb Banks, who suffered a foot injury against LSU on Saturday, there will be more responsibility placed on unproven players.
“Still enough players to have a very effective group,” Napier said Wednesday. “I’m excited about what I see out of the young players in the group. Tavorise Brown and [Joseph] Mbatchou, obviously [Brendan] Bett. Brien Taylor Jr. It’s a good group.”
Through three games, Florida has logged just two sacks. Gators edge rushers George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp are among the most impactful players on the front seven, but the unit will have to get past a proven Miami offensive line.
The ‘Canes unit ranks No. 11 in Pro Football Focus’ run-blocking grade. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa has led Miami’s top-rated offensive lineman through three games with an 81.4 offensive grade and an 83.8 run-blocking grade on PFF.
As a unit, the Hurricanes have allowed just four sacks through three games, and starting quarterback Carson Beck has only faced pressure on 11 of his 86 dropbacks.
Vernell Brown III vs. Miami secondary
Brown, a true freshman, has been one of the most eye-catching players on Florida’s roster this season. Despite Lagway being unable to throw all of spring due to a shoulder injury and participating in his first 11-on-11 drill just weeks before the season, it’s clear the two have already formed a reliable chemistry.
Through three games, Brown leads Gators’ pass catchers with 197 receiving yards on 16 catches. He is yet to add a touchdown, but has also played a significant role on special teams as the team’s primary returner.
He logged 70 return yards on four attempts in Florida’s opener. Against USF, he added a 40-yard punt return. And, against LSU, he totaled 43 return yards on three attempts.
“We were kind of expecting that because throughout the whole spring and the whole camp, he’s been doing it every day,” said wide receiver Eugene Wilson. “We’ve been seeing it. We were just waiting for him to have his moment to go out there and put it on tape.”
However, it will be an interesting challenge to watch Hurricanes safeties coach Will Harris, who left the Gators in 2024 for Miami, to scheme against his former team.
“You know he’s going to send pressure,” Castell said. “I already told them boys, just be ready.”
Miami’s secondary has logged an interception in each of its first three games and is matched up against Lagway, who has struggled significantly since Florida’s opener. He has just two touchdowns and six interceptions against FBS opponents.
Miami vs Florida Football: A Quick History
- Florida is 27-30 against the Hurricanes all-time.
- Miami won its most recent matchup against the Gators, 41-17, on Aug. 31, 2024.
- Florida hasn’t won in Miami since 1985, when it defeated the Hurricanes 35-23.
- Gators football has three Heisman Trophy winners in Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996) and Tim Tebow (2007). Miami has two in Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992).
- Florida football has never produced a first-overall pick. The Hurricanes have three No. 1 overall players, the most recent being quarterback Cam Ward (2025).
College GameDay is rolling into town, canceling Greek Life tailgates
Greek Life tailgates are canceled for this week’s matchup against the University of Florida due to College GameDay coming to UM’s campus.
ESPN made the announcement that College GameDay would be covering the UF at UM football game shortly after UM dominated USF on Saturday, Sept. 13.
College GameDay is a weekly, three-hour traveling television program that reports live from a college campus during football season. They select a matchup each week based on anticipated rivalries, team rankings and the potential for a fun narrative. The broadcast begins at 9 a.m., featuring an analysis of the day’s matchup, highlights from the teams’ seasons thus far and segments on specific players.
There is live music, fan participation and special guest appearances to fire up the crowd for the game. A vital tradition of College GameDay in the past occurred when Lee Corso, an ESPN football analyst, makes his prediction of which team will win by putting on their mascot’s headgear. Corso made his last GameDay appearance on Aug. 30, 2025.
Students are highly anticipating College GameDay’s arrival at UM and all their iconic traditions.
“I am so excited College GameDay is coming to the U! I can’t wait to hear all the game predictions and see the student field goal kicking contest,” said Maya Meilander, a sophomore pre-med student.
Others have reported that they prefer the Greek Life tailgating tradition, but are glad that UM is getting recognition from the sports broadcasting program.
“I think it’s a unique experience that College GameDay is coming to campus, but personally I would rather have tailgates. I definitely think that we should be able to have both, especially since College GameDay is so early in the morning,” said junior Anna Becker. “But since it’s just for one game, I think the majority of students will really enjoy it if they don’t limit the amount of people for capacity reasons.”
With four home games left after UF, students are hoping for the return of Greek Life tailgates.
“My tailgating experience has been really good overall and I love experiencing game days from the tailgating side after being on the cheer team for two years, so I plan to attend more,” said Becker.
While many students acknowledge that attendance surges only for high-profile matchups, some see the uneven turnout as a frustration and hope to see more consistent support throughout the season.
“I wish more people went to all the games and not just the big ones,” said Meilander. “The game against Notre Dame was full of energy and having that for every game would make football at the U even more exciting.”
Witness in 2006 shooting of Miami’s Bryan Pata found alive after years of being presumed dead
Nearly two decades after the fatal shooting of Miami Hurricanes football player Bryan Pata, a key eyewitness long reported dead by prosecutors has been found alive in Kentucky, ESPN reported Thursday.
The witness, 81-year old Paul Conner, had identified former Miami Hurricanes teammate Rashaun Jones as the shooter in two photo lineups and later gave testimony in court.
For months, prosecutors said Conner was dead, but with Jones’ long awaited trial set for Oct. 6, news that Conner is alive has added a new factor to the case.
This is a developing story.
‘Canes keep winning streak alive against Coastal Carolina
Miami volleyball extended its winning streak to eight as they defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in four sets Thursday night at the Knights Sports Complex.
Coming off of a strong showing in the 305 invitational, the Hurricanes carried their momentum into the match up, continuing to build early-season dominance.
The Hurricanes started the first set strong leading with a 12-3 lead. Flormarie Heredia Colon tallied five kills and two aces, displaying strong dominance early on as Ariana Rodriguez contributed two of Miami’s six aces in the opening set.
The serving set the tone for the offense, producing 14 kills as well, helping the ’Canes close the set, 25-8.
Coastal Carolina responded in the second set with a 6-1 run, but Miami kept it close holding a 14-10 lead midway before falling short and losing the set 25-22.
Miami regained control in the third set, opening with an 8-3 lead highlighted with two kills each from Logan Wiley and Heredia Colon.
The Chanticleers cut the lead to three, 16-13, but the Hurricanes displayed strength at the net, finishing with 13 kills and four blocks, securing the set with a 25-18 win.
In a close fourth set, Miami started with a 6-0 run with consistent kills and blocks. Coastal Carolina closed the gap to 20-17, but Miami maintained momentum with key kills from Ava Carney and Wilson, to close the set 25-18.
The Hurricanes delivered a strong performance overall despite minor errors, finishing with 58 kills, 58 digs, 11 blocks, and 10 aces. Heredia Colon, who attacked the net with decisive kills led the team with 26 kills and dominated the court through each set. Wilson contributed seven blocks, while Rodriguez tallied 41 assists and played consistently across all four sets.
Miami will remain home to face FGCU on Friday night at the Knight Sports Complex.
Zoë Kravitz brings her Miami street smarts to Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’
Darren Aronofsky’s latest project, “Caught Stealing,” is drawing attention for its dark and gritty aesthetic. Austin Butler takes on a tense, morally complex role, while Zoë Kravitz stands opposite him with a steady magnetic presence. Their performers drive a film built on crime and constant threats.
“Caught Stealing” is a story steeped in risk, betrayal and crime cinema’s raw energy.Aronofsky’s signature intensity, sharpened by his indie roots in “Pi” and “Requiem for a Dream,” runs through the veins of the film, giving it a dangerous pulse.
Kravitz navigates the chaos with ease, likely pulling on her days city-living in Miami while attending Miami Country Day School to act like a veteran to the circus.
The film’s blend of gritty realism and erotic energy also reflects the kind of bold, genre-challenging work UM students study and practice in their own projects.
Watching Butler and Kravitz lean into roles charged with sexuality and danger provides insight into how performance, chemistry, and directorial vision can elevate a thriller into something hypnotic.
“Caught Stealing” is poised to be one of the most intoxicating crime films of the year, a dangerous mix of violence, temptation, and star-driven heat.
UM senior Brianna Braun shows alopecia is not just about hair
The University of Miami is about to turn into a powerful spotlight on an overlooked condition. On Saturday, Sep. 27, UM senior Brianna Braun will lead students in the first-ever South Florida Walk for Alopecia — a vibrant event that blends music, movement and community to reframe the way people think about hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes across the body. It affects nearly seven million people in the United States, yet those living with alopecia, like Braun, often feel misunderstood.
“It’s not just hair loss,” Braun said. “It changes how you view yourself. You think about your eyebrows, your eyelashes, your face. You miss out on things like sports or the beach. It’s an added thing you have to consider every single day.”
That’s why Braun—who juggles pre-med studies with her degree at UM’s Frost School of Music—is determined to shift the story. Her own diagnosis at age six means this cause is personal. Now, she’s turning her experience into momentum.
The Walk for Alopecia will take place at 10 a.m. on Sep. 27 at UM’s Foote Green. Registration is free, and participants can sign up or donate through the event’s website. The event features music, activities and contributions led by UM campus organizations.
Braun is the official site leader for Miami’s walk—the first of its kind in South Florida. She chose to host it at UM to spark broad student involvement.
Delta Gamma, multicultural organizations, business fraternities and other student groups have rallied in support.
“It’s about building community and uniting students around something bigger than themselves,” Braun said.
For Braun, the walk is more than a fundraiser. It’s a stage for empathy. All proceeds will support the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), which funds mentorship programs and research. Through mentorship with younger children, like a six-year-old she befriended named Ronni, she found empowerment in advocacy.
“Locals love to support UM,” Braun said. “They value seeing students and youth uniting over a good cause. It adds a positive energy to Coral Gables.”
Braun sees alopecia as frequently misunderstood. She notes how society has learned to accept her mother’s condition, vitiligo, and hopes the same recognition will come for alopecia.
“This isn’t cosmetic,” Braun said. “It’s about health, energy, and identity. It’s emotional just as much as physical.”
Community, Braun insists, is the backbone of this event. “The walk brings together families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and allies. It’s free to register and attend, so it’s not just about donations — it’s about people walking side by side.”
For Braun, the UM setting is just as important as the cause. “Watching the UM community unite for something so personal — that’s what I’m most looking forward to,” she said.
Braun’s message is direct: alopecia is not just about hair. Her experience comes with ebbs and flows—losing her hair in middle school, watching it grow back briefly in high school, only to see it fall again later.
“I hope awareness grows so people understand those with alopecia shouldn’t feel like they have to ‘fix’ themselves,” Braun said. “Alopecia is about confidence, identity and resilience. You are not alone.”
Freedom Tower reopens with new immigration exhibits
After two years of restoration and nearly a century of standing as a silent witness to Miami’s evolution, the Freedom Tower has officially reopened.
Originally built in 1925 as the headquarters of The Miami News, the skyscraper became a sanctuary for Cuban exiles fleeing Fidel Castro’s regime in the 1960s. Known as El Refugio, the tower processed more than 400,000 refugees, offering them food and medical care.
Now, as Miami Dade College puts more than $30 million into renovating the tower, it invites reflection with new museum exhibits on immigration and Cuban history. The newly curated exhibitions, including Libertad and Languages of Migration, immerse visitors in personal stories, rare artifacts and interactive media that trace the emotional and cultural journey of exile.
For many, the reopening is deeply personal. Magda Castineyra, dean of MDC’s Honors College, first entered the tower as a five-year-old refugee in 1967. “We had lost everything,” she said to Miami Dade College’s The Reporter. “The Freedom Tower was the first place all the newly arrived would go;, they helped my father find work and gave us a home. The tower became a light for my family.”
That light now shines brighter. Large digital screens project scenes of migration, while oral histories echo through restored corridors. The exhibits not only honor the past but also challenge visitors to understand the gravity of displacement and the enduring quest for belonging.
As Miami continues to grapple with modern immigration debates, the Freedom Tower stands as a counterpoint: a place where stories of exile are not erased, but elevated. “It’s a living symbol of Miami’s spirit,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega in a statement for MDC News. “We honor its past and embrace its future as a center for education, culture and civic life.”
UM artists to add to your playlist and weekend plans
Instead of debating about what you’re going to do with your friends on Saturday night, go support musical ’Canes.
Talented musicians fill the University of Miami community, both in and out of the Frost school. Make sure to check the following dates out to enjoy a fun, music filled night with friends while supporting UM. These artists work hard to keep their platforms updated with new music and projects for you to find your new favorite song.
Harrison Gesser (@harrisongesser)
Taking influence from classic rock, indie pop, and synth pop, Harrison Gesser is a creative musician writing his own original music. He started off as a drummer and is now using his skills to perform playing piano alongside a live band. He strives to continue varying his sound throughout his songs.
Upcoming events:
Patio Jams- 10/23
Cheesecake (@cheesecakedaband)
Nothing short of a surprise, Cheesecake keeps audiences attentive with funky- almost experimental- music. The 7 piece band were all born in Miami. and they rep their city in their projects like their debut album “Live at Weeks Recording Studio” and their upcoming project “Shortcake”.
Upcoming events:
Lakou- 10/04 at 9p.m.
Titanic- 11/22 at 7:30p.m.
Lawn (@lawn.band)
Based in Miami, Lawn is an Indie Rock quartet experimenting with their sound through raw emotions and real world occurrences. The group’s line up consists of Romeo Bongiovi (vocals, guitar), Cooper Davis (bass), Cliff Dobson (drums) and Daniel Coppola (guitar). Their different musical backgrounds and tastes diversify their sound and style.
Upcoming events:
Tea and Poets- 09/20 at 7p.m.
Poster Child (@officialposterchild)
Poster Child is a unique Hip-Hop/R&B band group. It is composed of members Kaleb Beek (lead vocalist/rapper), Ethan Bowden (guitar), Natacha Chacin (keys/vocals), Isabella Heck (bass/vocals), and Mateo Gaviria (drums). Their sound aims at widening the landscape of UM’s artists with fusion of instruments and vocals.
Skyrise (@skyrise_official)
Skyrise blends heavy riffs along with their smooth, melodic vocal lines. Their female-led lineup provides a thick, metal sound for listeners to enjoy. The lineup consists of Alexys Dowling (vocals), Mallory Gravitt (guitar), Jen Phan (keys/production), Ben Lepak (drums), and Maddy Grant (bass).
Mark your calendars for the next Frost student band shows. Be a part of their journey.
Extra, Extra. ‘The Office’ universe expands with ‘The Paper’
“In 2005, a documentary crew started filming at a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. […] 20 years later, they returned.”
These few sentences, along with a cameo from Phillis’ husband Bob Vance provide context for “The Paper,” the new series that’s a spin-off and mockumentary within “The Office” universe.
“The Paper” follows an ensemble of journalists hoping to revive the magic of their local newspaper, “The Toledo Truth Teller.” Similarly to the real world, people in the show refer to newspapers as a dying industry in the digital age.
Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei) and Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore) prove that a little passion is all their company needs. There’s always a deeper story if you, like the main characters, are looking for it.
Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, the creators of “The Office,” “The Paper” faces high expectations with its Sept. 4th release on Peacock. Like any spin-off, “The Paper” is challenged with rekindling the flame of its parent series, while also bringing something new to the table.
Though it was off to a rocky start, this season did just that. The same deadpan expressions and shaky camera angles returned, alongside “The Office” regular Oscar, this time finding himself in a new workplace.
Offensive humor doesn’t typically land well in the office, but it does on the screen. The very unfiltered depiction of a 9-5 job makes the series relatable. It’s so bad you have to laugh.
Some of the nods to “The Office” include a theme song that essentially removes the paper-company specific content and replaces them with that of the news room.
In an effort to maintain the quiet, awkward, often inappropriate workplace humor that “The Office” is famous for, “The Paper’s” depiction of a newsroom doesn’t always align with a real-life one, which is chaotic, active, and always moving.
“The Paper” does accurately portray numerous aspects of a career in journalism and can make for a good watch for someone going down that route.
It puts light in the irony of how newspapers thrive when times are bad: serial killers, scandals, sob stories. It’s a dramatized depiction of a journalist’s day-to-day life.
I have to admit, I was hesitant to start the show, like others, due to the expectations “The Office” set for me and the fact that I would inevitably compare the two.
The characters don’t just feel reminiscent of the faces we know and love, they feel like copy and pasted replacements for “The Office’s” characters, designed to fill the void almost too well. This is particularly true for Esmeralda, the managing editor, who takes on the chaotic role of this company’s Michael Scott. It gets a bit exhausting.
While this could be laziness in the writer’s room, it could also be just the opposite. It aligns with the idea that every workplace consists of the same types of people: the overstepping boss, the go-getter, the complainer. It adds to the realism and relatability that make it feel like a true workplace docu-series.
A significant appeal of “The Office” was the slow-burn relationship between Pam and Jim. It’s safe to say “The Paper” is looking to fulfill that same audience (wink-wink).
For the first half of the season, I often found myself bored and feeling like “The Paper” is a failed attempt at duplicating the success of “The Office.” These episodes feel torn between being comedic, inspirational and awkward all at the same time, while never hitting the mark in any of these realms.
By episode six, however, it gains its voice as a standalone series, as the characters’ dynamics settle and the story sets in motion.
As both a journalist and a fan of “The Office”, “The Paper” felt familiar – but putting personal biases aside, I felt disconnected to the show for the first few episodes. After giving it a chance, however, I enjoyed it.
While viewing it for the first time, it’s important to take into consideration that the first season of many shows, including “The Office,” isn’t always a show at its best. Given the mid-season turn around of “The Paper,” I have high hopes for the future of the series.
Rating: 3/5
Handshake and Google partner up with AI at the U
The Rock Plaza was buzzling with students eager for free Coldstone ice cream from when Google Gemini and Handshake set up the Google Gemini exhibition despite the rain on Sept. 17.
Ambassadors for Google Gemini – a new interactive artificial intelligence assistant – were gathered to give students insight on the program’s new offer. Students can now receive up to one year of Google Gemini usage at no expense to boost their productivity as the semester begins.
“This event is specifically for students,” Anamika Modi, tech lead for AI Subscriptions at Google said. “I think it catapults your student journey as well as when you go into the professional world, the use of AI is only just expanding.”
Google Gemini has taken over the online network, replacing Google Assistant on many devices with more complex features like helping users with brainstorming, planning, and providing answers to everyday questions.
Beyond the traditional avenues of Google Assistant, Google Gemini is able to understand content from just a screen or create images. Students are welcomed to use more features under the Google AI Pro Bundle with limitless Notebook LM access.
The AI assistant has also expanded Google Workspace by integrating into applications like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs, allowing users to draft emails or improve efficiency in data analytics and writing.
Through this collaboration, Handshake has been able to expand its reach to students across the country, with the University of Miami being one of 30 campuses to welcome the partnership event with Google Gemini.
This has ignited students to use AI-powered tools career-wise. The platform is available for current undergraduate, graduate, or graduating students beyond commencement.
“The team is amazing and they’re always willing to help out,” Campbell Robinson, Handshake’s director of field marketing said. “Sign up for Handshake! Go to the Toppel Career Center!”
Along with the Google Gemini offer and a free sweet treat, students received a stamp on a postcard that lets them claim a free Google Owala water bottle at the Toppel Career Center on Monday, Sept. 22.
Lauren Effertz is ready for her first Patio Jams performance
Frost student Lauren Effertz will take the stage on Thursday Sep. 18 for her first Patio Jams performance. Lauren, a junior studying media scoring and production at the Frost School of Music, was inspired from a young age to pursue a creative career and make music that makes people relate to her own personal stories.
Growing up watching the Disney Channel, one of Effertz’s first connections with music came from Bella Thorne and Zendaya’s “Shake It Up!”
As a kid, she would look up to the characters in the show dreaming of someday being able to put on such performances herself. So from a young age, Lauren was involved not just in singing but also in acting and dance.
Effertz was drawn to the University of Miami’s school of music because it provided her an opportunity to choose her own path and find out who she wanted to be. At first, she was scared of taking her chances in the risky music industry. She was drawn by fear to study English or psychology. However, she decided to pursue a career in music as it never felt like a chore for her, but rather an exciting opportunity to grow and do what she loves most.
Lauren couldn’t be happier with her decision. She says ensembles are her favorite part about Frost, especially the Sunshine State ensemble which she is a part of.
Effertz describes her sound as uplifting and energetic. With her music and lyrics,she aspires to create a unique bond with her audience.
Her music is extremely personal as she frequently writes about her own life and things she has personally gone through. Her ultimate goal is to transmit her own emotions through her lyrics in order to get the listener to relate.
“Writing about real experiences instead of an overall feeling is an amazing way to convey emotion through music., Effertz said.
Effertz played a blend of country, pop, indie and rock that brought her show to life. Her set list included a mix of her own original pieces such as “For You” and “Better Than Before” as well as some classics like Olivia Rodrigo’s “Favorite Crime” and “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.
Learn more about Effertz and her music by following her social media. Don’t miss out on starting to follow Effertz now because her career is only going up from here.